DIAMOND VS. SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL
You might think that all crystals are created equal, but nothing could be further from the truth! In fact, there is a big difference between diamonds and Swarovski crystals. Here's a quick rundown of the differences between these two popular crystals.
COMPOSITION
What makes diamond and Swarovski crystals very different from each other is their make-up. Diamonds are carbon atoms that form a crystal lattice structure with all the carbon atoms in an identical environment and orientation (crystalline structure). On the other hand, Swarovski crystals are melted glass (silicon dioxide) cooled down slowly, resulting in crystals that are not identical. The orientation of the atoms in the crystal structure makes all the difference between diamond and Swarovski crystal stones.
COLOR
Swarovski crystals are available in a staggering 84 distinct colors. The color palette ranges from the most common and popular crystal colors, white or black, to unusual and rare colors such as 'Sunflower' (a yellow-orange crystal), 'Amethyst Purple' (violet), and 'Light Siam' (red).
On the other hand, Diamonds are usually colorless and valued based on their colorlessness. Colorless diamonds come in various shades, from slightly tinted to absolutely colorless. Colored diamonds also exist, accounting for less than 1% of all mined diamonds globally and fetching millions of dollars depending on carat weight.
CUT
Swarovski’s X-Cut technology provides advanced optical measurement and high-precision manufacturing delivering premium cuts characterized by the interplay of multilayered surfaces and angles. This technology raises the crystals’ brightness, fire, and scintillation to an unmatched level.
Diamonds are not necessarily as bright as Swarovski crystals because not all diamonds are equal. A diamond’s cut falls into six different categories: poor, fair, good, very good, excellent, and ideal, which tops the chart. Ideal diamonds are often cut into round diamonds. Very good diamonds can reflect most of the light that enters them. Poor and fair diamonds only reflect a small amount of light.
CLARITY
Swarovski crystal stones are known for their exceptional clarity. Since the materials are softer compared to diamonds, it’s easy for machines to create very clear Swarovski crystals.
On the other hand, diamonds have a unique way of allowing and reflecting light; thus, the clarity of diamonds is measured on a different scale than that of other gemstones. Diamond clarity is a measurement of the absence of inclusions and flaws inside a diamond. Inclusions are pieces of other minerals, air bubbles, fractures, or feathers that obstruct the passage of light through a diamond.
The diamond clarity scale consists of flawless, internally flawless, very very slightly included, very slightly included, slightly included, and included labels.
BRILLIANCE
Diamonds shine more brilliantly than Swarovski crystals. Diamond has a refractive index of 2.42, while Swarovski has a refractive index of 1.7. In gemology, the term "brilliance" refers to light reflection. The cut of a diamond influences its brilliance in the same way that the cut influences sparkle.
The more light that leaks through the backside of a stone, the less brilliant it is. The light that only shines through the top of the stone is also lost because the stone's head blocks it. Brightness and contrast must be combined to produce brilliance.
HARDNESS
There’s no debate over which is better between Swarovski crystal vs. diamond when it comes to hardness. Diamond is a 10 on the Mohs scale of hardness, whereas Swarovski crystals have a rating of 6-7 on the Mohs scale.
The Mohs Scale of Hardness ranks gemstones according to their difficulty to scratch. Swarovski crystal gemstones with a grade of six can easily scratch glass and are easily scratched by a steel file. Swarovski crystals that rate a seven on the Mohs scale can scratch metal, in addition to glass.
Swarovski crystals become hazy as they accumulate scratches over time; in contrast, diamonds do not fade due to their scratch resistance.
PRICE
Diamond vs. Swarovski crystals, which is more expensive? Why? Swarovski crystal gemstones are less expensive, costing up to $125 per piece. This affordable price is primarily due to their large production, high factory volume, and mass manufacturing. Diamonds are significantly more expensive, but keep in mind that the price ultimately depends on the diamond’s quality.
The cost of high-quality diamonds might range from $1000 to well over a million dollars per stone. In contrast, low-quality diamonds cost around the same price as cubic zirconia.
WRAPPING UP
Diamonds and Swarovski crystals are the same in that they are durable, sparkly, breathtaking gems, but each comes with a different value. Diamonds have a higher value due to their rarity and uniqueness, while Swarovski crystal gems are not as expensive but can offer the same level of shine and sparkle.
Diamonds are perfect for formal occasions, whereas Swarovski crystals are great for everyday wear because of their lower price. It's up to you which one you want to invest in!