No More Swarovski Crystals and Imitation pearls for DIY

[pattye]

WOW! Big shock, Swarovski has decided to exit the "craft" market! Will you be affected by this change?

From one of my online suppliers:
"It means that Swarovski will no longer produce loose parts (beads, pendants, flatbacks, chandelier crystals, etc.) for sale, for individuals and businesses to use in their own creations. They are continuing production of most items through March 2021, and after that, will only be selling any remaining inventory for a few more months." The company is stopping production at the end of March. Apparently, they want to focus on their higher-end business.

I use Swarovski crystals most often in custom bridal jewelry with freshwater pearls.

[BWeaves]

Wow. What is their higher end business? The other crystals I've used haven't held a candle to Swarovski.

[Pearl Dreams]

Thanks for the heads up!

[pattye]

I agree, BWeaves, they are the best crystals. I guess things like chandeliers, fancy vases maybe collectibles like THIS?

[pattye]

And here's some figurines:

[Pearl Dreams]

Some Bond No. 9 perfume bottles are studded with Swarovski:

See this one in particular:
https://www.harrods.com/en-al/shoppi...100ml-15131542
The bottle is stunning-- and so is the price ($901)-- but I had to laugh when I saw the warning "Last one!"
Is there that much demand for that bottle?

And more images from Google:
bond no. 9 swarovski

[CortezPearls]

So, what is the next best option if Swaroski goes away? would there be a recycling market for these? What do you think will happen?

[pattye]

Well, there are pretty Czech crystals and lots of Chinese crystals, but none compare to Swarovski.

[pattye]

Pearl Dreams, if only I had a "dressing table" that bottle would be a must have! So many variations!

[multichrome]

Thank you for the information, Pattye! This is big news for crafters. I agree that there’s nothing else like their crystal beads on the market, with regard to both the sparkle factor and the range of colors and finishes. In particular I use their small bicones very often as jewelry accents.

My sense has been that the craft market in general is booming due to lockdowns, so I’m idly curious as to what’s behind this move on their part.

[lisa c]

Please forgive my ignorance, Is this a James Bond movie tie-in, or a reference to Bond St?

I think I saw a you tube on glass seed beads, perhaps a ‘how is this made clip’, announcing that costs were making a lot of tiny glass products unprofitable. Sad.

[Pearl Dreams]

Bond No. 9 perfumes are all named after NYC locations.
https://www.bondno9.com/shop/eau-de-parfum/

[lisa c]

Thank you, PD!

[ennui]

Wow. What is their higher end business? The other crystals I've used haven't held a candle to Swarovski.

Swarovski makes cubic zirconia jewelry, not sure about other lines.

[pattye]

Yes, Ennui, I have no idea whether that arm of the business is more profitable than the crystals, probably could be, if the pieces are expensive enough.