What the Difference Between a Swarovski Crystal Bead and a Glass Bead

Those who are fans of crystal know the name Swarovski. However, many individuals are unaware of the fact that Swarovski is only one contributor to the long and interesting history of crystal beads. Bead making began as far back as 400 A.D. in Bohemia and what is known in modern times as the Czech Republic. Glass beads were manufactured first, and with the creation of leaded glass came Swarovski crystal beads. Glass beads and crystal beads may have a similar look; however, each element has unique characteristics of its own.

A Brief History

Although beads have been present throughout history in one form or another, glass beads were not crafted until the 13th century, when glass workers began producing a wide variety of objects for both practical and decorative uses. In the early 16th century, glass became the leading industry in what is now known as the Czech Republic. Beads made from glass were considered stylish and fashionable, and jewelry designers worked tirelessly to keep up with the rather sudden, high demand for such jewelry.

The creation of crystal–sometimes referred to as leaded glass–dates back to the early 1400s, and while no particular individual was credited with its invention, evidence suggests that the combination of lead and glass may have been accidental. The type of leaded crystal that is now mass produced is credited to Italy’s renowned inventor, George Ravenscroft of Venice. He developed a method of crystal production that resulted in the clear, brilliant shine that is still seen in modern crystal jewelry. When the formula’s patent expired, glass manufacturers from around the world began using his method to produce their crystal pieces.

The Lead Factor

Jewelry has always played a significant role in the fashion world and has been used throughout the ages to symbolize significant religious, cultural and social customs. Glass or Swarovski crystal is a popular alternative to expensive gemstone jewelry such as diamonds and semi precious stones including sapphires and rubies. However, crystal costume jewelry, especially Swarovski crystal beads, can cost a considerable amount of money; therefore, it is wise to have a basic understanding of the difference between crystal and glass before making a purchase. Essentially, glass is crystal in its rawest form, and glass to which lead has been added becomes crystal. In the United States jewelry industry, glass with a lead content of at least one percent is regarded as crystal, and the quality of crystal is entirely determined by its lead content; the higher the lead content of the crystal, the better its quality. Swarovski crystal features a lead content of 30 percent or higher, making it the best quality crystal in the world.

Other Notable Differences Between Swarovski Crystal Beads and Glass Beads

Crystal owes its brilliant sparkle to the lead it contains. Since standard glass beads do not contain any lead, they do not sparkle and shine as much as crystal beads. Lead is also the element responsible for the way Swarovski crystal beads reflect light. The higher the lead content, the more light and color will reflect from the surface of the crystal. Although plain glass has a certain light-reflecting ability, it pales when compared to the light reflecting properties of Swarovski crystal.

Another interesting observation regarding glass beads and Swarovski crystal beads is uniformity. Swarovski beads are cut with sophisticated machinery that ensures each bead will feature the same size and shape, which is not usually the case with glass beads. The machines utilize a cutting method that is similar to the process used in diamond cutting. This process ensures no scratch marks or bubbles are left inside the bead.

About the Author

find out more information about
swarovski crytsal beads

Epitomi Lead Crystal Glass Clear

PAIR WEDDING ANNIVERSARY CHAMPAGNE FLUTES Lead Crystal Glass Satin Box Gift NEW £34.95

CRISTAL D’ARQUES 6 ANCENIS LEAD CRYSTAL CORDIAL GLASSES £23.90

6 FINE QUALITY WINE GOBLETS 24% Lead Crystal Glass NEW £32.95

Lead Crystal Glassware Set- Royale County £50.00

Lead Crystal Glass Table Bell £4.99

Vintage Lead Cut Crystal Trinket Dish £0.99

Vintage Lead Crystal Cut glass Spirit Decanter Fans and Diamond deep cuts £11.50

Vintage Lead Crystal Cut glass Wine Decanter Pinwheel and Diamond deep cuts £9.99

Exquisite Vintage Heavy Lead Crystal Czech Bohemian Cut Vase £26.99

A Superb Lead Crystal Tear Drop Decanter and Crystal Glasses on Mahogany Stand. £25.99

HADELAND NORWAY CLEAR LEAD CRYSTAL GLASS FIGURE / PAPERWEIGHT OF A PUFFIN £13.49

Dartington Lead Crystal Bowl £6.00

Victorian Antique Cut Lead Crystal Bucket Bowl Wine Glass c1880 £19.99

Honey Bee Bees engraved lead crystal glass tumbler gift present £16.50

Lead Crystal Vase-Superior Quality Collectible-Lovely to behold & an investment £12.95

Brilliant Lead Crystal Vase- Desirable Collectible Investment & Nice! £12.95

Beautiful Lead Crystal Celery Cup-Amazing Hand Cut Decoration-Collectible Item £14.95

