DIAMOND VS. SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

Confused about the difference between diamonds and Swarovski crystals? You're not alone! In fact, many people find it hard to tell them apart without a closer look. Let's take a look at the differences between diamonds and Swarovski crystals so that you can make an informed decision when shopping for your next piece of jewelry.

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 arranged in an identical crystalline structure). In contrast, Swarovski crystals are melted glass (silicon dioxide) cooled down slowly, resulting in non-identical crystals.

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

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.

In contrast, Swarovski crystals are known for their exceptional, manufactured clarity.

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 higher the refractive index, the more light is reflected.

HARDNESS

The Mohs scale of mineral hardness is a list that ranks minerals based on their scratch resistance. The higher the number, the harder the mineral. A diamond is ranked at 10, making it the hardest naturally-occurring substance. Swarovski crystals are not as hard as diamonds; they're ranked 6.5 to 7 on the Mohs scale.

PRICE

The price of Swarovski crystals varies depending on the type, size, and color of the stone. The prices can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars. On the other hand, diamonds are much more expensive than Swarovski crystals. The price of a diamond depends on its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut.

WRAPPING UP

Diamonds and Swarovski crystals are two beautiful gemstones that offer unique qualities. Diamonds are harder, more valuable, and reflect more light than Swarovski crystals. Diamond prices depend on its carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. In contrast, Swarovski crystals come in a variety of colors with a refractive index of 1.7 and cost much less than diamonds. Depending on what look you are aiming for, both gemstones can be stunning options to add sparkle and brilliance to any jewelry design. So the next time you shop for a piece of jewelry, remember the differences between diamonds and Swarovski crystals!