Crystal, Swarovski or Czech

I have an interesting question for jewellry makers, posed by a bead buying
customer of mine. The question is: What difference does it make to a
potential customer if I use Czech. rather than Swarovski crystal in my
jewellry. I have my own opinions on this, but I thought it would be
valuable to ask it here, in order to garner some thoughts from folks who
make jewellry.
Thanks for the input.
David

David,
I do notice that Swarovski sparkles much more than Czech or the
Chinese crystals, and customers often ask if whatever I've used is
Swarovski. I don't use Swarovski as much as I use the others. If the
piece doesn't have Swarovski crystals, sometimes they walk away, but
who knows if they were going to buy it anyway. I sometimes think people
just look for something "deficient" in a piece because they don't have
the money or don't want to spend it, so they give you an excuse which
makes it look like it's your fault, not theirs. If they ask why I
don't use Swar., I tell them the truth, that basically I can't afford
it, especially if the piece I've designed calls for a lot of crystals.
I actually like the Chinese crystals for a lot of stuff like Chandelier
earrings and double stranded necklaces with dichro as a middle piece. I
also like the clear pink Chinese crystals better than the pinks Swar.
produces. But, maybe that is also because the reflections coming off
the Swarovski crystals bothers my eyes. I also don't like the fact that
Swarovski will not let you use their name in your description of the
design. I understand the reason for this, but it's not worth the extra
$$, red tape, etc. if I can't publicize it.
Just my 2 crystals (cents),
Patti
www.pattiwhiteley.com

glass guy wrote:
I have an interesting question for jewellry makers, posed by a bead buying
customer of mine. The question is: What difference does it make to a
potential customer if I use Czech. rather than Swarovski crystal in my
jewellry. I have my own opinions on this, but I thought it would be
valuable to ask it here, in order to garner some thoughts from folks who
make jewellry.

in my experience, swarovski just sounds fancy, and many people doesnt
even know the difference. some people even thought some plastic beads
that imitate crystals are swarovski!
of course, some thing swarovski is cool brand, and czech doesnt sound
brandish to them.
and people they know real truth usually make their own jewelry

There's the name recognition factor, but past that, I find that the
Czech Preciosa crystals more than hold their own up against Swarovski.
However, there are some other Czech crystals out there that aren't
machine cut (aka Fire Polish) and those aren't even in the same league
as the machine-cut stuff.

Avoid the Chinese crystal - the facets are uneven and the sparkle factor
is low, imo.

----------
Barbara
www.penguintrax.com

eBay & Justbeadsenguintrax

0
/O\


Nurturing doesn't end at birth: breastfeed, co-sleep, babywear.

There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness.
(Dave Barry)

Need quality, inexpensive web hosting? Check out http://www.lyonshost.com. Shopping carts, blogs, image galleries, content management and more!



glass guy wrote:

I have an interesting question for jewellry makers, posed by a bead buying
customer of mine. The question is: What difference does it make to a
potential customer if I use Czech. rather than Swarovski crystal in my
jewellry. I have my own opinions on this, but I thought it would be
valuable to ask it here, in order to garner some thoughts from folks who
make jewellry.
Thanks for the input.
David

Hello Patti:
Thank you for your concise reply. I certainly can relate to your theory
about the buying? public seeking deficiencies in your work, I have regularly
experienced people who on the last day of a show expect discounts, I call
this the desperation factor(they think that now you are in desperation!)
David
wrote in message
oups.com...
David,
I do notice that Swarovski sparkles much more than Czech or the
Chinese crystals, and customers often ask if whatever I've used is
Swarovski. I don't use Swarovski as much as I use the others. If the
piece doesn't have Swarovski crystals, sometimes they walk away, but
who knows if they were going to buy it anyway. I sometimes think people
just look for something "deficient" in a piece because they don't have
the money or don't want to spend it, so they give you an excuse which
makes it look like it's your fault, not theirs. If they ask why I
don't use Swar., I tell them the truth, that basically I can't afford
it, especially if the piece I've designed calls for a lot of crystals.
I actually like the Chinese crystals for a lot of stuff like Chandelier
earrings and double stranded necklaces with dichro as a middle piece. I
also like the clear pink Chinese crystals better than the pinks Swar.
produces. But, maybe that is also because the reflections coming off
the Swarovski crystals bothers my eyes. I also don't like the fact that
Swarovski will not let you use their name in your description of the
design. I understand the reason for this, but it's not worth the extra
$$, red tape, etc. if I can't publicize it.
Just my 2 crystals (cents),
Patti
www.pattiwhiteley.com