Crystal Zajecar 24% Lead Crystal Duchess Candy Box £3.99

SPIRIT SQUARE GLASS DECANTER – POLISH 24% LEAD CRYSTAL £14.99

Vintage cut lead crystal glass vase with ornate cuttings £4.99

Lovely Royal Crystal Rock 24% Lead Crystal Decanter £12.99

5 Beau Verre Lead Crystal Briolette Beads Jet Black AB £1.59

5 Beau Verre Lead Crystal Briolette Beads – Dark Aqua £1.59

5 Beau Verre Lead Crystal Briolette Beads – Rosaline £1.59

5 Beau Verre Lead Crystal Briolette Beads – Dark Blue £1.59

5 Beau Verre Lead Crystal Briolette Beads – Alexandrite £1.59

Beautiful lead crystal perfume bottle with stopper £5.00

Beautiful lead crystal perfume bottle with smoky coloured stopper £5.00

Beautiful lead crystal perfume bottle with smoky coloured stopper £5.00

VINTAGE BOHEMIA CZECH LEAD CRYSTAL CLEAR GLASS DISH / BOWL WITH STICKER £0.99

vintage LEAD CRYSTAL twisted ART GLASS VASE***heavy*** £6.32

Bohemia Lead Crystal Decanter £4.99

Samobor Lead Crystal Decanter £4.99

Bohemian 24% Pb hand cut lead crystal bowl 5 inches diameter Czeck gift present £0.99

Pretty French Lead Crystal Glass Vase £4.95

ELEPHANT & CALF LEAD CRYSTAL FIGURINE £8.00

Aage Weimar Denmark lead crystal & silver pin dish £24.00

JAPANESE HOYA 24% LEAD CRYSTAL 8″ DECORATIVE PLATE £4.99

2 Artland Lead Free Crystal Ruby Stem Champagne/Wine Flutes “Presscott Range” £14.00

Antique Sliver Plate Rimmed, Lead Crystal, Hand Cut Bowl. Stunning. Pls Read. £3.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Fabuleash Crystal Acrylic Bead Dog Leash Lead – Many Colors!!! Elegant!!! £9.45

Cristal du Aques BOUTIQUE Horse Animal Sculpture Lead Crystal Boxed £12.99

Dog Neck Lead Safety Harness Crystal Leather Black 42cm £4.79

Dog Pet Neck Lead Safety Harness Crystal Red 37 x 1.5cm £4.79

Unusual and attractive lead crystal table lights £200.00

VINTAGE HOFBAUR RED BYRDE 24% LEAD CRYSTAL LARGE VASE 20cm HIGH WITH RUBY GLASS £5.99

PAIR AUSTRIAN 24% LEAD CRYSTAL VIENNA GLASS CANDLE STICKS CANDLE HOLDERS BOXED £5.19

Anna Hutte lead crystal bell. £0.99

Beautiful Cut Glass Lead Crystal Pen Holder/Paperweight by Webb Corbett VGC £8.99

Pretty Lead Crystal Bell – Believe Anna Hutte £0.99

Lead Crystal Bear – Congratulations. £20.49

anna hutte lead crystal vases. £0.99

mayfair bohemia lead crystal vase £6.00

LEAD CRYSTAL GLASS PICTURE PHOTO FRAME BNIB WEDDING GLASS WARE CRISTAL D ARQUES £12.50

Majestic Lead Crystal Brandy / Cognac Glass – set of 6 £29.90 …

Crystal of Distinction Hand Cut 24% Lead Crystal Whisky Glass in Presentation Box £18.99 Crystal of Distinction Hand Cut 24% Lead Crystal Whisky Glass in Presentation Box…

Crystal of Distinction Hand Cut 24% Lead Crystal Brandy Glasses x 2 in Presentation Box £29.99 Crystal of Distinction Hand Cut 24% Lead Crystal Brandy Glasses x 2 in Presentation Box…

2m HDMI to HDMI HD Cable Lead for LCD TV PS3 Xbox 360 £0.05 HDMI to HDMI Monitor Cable. HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) is the platform for delivering crystal clear images….

Xbox Crystal Console – with Controller S (Xbox) £101.09 Crystal Clear Xbox Like (Minty Fresh Prestige Condition),Very Collectable,Comes with standard xbox leads and black control pad made by xbox,sent securely via Royal Mail,we donate to charity with every item sold….

2800mAh RECHARGABLE BATTERY PACK FOR NINTENDO Wii FIT BALANCE BOARD. Part of the XYLO ACCESSORIES RANGE. £6.99 …

Leighton Denny Crystal Nail File in Aluminimum Case £10.99 The Rolls Royce of Nail Files 135 mm File in an Aluminum Case “Broken nails always happen at the most inconvenient time, usually when you are out and about. This CRYSTAL FILE comes in an Aluminium Case to keep it safe, clean and secure. Perfect for handbags” A double award winning nail file! Previously InStyle magazine voted it Best Nail File and now the gurus of the beauty industry, Cosmetic …

Leighton Denny Large Crystal Nail File £15.00 Large. The Rolls Royce of Nail Files 195mm Crystal File in a plastic wallet “CRYSTAL NAIL FILES are made from the finest lead crystal carefully treated to create a filing surface that gives perfect results” The finest lead crystal is carefully treated to create the perfect nail file. Leighton Denny’s CRYSTAL NAIL FILES simply turn the nail edge to dust. Traditional nail files can leave the nail…

Kingsley Mirrored Vanity Tray – Oval, 24% Lead Crystal Handles, Sterling Silver Accents £22.77 …

Polaroid PoGo Digital Photo Printer with Zero Ink (Zink) Technology £35.00 …