Tuesday, July 22, 2008

Swarovski Bracelets

With all the imitation and fake supposedly-Swarovski beads in the market, it's hard to differentiate which is the real thing and which is a cheap knock-off. Thus, when our supplier told us that the bracelets below are made with Swarovski beads and faux pearls, Pictur3sque went deep into research-mode, and this is what we discovered.

Swarovski beads are precision-cut lead crystals, which contains approximately 32% lead oxide. The lead oxide refracts light more efficiently, adding more lustre and sparkle to each crystal bead. The lead content also increases the weight of the crystal as compared to normal glass. (http://reviews.ebay.com.au/How-To-Verify-Authenticity-of-Swarovski-Crystal-Beads_W0QQugidZ10000000001249366)

Now, how to tell the fake from the real:-

1. A genuine Swarovski bead has precise cuts and facets, regardless of size of the design.
2. The colour is consistent for all designs, shape and sizes. Its effects are consistent and could be distinguished from just a naked eye inspection.
3. The crystal contains 32% lead therefore has higher light refraction, that is to say, it has more luster and sparkle than normal glass.
4. It has high degree of clarity when viewed under a magnifying glass, similar to high grade cubic zircons.
5. It's weight is higher than normal glass or other brands of lead crystal, due to the high lead content.

Aside from the link above, you can also find more info at http://beading.com.my/blog/?p=1203.

We at Pictur3sque has tried our best to determine that the products below are of genuine Swarovski beads and faux pearls (read http://www.artbeads.com/swarovski-5810.html for more info on pearls) and as far as our inspection goes, we see nothing to disclaim our supplier's information. However, should you prove to be unhappy with the products, kindly return them in its original condition and we'll give you a full refund.

Happy Shopping!!

P7150010 P7150037
4-Swarovski Crystal Bead Bracelet
(Available in Crystal & Tanzanite)
RM16.00

P7150055 P7150073
    Antique Brass Pearl Bracelet                 Peach Pearl Bracelet
            with Mocca Beads                           with Rose Beads
                  RM16.00                                        RM16.00

P7150079 P7150105
         Cream Pearl Bracelet                      Mauve Pearl Bracelet
           with Crystal Beads                            with Lilac Beads
                  RM16.00                                         RM16.00

P7150118
Black Pearl Bracelet with Montana Beads
RM16.00

P7150225 P7150144 P7150184
Antique Brass Bracelet     Light Blue Bracelet          Peach Bracelet
                          (Also available with Rosaline Pearl)
                                         RM16.00 each

P7150168 P7150244
          Light Green Bracelet                           Black Bracelet
                   RM16.00                                       RM16.00

No comments: