DIAMONDS VS. SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS


Can you tell the difference between diamonds and Swarovski crystals? It's not as easy as it sounds! These two sparkling gems have a few key differences that make them stand out from one another. Let's explore the inner workings of both to get an idea of what sets these stones apart.



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.


This means that diamonds are more durable and better able to resist scratching and other forms of wear and tear. For example, a diamond can easily scratch a Swarovski crystal, but the same isn't true for vice versa.



PRICE


When it comes to diamonds vs. Swarovski crystals, the biggest difference between them is price. Diamonds are much more expensive than Swarovski crystals! This is because diamonds are far rarer and have a higher value in the marketplace. On the other hand, Swarovski crystals are mass-produced, and thus they cost significantly less.


The price of Swarovski crystals varies depending on the type, size, and color of each stone. These prices can range from a few dollars to several hundred dollars, whereas the price of diamonds depends on their carat weight, color, clarity, and cut. They usually start at a few hundred dollars and can cost tens of thousands of dollars. 



WRAPPING UP


Swarovski crystals vs diamonds, which is better? Diamonds and Swarovski crystals are both beautiful gems 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!