SWAROVSKI; the name, the quality, the crystal

November 14, 2011

A name few can pronounce properly, Swarovski has become the leading producer in the world of crystal.  Anytime a glittery crystal is used the question asked is “Are they Sher-vosky?”.


Properly pronounced Swar-off-ski, Swarovski crystals are the highest quality crystal on the market today.  Known for its incredible sparkle few actually know from where Swarovski originates and what makes a Swarovski crystal so special.

Born October 24, 1862, in what is now the Czech Republic, Daniel Swarovski (formerly Daniel Swartz) apprenticed under his father, the owner of a glass factory.  It is through him that Swarovski learned the techniques and skills in glass cutting that led him to invent his later patented electric cutting machine.

In 1895 the company A.Kosmann, Daniel Swartz & Co. was founded in Wattens, Austria (this would later become known as Swarovski, the company we know today).   At that time, Wattens had a good source of hydroelectricity, which was needed for the energy-intensive machine that facilitated the production of crystal glass.

The crystal cutting machine of Swarovski, produces and facets perfectly uniform crystals free of scratches and bubbles and ensures that each facet of every crystal is cut in a way that gives it the highest level of light reflection (similar to the diamond cutting process).

What is the difference between crystal glass and regular glass?

Crystal glass contains a percentage of lead oxide which regular glass does not.  It is this added element that allows for the high levels of light reflection.  It is what brings out the colors and the sparkle that we all so adore in Swarovski elements.

In the U.S glass is considered to be crystal if it contains 1% lead content and in Europe, it must have 4% lead content.  The higher the lead content, the better the quality of crystal.  That is why Swarovski, with its 30% lead content, is considered to be the highest form of machine cut and polished crystal glass in the world.

So call it what you want; Sher-vosky, She-vorski or simply Swarovski there’s just nothing that compares to the quality of its sparkle.-Chris

October Birthstone

November 14, 2011

There is a myth about the opal that says that it is unlucky to wear it if it is not your birthstone.  Well October babies- we should consider ourselves a lucky bunch!  What a beautiful and magical stone we have to call our own!  Almost like a reflection of the changing autumn leaves, the array of dancing colors in this wondrous gem is what makes it so beautiful.  The ancient opal myth could be due to the fact that the opal may have possibly often fallen on some misfortune, cracking or breaking due to its fragile nature and not because of any related evil magic.  However, opal itself does have a magical quality.  Like a finger print- no one opal is alike.  Each precious opal has its own play of color that distinguishes itself from others and unlike other gems; its beauty is one that can be seen even before a lapidary cuts it.

Opal is often associated with Australia- as this is where 90% of the opal production comes from.  Mexico is also known for its beautiful fire opal that comes in a vibrant orange-red color .                   

The color of an opal is composed of two elements; its background color and its play of color.  The background color can be black or white, upon which are superimposed patches of color.  Opals can range from transparent to opaque.

They are generally cut, as cabochons rather than being faceted like other gemstones.  The fragile opal is often assembled- glued to a backing- either to help bring out the play of color or to make it more durable.

In storing these precious gems, be kind to your opals.  Opals are very sensitive to dehydration. This can cause them to crack and its play of color to fade.  It is wise to store your opals with a humid sponge or in hermetically sealed containers.  It is even suggested to soak your opals in some water from time to time.

Since opals are such fragile stones it is never recommended that you clean your opal jewelry in an ultrasonic cleaner- but rather just use warm soapy water.  Make sure to properly rinse the soap off and dry them with a soft cloth.

Being an October baby myself, I sometimes feel proud that the ancient myth does not apply to me and that I can fully enjoy and relish in the possible powers of such a beautiful gem!

Evil Eye Amulets

November 14, 2011

The evil eye amulet has existed in jewelry for centuries.  Even today,  as some of the trendiest charms or pendants, the evil eye remains a prominent symbol.  But what does it signify?  Where did it come from- and what is it supposed to do?  I have had an evil eye bracelet for years- all I knew was that it was supposed to ward off the evil eye.  But the evil eye of what or of whom I did not know.  Not knowing the full meaning or power behind this charm I did some research and this is what I found.  Hopefully this will shed some light on the subject for many of you who may own an evil eye- but don’t know what it does or what it is for.

It is believed that the evil eye has the power to bestow a curse on anyone who may look at it with any malicious intent, the most common form being that of envy.  The envy that is projected has the power to put a evil spell on you.  That is why it is said that one must be wary of compliments. Infants and children are said to be most susceptible to envious gazes and so it is suggested to pin an evil eye onto your children’s clothes.  But adults are affected as well.  An envious gaze or compliment from a friend or stranger who might just like your new shoes could be cause of misfortune.

It was believed that one should be especially suspicious of blue-eyed people as they are most likely to hold the curse of the evil eye.  This is perhaps why most evil eye charms or beads are found to be in a vibrant blue.  (I am not sure how I feel about this fact being a blue-eyed person myself….)

Belief in the evil eye is very strong in the Middle East and Mediterranean regions.  However as can be seen in a lot of North American fashion jewelry designs today.

My question is- what happens if by wearing an evil eye pendant or charm one induces unwanted envious gazes from others?…. does one then have to wear two- one to protect the other?

I think that whether you believe in it or not it’s probably best to have one close.

Why not add one of the Chris & Alix evil eye inspired sterling silver pendants to your collection!

- Chris

Heirloom Jewelry; What’s your story?

May 20, 2011
Custom opal pendant

I love making custom jewelry! Working with our clients, hearing about their stories and what their particular piece of jewelry will represent to them is the best part of what I do.  What I love about being able to give someone a custom piece of jewelry is that I know that this piece of jewelry will be worn and loved differently from all the other pieces that were bought in a store where they are one out of hundreds or even thousands made just like them.  A personalized custom piece can be passed down through generations, carrying with it the story and the meaning that brought it to life in the first place. Read more »

Triumphant Turquoise

May 16, 2011

On a rainy day like today- it certainly doesn’t feel like summer is around the corner.  I don’t know about you- but all I feel like doing is hibernating inside under a warm cozy blanket with a big bowl of hot soup.

Even though the weather may not show it-here at Chris & Alix we still have to prepare our summer jewelry collection.  No matter what the “it” colour is for this summer season- the most popular trend colour in the world of jewelry and fashion remains to be Turquoise.  However, looking through our selection of Turquoise gems it somehow feels an inappropriate day as the windows are rain splattered and the studio is damp and cold.  I think I would feel more inspired if the weather outside matched the feeling emitted by this summer stone.
Read more »

2011 Wedding Trends Unveiled (literally)

May 13, 2011

Watching wedding trends can be a great deal of fun, but it can also be overwhelming.  I have had a good read through wedding sites and bridal blogs and have pared down what seem to be the largest common denominators from all of my reading.

1.  What is old is actually new!

Perhaps influenced by this year’s Royal Wedding or perhaps it is simply a reflection of fashion on a larger scale this year; vintage is in.   Big hitters are vintage patterns and fabrics such as lace, feathers and fascinators for your hair, and brooches for the bouquets.  In fact, veils are getting smaller and actually disappearing and are being replaced by fascinators incorporating feathers, flowers, tulle and lace.  A hot wedding photography trend is the photo booth with props such as vintage sunglasses and old picture frames.  As for locations, backyard and cottage weddings are back in full swing!

2. Go green or go home!

A sign that times are truly changing, green weddings are hotter than ever.  Eco-friendly dresses, invitations, bouquets, lighting, rings, food, wine, favors and honeymoons.
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