How crystal beads are manufactured?
Each manufacturer has a recipe for making crystal and the amount of lead oxide added differs from as low as 10% (Fine Crystal) to more than 25% (Fully leaded crystal). Swarovski mixes almost 34% – making it the heaviest crystal bead. A couple of medium sized crystal beads of Swarovski can often weigh almost one gram. So, the easiest way to identify a genuine crystal bead would be to weigh it and the real crystal beads are sure to be heavier than the fakes. Dyes or chemicals are added to glass to give crystal its colors and there are beautiful color palettes which make crystal beads look just like real gemstones – Purples to look like Amethysts, Green to match emeralds, yellows, pinks and plenty more. Swarovski especially has replicated actual gemstone colors in crystal beads which look like real gemstones from afar. Crystal beads have several finishes and the prices vary depending on the finish and color and manufacturer of the beads.
