Comparison of Swarovski, Precosia, Alora and Spark Brand Crystals

[@lizmcfarland4131]

I am SO happy you thought of this idea! I don't use flatbacks, but I haven't bought a Swarovski bicone since I purchased a bunch of Precosias. I actually like them better! Great idea, Wendy. 🥰

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thank you : )

[@bonniewilliams864]

How super nice of you to do this comparison. It helps so much. Your one of a kind. You sparkle!!!!!! Stay safe😍

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thank you so much!

[@Nean1103]

I had never heard of Spark or Alora so thanks for that.

[@janicevisger497]

I have never heard of those brands either! Thanks for sharing!

[@FMulholland]

I heard about the Swarovski shutdown and this morning, Candie Cooper told us her supplier was going to close her account, so it is true. Thank you so much for doing this comparison! I had not heard of Alora or Spark before, and had no idea that Precosia made crystals! I feel so much better now seeing that the quality is still obtainable, and at a better price (although they may raise their prices with Swarovski off the market...)

[@realgirl2704]

I absolutely can tell the difference between Swarovski and other brands. When you work with them you can see the difference in the precise drilling of the holes and the depth of the color & shine. For hobbyists it may not matter but serious jewelry designers know & appreciate the quality difference. It’s not just the name.

[@thisbeadedlife]

LOL, I have to laugh, (and Chris literally laughed and just about spit his drink all over the place when I read this to him!!) because I work with them EVERY day. Thats all I do at work. I work for an authorized Swarovski dealer and use only Swarovski all day long. Soooo yes, I think Im considered more than just a "hobbyist". My boss has worked with ONLY Swarovski for over 25 years. I took all three types of crystals in to work today and we all examined them under the bright lights we use for gluing very tiny crystals onto jewelry and none of us could tell much difference. So, yes, in my opinion, I think you ARE just paying for the name. What will you do when you cant buy them anymore?

[@angelstinson2436]

I can see the cuts more in the swarovksi

[@NatalieG427]

@@thisbeadedlife The cuts are sharper & more precise in Swarovski because they are machine cut. Sorry, I have gone to hobby lobby & compared & there IS NO comparison between Swarovski and the others. The others lack sparkle & look cheap. I look at mine in Sunlight and they will knock your eye balls out. They are leaded glass & look expensive, otherwise celebrities wouldn’t choose them over others & wedding dress makers, like Pnina Tornei, wouldn’t use them in her designs. Swarovski built an empire over the 125 years they’ve been in business, & have stores worldwide with their products. You can’t do that with a cheap, boring product. Only quality products have that kind of long history.

[@thisbeadedlife]

@@NatalieG427 well I wasn't using hobby lobby brand as a comparison. Was using preciosa

[@ryinwhyers365]

@@thisbeadedlife why so rude? So like “ ha ha, I know better” very condescending. Shame on ya!

[@Nancy_S]

Seems like it’s now the other companies ‘time to shine’! Literally! Thank you for doing this. Much appreciated ❤️

[@thisbeadedlife]

I totally agree!

[@callitags]

This was great to show what the alternatives to Swarovski are. Whether or not there are small or large differences, if Swarovski is pulling out of the market, another brand will take over their market, and people will just get used to it. I understand the disappoint some people may feel, but if Swarovski doesn't want us, well, then screw 'em, we'll just have to move on to companies that do.

[@thisbeadedlife]

I agree 100%

[@helgama3048]

What would we do without you? You give us so much valuable information! Too bad for Swarovski, the other manufacturers are going to have more business for sure. They are as beautiful and sparkly as one would want and are surely less expensive! Thank you, dear Wendy!

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thank you!

[@barbarafinigan8786]

Thank you Wendy. Hope they don't stop!

[@junetonelli4846]

Wendy as always you are amazing! You are so helpful, especially for us newer beaders. I thought Swarovski was the end all of end all for quality crystals. I never heard of the others and really couldn’t afford too many Swarovski’s. Thank you so much for this informative comparison! You rock!💜

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thank you! I took them all in to work today, I work for a Swarovski dealer. We all looked them over and really cant tell much difference at all. No point in paying three times for a name in my opinion.

[@Asplashofcolorjewelry4you]

You can tell by the shine and finish what is Swarovski and the Precosia. I think it would have been better if the colors were more similar. You can see the darker Precosia and the better quality in Swarovski. Precosia colors reminds me of the beads from the check republic they are pretty though. Sometimes we just have to work with what we have. I still have two drawers full of Swarovski. I’ll have to order some Precosias in the morning.

