Swarovski Crystals vs. Diamonds (Pricing & Which Should You Get)

In the world of high-end jewelry, we are all looking for something new and different to set us apart from the crowd. Luckily, Swarovski crystals and diamonds are two of the most popular options for anyone interested in high-fashion jewelry.

A beautifully cut diamond is the hallmark of elegance, but this doesn’t come cheap. What if you could get an equally exquisite piece of jewelry like a Swarovski crystal for a fraction of the price?

Diamonds and Swarovski crystals have several differences and similarities. Still, either option can be a great choice. However, it’s essential to understand the differences before deciding which option is suitable for you.

Diamonds are often associated with love, wealth, and success in life. On the other hand, Swarovski Crystals have been around for over 150 years and have a special sparkle effect that puts other stones to shame. But which is better?

Diamonds have better sparkle and brilliance than Swarovski crystals. While Swarovski crystals offer more consistent cut and clarity. If budget is a concern then Swarovski crystals are better option, as they are cheaper than diamonds.

Swarovski crystals have a unique look that is ideal for every jewel enthusiast. Still, there are several pros and cons to their use which include;

Pros and Cons of Swarovski Crystals

Pros of Swarovski Crystals

Swarovski crystals are very bright compared to other stones and crystals because they reflect light perfectly.
Swarovski Crystal shapes easily match any project’s design style.
Swarovski crystal quality is high, so they last a long time.

Swarovski crystals are easy to clean and maintain.

Cons of Swarovski Crystals

They are the most expensive type of synthetic crystal.
They’re made of glass, which can break if dropped or mishandled.

The size, quality, and shape of a crystal may vary from batch to batch.

Diamonds are the jeweler’s gold standard with several benefits and disadvantages to acquiring them.

Pros And Cons Of Diamonds

Pros of Diamonds

Diamonds look extremely beautiful, especially when cut and set correctly.

Diamonds can be used in almost any setting or type of jewelry.
Diamonds are valuable investments that can retain value over time.
They are incredibly durable due to their hardness and can last a very long time.

Cons of Diamonds

Quality diamonds are highly expensive.
They are not always ethically sourced.
Diamonds continue to be social status and can cause discrimination.

Similarities And Differences Between Swarovski Crystals And Diamonds

What are the similarities and differences between Swarovski crystals and diamonds? Let’s get to it;

Color

Diamonds are naturally colorless, but they can be treated to produce different colors, such as pink or blue. In the diamond industry, color is graded on a scale from D to Z. D is the clearest with no shade.

In contrast, Swarovski crystals are artificial and come in clear, light blue, dark blue, green, yellow, orange, and red colors.

Generally, Swarovski crystals have a much more comprehensive range of colors than diamonds, meaning jewelers can use them in almost any design. So, if you want crystals with a wide variety of colors, you should get Swarovski crystals over diamonds.

Sparkle

Sparkle is the quality of a gemstone that causes light to reflect in a particular way. For example, you might have heard that diamonds are more sparkly than Swarovski crystals. This is true, but only in the most technical sense of the word “sparkle.”

While both types of gems have an internal structure that produces their shine, the intensity of this structure is different. However, if sparkle is your prime concern, then diamonds are the right choice for you.

Diamonds have a more intense sparkle than Swarovski crystals because their structure has a higher refractive index and more facets that reflect light into your eyes when you look at them.

Brilliance

Brilliance is a term used to describe how light reflects off a gemstone. Diamonds are known for their brilliance, giving them an unmistakable sparkle. Swarovski crystals, however, do not have the same level of brilliance as diamonds.

Unlike diamonds, which are composed of carbon and crystalline structures, Swarovski crystals are made from glass and other minerals. So, they don’t have carbon atoms within their structure that cause the sparkle found in diamonds. This means that Swarovski crystals have a different level of brilliance than diamonds when reflected light hits them at certain angles.

However, when viewed straight on with light shining directly onto them, there isn’t much difference between a diamond and a Swarovski crystal in terms of brilliance; both can appear shiny and white.

Hardness

Hardness is essential for durability and longevity in jewelry because it has to withstand daily use and wear over time without getting damaged.

Diamonds are the hardest substances on earth, with a hardness of 10 on the Mohs scale. That means that it takes a diamond to cut another diamond. On the other hand, Swarovski crystals have a hardness of 6-7 on the Mohs scale.

Diamonds are a better choice than Swarovski crystals when considering sustainability; they practically last forever.

Clarity

Swarovski crystals and diamonds have different levels of clarity that affect how they look when used in jewelry.

For diamonds, the clarity level refers to how free of imperfections the crystal or diamond is when it is cut into its final shape. Therefore, the closer to perfect the crystal or diamond is, the higher its clarity rating will be.

Swarovski crystals have a standard clarity that is always excellent. The manufacturers work hard to give the same results for every piece of crystal sold.

