History of Preciosa and Swarovski

The Story of 2 Companies: The Origin of Rhinestones

Today, you have many choices when choosing crystalline products, from top-of-the-line to economical faux gems. Two competing rivals helped shape the industry from its beginning. However, the origin of rhinestones includes financial and political pressures faced by Swarovski and Preciosa. 
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Key Historical Details

Essentially, the origin of rhinestones includes natural, manual, and automated stages:
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1. Natural Resource

Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Depending on the geological factors and impurities present during its formation, it can form different gemstones. Found along the Rhine River, quartz mixed with lead during creation, giving these gemstones glittering properties. 
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2. Paste (Diamante)

Historians credit George Frederic Strass with developing the first rhinestone. Although leaded crystal was available earlier, Strass’s version had a higher lead content. He also used a metal powder on the backside for greater light reflection. These additions resulted in faux gems that were indistinguishable from a real gemstone by candlelight.
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3. Automation

One particular Bohemian glassmaker, Daniel Swarovski, invented a machine to cut crystal glass faster than by hand. He moved his company to Austria to power his machines by hydropower. 
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The Origin of Rhinestones Begins with Glassmaking

Unfortunately, this brief history doesn’t explain the entire competitive and political forces that shaped the industry. Rhinestones have their roots in the glassmaking industry, and it’s here we begin.

Ancient people in Mesopotamia and Egypt made glass. In fact, many pharaohs’ tombs contained beautiful glass objects. These ancient people also used glass beads for trade and as symbols of wealth. 

The rise and fall of empires through history affected the glassmaking industry. As stability decreased, so did glassmaking. In the early 1200s, glassmakers sought refuge in Venice, Italy, to escape attacks by barbarians. 

Eventually, the government mandated that glassmakers relocate to the island of Murano. The government hoped to reduce fires caused by the extreme temperatures required to make glass. This relocation also helped to preserve the trade secrets and techniques, creating a monopoly. 

Despite tight control over the glassmaking process, secrets leaked out, and other areas began to compete with Murano. One particular European region, Bohemia, became the heart of this industry due to its abundance of resources. This begins the origin of rhinestones. 
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The Rise of Preciosa and Swarovski

Bohemia is a land abundant in glassmaking materials, but artisans also enjoyed the support of nobility. Prague, the capital of Bohemia, also served as the seat of the Holy Roman Empire. 

One particular emperor, Rudolf II, invited an Italian artisan, Casper Lehmann, to establish the first gem cutting workshop in Prague. Bohemian glass was harder and more brilliant than Murano glass, making it suitable for decorative techniques such as facet cutting. Ultimately, Lehmann revolutionized the industry by applying gem cutting techniques to glass

Hand-cut Bohemian crystal guaranteed the highest quality decorative elements for the upper classes of society. These iconic works began gracing legendary locations, including the Palace of Versailles.

One Bohemian glassmaking family, by the name of Swarovski, operated a small glassmaking factory in Georgenthal. The son, Daniel, worked in his father’s factory, learning the trade. In 1892, he received a patent for a cutting machine that cut crystal stones perfectly and faster than previously possible. He moved his family to Austria, where he opened a factory. Swarovski began producing cut crystal in direct competition with Bohemian glassmakers. 
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Wars and Their Effect on the Crystal Making Industry

Swarovski increased its popularity by partnering with prominent designers like Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Dior. Additionally, the company responded to fashion trends, patenting a crystal embellished headband for the shorter flapper hairstyles of the time.
However, the 1900s saw the American depression and two World Wars challenge and change the industry. These events disrupted production, and Swarovski briefly closed his factory during these historical occurrences.

Then, in 2020, Swarovski shocked the world by announcing it would stop selling to wholesalers. No longer would their crystal rhinestones be available to the public. Due to increased pressure from the Asian crystal-producing markets, the company decided to focus on luxury brands. Swarovski would sell only to approved brand partners. 

Both the Depression and WWI affected the Bohemian crystal making factories as well. However, WWII devastated the industry with Adolf Hitler’s invasion.  Many owners of glass factories were of Jewish descent and fled the area. Others shifted from bead making to functional items. 

Then, a few years after the war, the communists seized control of the government. The government merged the remaining family-owned glass factories into nationalized state-owned enterprises. 

In 1989, the Velvet Revolution peacefully ended communist rule, and private industry began to reestablish itself. Glassworks in the Jablonec, Liberec, and Turnov regions merged to form Preciosa. Relying on their historical tradition, they continue to produce world-renowned crystal glass components. 
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The Rhinestone Industry Today

Although European crystals are still the finest, many Asian companies manufacture cost-effective alternatives. Generally, Asian crystal doesn’t offer the intense sparkle of most European brands. However, they do have a very attractive price with a more subtle play of light.

Rhinestones Etc. offers the best of both worlds. We have an extensive collection of Preciosa crystal components and carry the Asian brand PriceLess. You’ll love our fast-processing times, competitive prices, and outstanding customer service.

Browse our online store to find your perfect bedazzling jewel size and color.