[@crystalr5090]

I heard the same thing about Swarovski. I've used Preciosa, a Czech company as well, beads for years and have found them to be as beautiful and well made as Swarovski. The facets are exact and are available in many, many colors, shades, and shapes. I haven't used the other two brands you compared since I've been very happy with Preciosa. Thanks for the comparison!

[@helenpham6152]

Swarovski is hand down a cut above. Color is deeper n more faceted. Quality is synonymous with their name. However, we hv to move on with change which is a constant in the world today. It will get sometime for people to get used to. Affordable pricing & optimal results of the final product is achieved by using substitutes like Preciosa etc... it will still be a winner.

[@meloneebeal1060]

Hi Wendy! Thanks for doing this comparison of brands. I had never heard of Spark or Alore before. I did see that Spark was not as sparkly in the flatbacks compared to Swarovski or Preciosa when you showed the four containers next to each other right before you ended the video. It honestly comes down to how informed our customer is regarding high end Crystal and what they want. Also, The Swarovski Story is true!! Candie Cooper is a small designer that sells a lot of Swarovski. She shared the news with us last week that she would NO Longer be selling Swarovski because of a decision made by Corporate to sell only to Large Sellers! I don’t believe this decision will stay in place very long...the reason is because of the volume of sales that are done with the small guys!! I guess we’ll have to wait and see!! If this stands true, I’ll start buying Preciosa instead. I think Preciosa is a great quality product that is creating a name for themselves in the jewelry world!! Well...that’s my two cents on the Swarovski craziness!! Wishing everyone lots of Love ❤️ and Happiness!! Please stay Safe!! Wendy, Thanks so much for doing this video for us!! You introduced me to two Crystal makers I did not know of!! I will definitely take a look at them. You’re the Best!! ❤️📿🐾🥰

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thanks, I think this will give some of the lesser known brands a chance. I bet they are cheering lol

[@cathysmith9026]

Thank you so much for that. I have never heard of spark, but seeing them side by side really helped. Thank you again.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Glad to help

[@sylvia2525]

Thank you so much for doing this video Wendy I love using Swarovski Crystal to make my tennis bracelets. I was a little worried but after comparing other crystals next to Swarovski there's really no difference. Thank you Wendy.

[@thisbeadedlife]

You are so welcome!

[@dpaint6268]

I think a comparison of larger crystals in the same color is the best way to see any differences. Perhaps something like at least an 8mm bead or a focal stone in a medium size. That way you can better see the cuts more clearly. Also, if you use beads, you can check the symmetry of shape, the hole placement (if centered or not), if the hole is jagged or has chipped edges. Some colors are very different between companies. Amethyst, for instance can be a lovely violet color or even be brownish ar a different company. Some are drilled so poorly that they won't line up when strung next to each other . Some vary in size even within the same package. I hated paying so much more for Swarovski, but they were very consistent. It is tough to find a reliable source now.

[@alicerogers1961]

Yeah I had never heard of those brands either, thanks for the comparison of crystals this was very helpful...

[@thisbeadedlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@nadineglomboski1852]

Never heard of alora or spark. Thx Wendy

[@jeanwonnacott2718]

Wow!! Thank you, Wendy!! I am spending a lot of money on Swarovski, to get all I can!! I am willing to try a different brand now!! I cannot see a difference either!! Jeannie in Lakeport California

[@lizromano858]

Thank you so much for the comparison. I was wondering how Potomac Crystal compare to the brands you mentioned in your video.

[@thisbeadedlife]

You are so welcome! Glad it was helpful!

[@ashleywhisman9716]

Thank you so much for doing this video. It was very helpful. I very much appreciate it Wendy. God Bless.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@maryzylema9699]

Thanks for the comparison. I can't tell the difference but I think alot of people just like the Swarovski name so they would choose them for that. I don't mind myself except if I was selling something. They are all beautiful to me. Thanks again. 💖😊

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thank you, Mary : )

[@annas-g166]

I haven't heard about this with Swarovski and when you first mentioned it I was a little upset, as I thought what are we going todo now, but now thay you've shown us the other brands they'll be getting my custom. I'd not even heard of the others until your video, so thank you, I'm not worried at all now. I think some of the others look just as nice as the Swarovski. The way I look at it is that it's Swarovski's loss and the other companies gain 😁

[@thisbeadedlife]

I agree

[@aricohn5316]

I've bought what Preciosa claims are equivalent bicones. They're not. They lack the richness of color, clarity, and sparkle of Swarovski.

