With the holidays approaching, we see many watches with sparkling stones in the watch collections. Sometimes modest, as small accents to indicate the hours. Sometimes exuberantly spread over the entire case and dial. The crystals give a festive touch to your watch and thus to your outfit for the Christmas table or a splashing New Year’s party.
Most of the time, sparkling stones on a watch are made of crystal glass, and of course there are also watches available with real diamonds. But what is the difference? And why are some watches with crystals almost as expensive as watches with real diamonds?
What is crystal?
Crystal is simply a solidified mineral. This is a natural process – sugar is also formed by crystals, for example. Each mineral has a crystal with its own shape and color. For example, rose quartz (pink), amethyst (purple) or jade (green and white). These gemstones are often used in jewelry.
Diamond is also a natural crystal. It is formed under very high pressure in deep earth layers by the compression of the mineral carbon.
Gemstones can be cut and polished into beautiful shapes due to their composition and hardness. Because diamond is the hardest and brightest gemstone, it has a brilliant, unparalleled shine after cutting.
Natural diamonds are difficult to mine and rare. That is why it is also one of the most expensive gemstones. The size, clarity and color further determine the price.
Natural crystal and artificial crystal
Because natural diamonds are so precious, artificial crystals are often used for jewelry. An example of this is Zirconia, which is also called artificial diamond. These crystals are not created by a natural process, but by melting minerals at extremely high temperatures. After hardening, the stone is processed. Artificial diamonds are almost indistinguishable from real diamonds. They are almost as hard and can be cut in the same way.
Lab-produced diamonds are increasingly used for watches because the environmental impact of these diamonds is much lower than that of natural diamonds. Mining real diamonds often involves the use of harmful substances and the working conditions are not always good. Sustainably mined natural diamonds always have a certificate of this.
However, the most commonly used form of artificial crystals in watches is still crystal glass.
Crystal glass and Swarovski crystal
Crystal glass is also an artificial crystal. It consists of a mixture of silicon dioxide (quartz sand) and metal oxides, including lead. The higher the lead content in the glass, the more brilliance and richer colors. Ordinary crystal glass (crystalline) contains at least 24 percent lead. Full lead crystal at least 30 percent.
Swarovski crystal is the pinnacle of all crystal glass and even contains 32 percent lead. At the end of the nineteenth century, Daniel Swarovski developed a unique cutting technique that is still used today. Because Swarovski crystal is cut in more facets (surfaces) than regular crystal glass, a Swarovski crystal reflects light even better, which ensures the special brilliance that characterizes these stones.
The high lead content, in combination with a special coating, ensures varied colour shading, extra gloss and scratch resistance.
Swarovski crystals are of the best quality and therefore more expensive than other crystal glass.
What is the price difference between crystal and diamond?
Watches with artificial crystals can be found in all brands and in all price ranges. In general, this is just crystal glass. The price difference between these watches is usually due to the movement used, functions and the materials used for the strap, case and glass. In addition, the finish of the watch plays a major role.
Swarovski watches are high quality Swiss Made watches with a Swiss movement and excellent finishing. These watches therefore fall into a higher price segment.
This means that more luxurious Swarovski models can even cost more than the cheapest watches with real diamonds.
‘Diamonds are forever’, but whether you choose a watch with crystals or real diamonds. You are always assured of a beautiful accessory.