Perhaps serious buyers do know the difference, that is the main reason for
my question. Those people thinking plastic is Swarovski had better stay
with dime stores! I think your point about Czech not sounding cool is well
taken.
Thank you for the input!
David

"crna_ofca" wrote in message
...
glass guy wrote:
I have an interesting question for jewellry makers, posed by a bead
buying
customer of mine. The question is: What difference does it make to a
potential customer if I use Czech. rather than Swarovski crystal in my
jewellry. I have my own opinions on this, but I thought it would be
valuable to ask it here, in order to garner some thoughts from folks who
make jewellry.

in my experience, swarovski just sounds fancy, and many people doesnt
even know the difference. some people even thought some plastic beads
that imitate crystals are swarovski!
of course, some thing swarovski is cool brand, and czech doesnt sound
brandish to them.
and people they know real truth usually make their own jewelry

Thank you Barbara, the tip about the machine cut vs.fire polished Czech. is
certainly valuable. I would love to see the faceting machine in action. (I
imagine that one probably can't see much though..).
David
"Barbara Forbes-Lyons" wrote in message
...
There's the name recognition factor, but past that, I find that the
Czech Preciosa crystals more than hold their own up against Swarovski.
However, there are some other Czech crystals out there that aren't
machine cut (aka Fire Polish) and those aren't even in the same league
as the machine-cut stuff.

Avoid the Chinese crystal - the facets are uneven and the sparkle factor
is low, imo.

----------
Barbara
www.penguintrax.com

eBay & Justbeadsenguintrax

0
/O\


Nurturing doesn't end at birth: breastfeed, co-sleep, babywear.

There is a very fine line between a hobby and mental illness.
(Dave Barry)

Need quality, inexpensive web hosting? Check out http://www.lyonshost.com.
Shopping carts, blogs, image galleries, content management and more!



glass guy wrote:

I have an interesting question for jewellry makers, posed by a bead
buying
customer of mine. The question is: What difference does it make to a
potential customer if I use Czech. rather than Swarovski crystal in my
jewellry. I have my own opinions on this, but I thought it would be
valuable to ask it here, in order to garner some thoughts from folks who
make jewellry.
Thanks for the input.
David

Hi David,

When I used to do craft fairs, I had lots of people inquire about "last day"
discounts. I would politely tell them that I couldn't lower my price, and
that the items were just a pretty now as they were two days ago. Some people
just don't realize how insulting that can be to an artist. To barter at a
garage sale or flea market is fine, but to try and barter with an artist is
just like saying that they think the pieces aren't worth what you're asking
for them. That just chaps my butt....

And getting back to the subject.... I prefer the Swarovski Crystals if I'm
making what I consider to be a high end piece, but for other "quickie"
bracelets, I think using other accent beads is fine. Sometimes it's good to
have both available so the customer can see the difference for themselves.
You'll have something for the people who just want a nice little bracelet,
and you'll also have something for the more discerning customers shopping
for the higher end pieces.

--
Dawn
"Art Insomnia"
Web Site http://www.art-insomnia.com
Auctions http://snipurl.com/my_ebay
"glass guy" wrote in message
news:lC85f.43036$ir4.30700@edtnps90...
Hello Patti:
Thank you for your concise reply. I certainly can relate to your theory
about the buying? public seeking deficiencies in your work, I have
regularly
experienced people who on the last day of a show expect discounts, I call
this the desperation factor(they think that now you are in desperation!)
David
wrote in message
oups.com...
David,
I do notice that Swarovski sparkles much more than Czech or the
Chinese crystals, and customers often ask if whatever I've used is
Swarovski. I don't use Swarovski as much as I use the others. If the
piece doesn't have Swarovski crystals, sometimes they walk away, but
who knows if they were going to buy it anyway. I sometimes think people
just look for something "deficient" in a piece because they don't have
the money or don't want to spend it, so they give you an excuse which
makes it look like it's your fault, not theirs. If they ask why I
don't use Swar., I tell them the truth, that basically I can't afford
it, especially if the piece I've designed calls for a lot of crystals.
I actually like the Chinese crystals for a lot of stuff like Chandelier
earrings and double stranded necklaces with dichro as a middle piece. I
also like the clear pink Chinese crystals better than the pinks Swar.
produces. But, maybe that is also because the reflections coming off
the Swarovski crystals bothers my eyes. I also don't like the fact that
Swarovski will not let you use their name in your description of the
design. I understand the reason for this, but it's not worth the extra
$$, red tape, etc. if I can't publicize it.
Just my 2 crystals (cents),
Patti
www.pattiwhiteley.com

