Bead Chat

Re: Crystazzi

Valbeads — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 05:01:07 GMT

If you're going for top of the line in crystals, Swarovski is definitely your best bet. The only thing better are the genuine gemstones. swarovski has a remarkable cut and clarity you're just not going to get anywhere else, though I will confess that Preciosa Czech comes in at an extremely close second and are considerably easier to afford. Though with FMG's new pricing on Swarovski, I can actually afford it sometimes. I'm not terribly partial to Crystazzi's crystals; their pearls, however are very lovely, and I've used them in a number of my pieces. They are holding up quite well, and have a beautiful lustre and translucency to them that sadly, the Swarovski pearls lack. But who says you have to like everything from one particular line? Use what works best for you.

Val

Re: Crystazzi

Okstout4 — Thu, 15 Nov 2012 01:24:16 GMT

I was just doing some research on Crystazzi crystals vs Swarovski crystals. While on the www.cousin.com web site who distributes Crystazzi crystals listed under "products" is Swarvoski crystals. I think maybe that is the confusion? But I will say while here, for any future researchers, that the swarvoski crystals are much more sparkly than the Crystazzi.

Re: Crystazzi

KipperCat — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 17:20:59 GMT

NicoleT24:
Call me crazy, but I really like the Crystazzi pearls

That's nice to hear. While I like the Swarovski pearls well enough, I've never thought they were worth the price. They don't look like real pearls to me, but I've been a bit afraid to use other glass pearls - not sure how well they's hold up. I'll have to make a trip to Michael's to check out the Crystazzi pearls

Re: Crystazzi

NicoleT24 — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 02:14:49 GMT

Call me crazy, but I really like the Crystazzi pearls (I've never used their bi-cones or rounds). I think they have some fantastic colors, and the finish really does seem to hold up well on them. They have a bit more of a "pearly" look to them, they're like somehow more glossy or shiny, where Swarks have a "glow" finish. I haven't had any problems with the Crystazzi pearls at all. I rather like them LOL. And if you can catch them on sale at Michaels, they're VERY cost effective!

Re: Crystazzi

cedarhillshome@yahoo.com — Sun, 06 Mar 2011 21:41:05 GMT

I am just starting to make a few pieces of jewelry for family and may a few local consignment shops. Could you give me any web stores that have really good prices -- especially for crystals and bead caps? I don't mind buying a few things in bulk because from what I've seen sometimes you can buy 200 for the same price you will pay for 20. The craft stores like Michaels, JoAnns and Hobby Lobby are okay when they have sales, but they have limited selection and I live over an hour away from any of those (Kentucky). Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks!

Re: Crystazzi

Erin@76 — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 22:57:17 GMT

CrystalCubeBead.:
How does Crystazzi compare with Swarovski (and Celestial) crystals?? I try out designs with CC, but prefer Swarovski for appearance.

I have only seen the crystazzi crystals at michaels, but never bought any. In the package, the bicones and cubes look pretty good, but they are more expensive at michaels than you can get real swarovski for online, so I don't know why you would buy them except the convenience factor, or maybe if you had a half off coupon.

I like the celestial crystal because of the inexpensive price, but it doesn't compare to the real stuff. I think its sort of half way between swarovski and czech fire-polished glass. But as long as you know that upfront, you won't be disappointed.

Erin

Re: Crystazzi

LYILHA — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:41:08 GMT

I bought some of the pearls...they look great...the sheen on them is really nice. I will say that I personally think that the Swark pearls feel nicer. As far as long term wear and things like that I am not sure...I have yet to use them. But...I am sure someone here has! =)

Re: Crystazzi

CrystalCubeBead — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:00:08 GMT

How does Crystazzi compare with Swarovski (and Celestial) crystals?? I try out designs with CC, but prefer Swarovski for appearance.

Re: Crystazzi

LitaC2 — Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:19:54 GMT

Sherri

Swarovski has started selling through Jolene - they are even fully branded as Swarovski Crystallized(R) Elements. I was just in Michael's - they've got an enormous selection there.

I also thought that Crystazzi were also Swarovski, but I checked - and they aren't.

Lita

Re: Crystazzi

Beadiecat — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 22:44:12 GMT

I haven't used the Crystazzi crystals, but I do use the Crystazzi pearls often and I like them.

Cathi

Re: Crystazzi

DebWAZ — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 17:40:01 GMT

If they are Swarovski, they will have the name Swarovski on them. I'm hearing rumors that there are some pretty decent Swarovski knock-offs coming from China. That's a big part of the reason Swarovski changed the cut on their bicones. One of our suppliers had gotten some that they were actually calling "Chinese Swarovski". We told them that we don't want it if it's not REAL Swarovski. Last time I checked, they weren't carrying them any more!

Deb - AZ Bead Depot

Re: Crystazzi

Mikki335 — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 15:20:39 GMT

I have used bothe the Crstazzi Pearls and the crystals. They are not Swarovski but they aren't bad either....better than a lot of pearls out there. I think I've only had one pearl where the finish cracked but it makes me use them just for samples for my local classes and I opt for Swarovskis in anything that I sell.....fortnately I get Swarovskis at a killer price. The bead show this weekend is selling 50 Swarovski pearls at twice what I pay for 100!!! Lol! I should set up a Swarovski booth outside!

Re: Crystazzi

JSmaz — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 07:24:09 GMT

Crystazzi crystals are a separate brand from Swarovski. I just got an email from Shipwreck Beads that they have them for 50% off right now if anyone's interested.

Re: Crystazzi

Cathy — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 21:10:30 GMT

Kelly,

I know I read about their crystals somewhere - I think here on the forum - and how they cut stringing material. But it was their crystals, not the pearls. I haven't used either so I couldn't tell you for sure if they do.

Cathy

Re: Crystazzi

LYILHA — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 17:55:21 GMT

Sherri, Thanks...I really didn't think they were and I don't know where i got the impression that they were but I wasn't really sure. And your right...why would they? LOL...just didn't think about it that way. Thanks!!!