What is the difference between diamond and crystal?

With the Holidays approaching, we see many watches with glittering stones in the watch collections. Sometimes modest, like little accents to indicate the hours. Sometimes exuberantly spread all over the case and dial. The crystals add a festive touch to your watch and thus to your outfit for Christmas dinner or a spectacular New Year's Eve party.

Usually glittering 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 between the two? And why are some watches with crystals almost as expensive as watches with real diamonds?

What is crystal?

In short, a crystal is a solidified mineral. This is a natural process - for erxample, sugar is also formed by crystals. Each mineral has a crystal with its own shape and colour. For example rose quartz (pink), amethyst (purple) or jade (green and white). These gemstones are widely used in jewelry.

Diamond is also a natural crystal. It is formed in deep earth layers by compression of the mineral carbon under very high pressure.

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 an unparalleled brilliance after cut. Natural diamonds are difficult to mine and rare. Hence, 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, also known as artificial diamond. These crystals are not formed by a natural process, but by the melting of minerals at extremely high temperatures. After curing the stone is processed. Artificial diamonds are almost indistinguishable from real diamonds. It is 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. In the mining of real diamonds often, harmful substances are used and the working conditions are not always good. Sustainably mined natural diamonds always have a certificate.

The most commonly used form of artificial crystals in watches is 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 a minimum of 24 percent lead. Full lead crystal at least 30 percent.

Swarovski crystal is the pinnacle of all crystal glass and 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 ordinary crystal glass, a Swarovski crystal reflects the light even better, which ensures the special brilliance that characterizes these stones. The high lead content, in combination with a special coating, ensures a varied colour shade, 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?

You can find watches with artificial crystals at all brands and in all price ranges. In general, this is ordinary crystal glass. The price difference between these watches comes from 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 workmanship. These watches are therefore in a higher price segment. For example, it can happen that more luxurious Swarovski models 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 and sparkling accessory.