Cut

The cut is one of the most important aspects of any gemstone, and it determines how sparkly and brilliant the stone will be. The most common shapes include round, princess, oval, and emerald cuts.

Swarovski cuts are always standard, based on the manufacturer done using a patented crystal cutting machine. Meanwhile, diamonds vary in cut quality and are usually handmade.

It takes more expertise to properly cut a diamond, which reflects in the final price. As a result, diamonds are better for collectors and people who want the best cuts.

Price

After doing some research and comparing the price of different types of diamonds and Swarovski crystals, we found that diamonds are, in fact, more expensive than Swarovski.

A diamond costs more than a Swarovski crystal because it’s rarer and more difficult to mine, while Swarovski crystals are made artificially. So although Swarovski crystals are less expensive than diamonds, they are still quite expensive compared to other crystals.

If price is a significant concern for you, you’d better off getting a Swarovski crystal over a diamond.

Where Can You Buy Swarovski Crystals and Diamonds?

Swarovski crystals can be purchased at various retail stores, including jewelry shops and craft stores. In addition, the retailer’s website lists locations where you can find its products.

When it comes to diamonds, you’ll have more luck finding them at jewelry stores than at other retailers. Online diamond retailers are another option. It’s always advised only to buy diamonds that are GIA certified and from a trusted dealer.

With many options, knowing where to buy your crystals can take time and effort. However, here are some places you might consider:

● Online

● Jewelry stores

● Department stores

● Online auctions

● From a previous owner

The prices vary depending on the size, shape, and color of the Swarovski crystals or diamonds you buy.

Will diamonds and Swarovski Crystals hold their value?

There’s no doubt that diamonds and Swarovski Crystals are beautiful and popular, but how long do they hold their value? Will they hold their value as well as other investments? Can you resell them at a profit?

The answer is a resounding yes.

You’ve heard it before — diamonds are forever! The same is true for Swarovski Crystals. Both are the ultimate in luxury and will never go out of style.

Diamonds have a rich history in jewelry and are used for many different types of jewelry. For example, diamonds have been used as engagement rings since the middle ages and even earlier as status symbols. Because of this long history, there is a lot of trust in diamonds as an investment.

Swarovski Crystals have also solidified their place in the beauty and fashion industry. They are used in jewelry, clothing, and home decorating accessories. Artists also use them in sculptures and other artwork pieces.

What is Cubic zirconium?

Cubic zirconium is a synthetic gemstone that looks exactly like a diamond. It has all the qualities of a diamond and is used as an alternative to a diamond in jewelry. It also has all the qualities of the diamond but costs much less.

Cubic zirconium was discovered in 1892 as the yellowish monoclinic mineral baddeleyite and a natural form of zirconium oxide. The mineral can be found in Australia and Brazil.

Today, cubic zirconium is used in jewelry, electronics, and other applications. It’s also used to create laboratory equipment that has diamond-like properties. Cubic zirconium has become popular because it’s less expensive than natural diamonds and can easily be manufactured in different shapes and sizes.

Ask a Professional

Like most people, you probably only know a little about diamonds and Swarovski crystals and how to pick the perfect one for your needs. That’s where professionals come in. There are gem experts readily available to help guide you through this process and ensure you get exactly what you’re looking for.

Start your research by looking at some frequently answered questions about Swarovski crystals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Swarovski so expensive?

Swarovski crystals cost more because they require higher care, expertise, and raw materials during production. In addition, each Swarovski crystal is inspected multiple times before being approved by an expert, which means fewer defects and less waste than other brands.

Swarovski crystals also have a higher manufacturing cost than other brands because their pieces take longer to design and manufacture than other brands’ products.

Can you wear Swarovski every day?

Yes! Swarovski crystals are a great way to add sparkle to your outfit. Swarovski crystals are perfect for adding a little glamour to your look. You can use them as a subtle accent piece. Swarovski crystals are also a great gift idea for any occasion. This is an excellent option if you want something small yet meaningful!

Are Swarovski crystals real gemstones?

Swarovski crystals are not real gemstones. Instead, they are glass crystals that can still be used as replacements for diamonds or other precious stones.

Even better, they are available in many different shapes, sizes, and colors to find one that perfectly matches your style.

Does Swarovski last?

Swarovski crystals are very durable, lasting for many years with proper care. However, you should ensure never to drop or expose them to extreme heat since this may damage them permanently.

Conclusion

So, there you have it; an intensive comparison between Swarovski crystals and diamonds. Suppose you are still on the fence.

You should get a Swarovski crystal if you are on a budget but still want quality cut jewelry in various colors and spectacular sparkle. However, diamonds may be ideal for you if sustainability and brilliance are your prime concern and you have a wide budget to work with.

Swarovski Crystals vs. Diamonds (Pricing & Which Should You Get)