Getting That Delicate Look with a Crystal Necklace

Jul 03, 2010 0 Comments

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend but a crystal can still warm her heart. Of all the gemstones and elegant jewelry that is offered throughout the entire jewelry industry, crystal is often viewed as an after thought even though it has a long history of quality and beauty that can be traced back hundreds of years. It has been crafted into everything from vases, sculptures, rings and of course the crystal necklace.

When one considers a high priced luxury gemstone to set in a pendant, a diamond is usually the first one to come to mind. Sapphire, ruby, jade and emerald are all other common competitors but nothing really has the same look as a crystal. The properties of the material, natural or man made, are very similar to that of your traditional glass window, however, crystal has a much higher clarity rating; it is much heavier as well as easier to cut.

The reason for the difference between glass and crystal is relatively simple, just as the reason why people never put glass in worthwhile jewelry; no vintage crystal necklace would ever be made of regular glass. In crystal, the lead content is much higher than it is in glass and this is what gives crystal its unique properties, which are so valued in the industry.

The first thing that the lead does is soften the glass and that allows it to be cut easier. An easier cut means more shapes, more details and more engravings. A crystal heart necklace would be very difficult to cut with glass, but the lead content allows for the crafting of smooth flowing designs. The glass becomes heavier the more lead that is infused with it. As lead is heavier than sand it gives a heftier feel to any piece of jewelry, adding that solid feel and giving weight to the money spent.

More importantly, the reason that a higher priced crystal pendant necklace uses crystal instead of standard glass is its refractive properties. Not only is the gem much clearer but with the right cuts it will reflect the light in a much greater spectrum compared to standard glass. The lead is what gives that rainbow cast on the wall when the sun shines just right on a crystal bead necklace. Combined with the type of cut, the lead is what makes that jewelry sparkle so elegantly when the lights dim so that everyone can see the wonderful jewelry.

Throughout history, crystal has been used in many forms of art and accessories but the highest quality production still remains in the Czech Republic. For any type of glass to be considered crystal, it must contain over 24 percent lead oxide, whereas in the United States of America it must only contain a minimum of 1 percent lead oxide. Of all the crystal manufacturers, Swarovski is the most well known throughout the world.

An amount of 40 percent lead oxide is considered the maximum that should be combined with the glass to gain the top level of strength without counteracting the desired effects. The particular material is not nearly as expensive as a like sized diamond, though it will refract and spread the light with a glimmering twinkle comparably well. Within the jewelry industry, for everything a diamond is used in, a crystal has found its place as well. It is a very worthy piece of luxury that most people can afford. It can come in such a variety of shapes and sizes, price points and locations, that just about anyone can go out and pick up a crystal necklace for their sweetheart.