[@annas-g166]

@@thisbeadedlife They might not be as rich in colour, but when Swarovski stop selling them to us what choice do we have? 😔x

[@kimbain4368]

Thanks for this comparison. Very enlightening. Are the beads you're calling precosia actually spelled preciosa? That's pronounced pre-see-O-sa. Those are Czech glass and I have found them to certainly be just as pretty as Swarovski. I think, however, that a piece of jewelry made with Swarovski crystals could carry a much higher price point, since people will recognize that name and are familiar with the quality of their work. So there's that angle. Also, do the other brands say they are crystal or glass beads? Crystal is a different beast, worth much more than regular glass, as it is strengthened in the making. I'm not sure how that bit would come into play with a piece of jewelry, but the name is still a selling point. Still, this was very informative. Thanks for sharing.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Yes, I was pronouncing it incorrectly. And yes, they are all crystal.

[@MGScoture1997]

Where I can Buy like this here in the philippines?😥

[@gbpsherholder]

It's Preciosa "Press-ee-oh-sah" - just an FYI - I shop at a number of places and yes, customers without a valid Swarovski GSK# may only purchase items that are not sourced directly from Swarovski - not a rumor - also - I design and bling Latin Ballroom dresses (I can't make them now since my machine broke so I design, buy a stand nice formal dress and then recreate it, have an alterations who is more than familiar with ballroom dance costumes (cause regular alterations places don't do as clean and nice as a job... trust me. Last one cost me the price of my dress to fix their mistake. So when it comes to costuming and rhinestones, it does make a HUGE difference under the lights, but I do like this demo - but also take note - AB colors pick up other colors you may be wearing so when you buy the stones, best advice is to buy a flatback color chart if you can so you can see the stone right on the fabric and see how it shines under a flashlight or even the light on your cellphone. You'd be surprised how many times you see a green you may like in one brand and when you try to "replace" it (I use Preciosa and still have a TON of Swarovski AB's cause I bought them before they stopped selling.. like 20k cause - it's ballroom. duh. LOL so - I just wanted to share - and I appreciate your sharing of this cause my friend and I were just talking about this ... we need more stones in other colors and were trying to decide if we want to drive to downtown L.A. or buy online and take a chance on a new brand. So thank you.

[@Mark_R_Tho]

Have you tried the new Dreamtime Crystals? I get my first order this weekend after seeing an awesome video on KZbin!

[@thisbeadedlife]

I haven't tried them yet but I sure plan to! Let me know what you think when you get yours!

[@Mark_R_Tho]

@@thisbeadedlife exactly. The. Same.

[@mariannel9620]

Very interesting. Never heard of alora and spark either. The same way I have no problem using chinese rondelles, there is probably other shapes that is just as good as swarovski. I see that you have an "old" version of the bicones. I do like the extra facetts that swarovski has on their 5328 bicones. And I am worried we are going to loose a lot of colors. But maybe the other companies will extend their colorlines when they get more popular?? Only time will tell.

[@kaylaglass1195]

The facets are what counts

[@srvntlilly]

What does that mean for your job? Will they still be able to get them? It may be your camera, but I really could see a difference between Swarovski and the others. Not huge, but it seemed clearer and more faceted for the most part. The biggest difference I saw, believe it or not was with Swarovski and Preciosa! I think the Allura was the closest to Swarovski. I think I'm going to try them. I really hate to see Swarovski go, though.I guess they weren't making enough off of us little guys. I can't afford to stock up on them, obviously, so I'm gonna have to hoard what little I have. Thank you for showing this, and also for giving us a forewarning! I'm really glad you showed the other brands, too. I never heard of Spark or Allura. Or Dreamtime Creations, for that matter. This was really informative. Definitely TFS! 💕✨

[@thisbeadedlife]

Not sure what will happen with my job. I guess she will have to switch to a different brand.

[@myrnaroman9611]

Never heard about spark and alora.. Thank you for the tip!

[@AveMaria-js9bu]

I feel silly now for spending so much more on the Swarovski Crystals. I literally can't tell a difference between all of them. It's good to know since we won't be able to get them as easily. Thank you, you have saved me money in the future.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Yes, in January, they will stop making them and by July, they expect to be completely sold out. My boss got a list of all of the discontinued items and it is pretty much every crystal bead and bicone.

[@doggmopp]

Thank you for doing this comparison! This is really good information.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@lynnnorton7344]

This is great information, thanks so much for doing this. I am a bit confused though. The second crystal you showed is that Preciosa pronounced Press-e-osa or is there another brand pronounced Prek-o-sia? I've never heard of Alora or Spark so I thought maybe I had never heard of Prek-o-sia either. Either way, I can't tell the difference, they're all amazing. Thanks Wendy.

[@thisbeadedlife]

No, it is preciosa. I was pronouncing it wrong.

[@myrashotton1362]

what will you do with those round flat back beads?

[@shaunasilver9545]

Do the other brands make shape pendants like moons,hearts,drops ect?