Swarovski is known for optical glass. It's used in little hunting scopes,
as well as huge observatory lenses. They have a tremendous history with
optical glass and its faceting, as well as with chemical formulas for
wonderful colors. I also especially like their ""satins" which are slightly
greyed and look perfect with boro.

The only comparable crystal beads are the Czech Preciosa. They are better
priced, but have fewer colors and look a little muddier to me than
Swarovski. Both Preciosa and Swarovski are leaded crystal.

Czech fire polish are faceted glass that has been re-fired to soften the
edges. They come in even more color variations than Swarovski and do not
scratch my neck like cut crystal will.

I prefer Swarovski for the purity of hue and the brilliance. But frankly
the Czech Preciosa crystal is just as good much of the time. And the fire
polished Czech glass also works great, and is easier on sensitive skin.

Tina


"glass guy" wrote in message
newsUZ4f.31837$Io.16945@clgrps13...
I have an interesting question for jewellry makers, posed by a bead buying
customer of mine. The question is: What difference does it make to a
potential customer if I use Czech. rather than Swarovski crystal in my
jewellry. I have my own opinions on this, but I thought it would be
valuable to ask it here, in order to garner some thoughts from folks who
make jewellry.
Thanks for the input.
David

Thank you, Dawn. That's a great idea to have both types to show people.
David.
"Dawn ^..^" wrote in message
...
Hi David,

When I used to do craft fairs, I had lots of people inquire about "last
day"
discounts. I would politely tell them that I couldn't lower my price, and
that the items were just a pretty now as they were two days ago. Some
people
just don't realize how insulting that can be to an artist. To barter at a
garage sale or flea market is fine, but to try and barter with an artist
is
just like saying that they think the pieces aren't worth what you're
asking
for them. That just chaps my butt....

And getting back to the subject.... I prefer the Swarovski Crystals if I'm
making what I consider to be a high end piece, but for other "quickie"
bracelets, I think using other accent beads is fine. Sometimes it's good
to
have both available so the customer can see the difference for themselves.
You'll have something for the people who just want a nice little bracelet,
and you'll also have something for the more discerning customers shopping
for the higher end pieces.

--
Dawn
"Art Insomnia"
Web Site http://www.art-insomnia.com
Auctions http://snipurl.com/my_ebay
"glass guy" wrote in message
news:lC85f.43036$ir4.30700@edtnps90...
Hello Patti:
Thank you for your concise reply. I certainly can relate to your theory
about the buying? public seeking deficiencies in your work, I have
regularly
experienced people who on the last day of a show expect discounts, I
call
this the desperation factor(they think that now you are in desperation!)
David
wrote in message
oups.com...
David,
I do notice that Swarovski sparkles much more than Czech or the
Chinese crystals, and customers often ask if whatever I've used is
Swarovski. I don't use Swarovski as much as I use the others. If the
piece doesn't have Swarovski crystals, sometimes they walk away, but
who knows if they were going to buy it anyway. I sometimes think
people
just look for something "deficient" in a piece because they don't have
the money or don't want to spend it, so they give you an excuse which
makes it look like it's your fault, not theirs. If they ask why I
don't use Swar., I tell them the truth, that basically I can't afford
it, especially if the piece I've designed calls for a lot of crystals.
I actually like the Chinese crystals for a lot of stuff like
Chandelier
earrings and double stranded necklaces with dichro as a middle piece.
I
also like the clear pink Chinese crystals better than the pinks Swar.
produces. But, maybe that is also because the reflections coming off
the Swarovski crystals bothers my eyes. I also don't like the fact
that
Swarovski will not let you use their name in your description of the
design. I understand the reason for this, but it's not worth the extra
$$, red tape, etc. if I can't publicize it.
Just my 2 crystals (cents),
Patti
www.pattiwhiteley.com