[@thisbeadedlife]

Preciosa may, not sure. I dont think Alora or Spark

[@patmclucas3347]

Am a newbie to beading. Been watching you and wondered if you could do a vid on how to measure beads and findings. If not, could you point me in the right direction. TFS

[@thisbeadedlife]

Sure, I can do that!

[@janiceEM1945]

Does Alora crystal come in round or bicone?

[@thisbeadedlife]

I'm not sure. You can check the out on dreamtimecreations.com

[@pamjohns352]

Sadly but true. the article is dated Oct. 30. 6,ooo job loss over this. it's not right away but the reps are telling their clients to stock up. It is considered the DYI division of Swarovski. A very sad day it will be. thanks for the comparisons.

[@thisbeadedlife]

wow, 6,000 jobs lost? How sad!

[@amandascott-burton9285]

Hi Wendy, thank you for this...gives a good comparison of brands. xox

[@thisbeadedlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sandrarobertson7135]

Thanks for the comparison!

[@thisbeadedlife]

Thanks for watching!

[@maryanneiler5810]

Is Preciosa a different brand from Precosia?

[@thisbeadedlife]

No it's the same. I was saying it incorrectly

[@NatalieG427]

Kind of hard to see in the smaller stones. There is another video that shows large stones in comparison & you can really see the difference. Swarovski beats the competition.

[@なにもない-d8m]

Preciosa ha avanzado bastante pero sus colores son más intensos exagerados y hace que el cristal se vea poco claro, el brillo es menos profundo , y la perforación en swarovski es más precisa

[@billyfong8546]

You could get 1440 pieces for less $10 in aliexpress, it is the name and quality that you paid for. Swarovski hot fix can last for months if you apply on nail, you get what you paid for.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Exactly. You get what you pay for and aliexpress in no way compares to swarovski. I don't buy crystals to put on nails. I make jewelry with them.

[@debbiepotter3312]

I’m more bummed out about the pearls then anything. I dint know why Swarovski can’t just make a statement. Very irritating to say the least

[@thisbeadedlife]

I agree

[@jesscherry404]

That was great

[@reneeray5365]

Thank you for sharing this! It was a very informative video!

[@thisbeadedlife]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ryinwhyers365]

I appreciate this video. I understand it’s old. However, there really is no comparison. Swarovski is the best, all ways.

[@thisbeadedlife]

We can agree to disagree : ))

[@manitabusser]

I don't buy Swarovski either, way to pricey I am a Czech beads fan.

[@thisbeadedlife]

I wouldnt buy swarovski either if I didnt get a discount from where I work.

[@debbydubois2388]

Definately check out Natalie mugridge videos.. here on KZbin . She orders from crystal parade

[@thisbeadedlife]

I will check her out! Thank you!

[@jesscherry404]

was great

[@debbydubois2388]

Looks like we've been paying mainly for the name from what I see...

[@maryannneuroth8050]

I disagree. I do beadweaving and it is quite obvious Swarovski is much more beautiful. I purchased precosia brand and they are beautiful but Swarovski outshines them all and I will miss them when they are gone. Compare pearls. Swarovski pearls are tough. Czech pearls scratch easily. I pay the difference because Swarovski is worth it.

[@thisbeadedlife]

To each his own. I cant see any difference.

[@debbydubois2388]

No..not a big difference and still very pretty

[@nanmalecki7087]

Sweetie it is not precosia..You are saying it wrong .

[@lindamurray9201]

They are NOT precosia crystals. They are PRECIOSA crystals. The word is pronounced as... PRESH-EE-O-SA.

[@thisbeadedlife]

Yes, thank you! You win the BIG prize for being the ONE MILLIONTH person to correct me on that : )

[@lindamurray9201]

@@thisbeadedlife LOLOL... :D What's my prize :Are you gonna send me some precosia crystals? LOL :D

[@thisbeadedlife]

Yep lol ... a whole gross of Preciosia! I was totally saying it wrong!! My co-worker told me Preciosia means "precious" in Spanish : )

[@marilynpeters9028]

"Preciosa" is pronounced pre-si-o-sa Not pronounced: Preciosa Pre-co-sia

[@thisbeadedlife]

Yes, I think you are the 1 millionth person to tell me lol

[@GlenaGarrett]

Crystals are all made by the same process. With Swarovski you're paying for the name and the purposefully built brand reputation. Capitalism and market share competition at its finest.

[@thisbeadedlife]

In a way this is true but Swarovski has more facets and different coatings than many of the others. So technically, they are not all the same. You can definitely tell when you compare Swarovski and Aloea or Spark. Swarovski and Preciosa are very close but there is a huge difference between Swarovski and the other brands.