Alpanite: the wonderful shine of synthesized crystals

Alpanit is one of the beautiful creations of the world famous company Swarovski.
This is not a natural stone, but an artificial one. However, despite its laboratory origin, jewelry glass attracts attention with its stunning shine, which resembles the sparkle of diamonds or emeralds. Fashionistas are delighted with the unique jewelry decorated with these rhinestones. And in a frame made of precious metals, it is very difficult to distinguish an artificial stone from a precious one. Those who are just planning to purchase products with this mineral will be interested to know what kind of alpanite stone is, what properties it has and how to care for it. In addition, information on how to distinguish an original Swarovski rhinestone from ordinary glass would be useful.

What is alpanite: history of origin

Technically, alpanite is potassium-lime glass . It contains aluminosilicates and other metals that give a beautiful blue, dark blue or green color. The developer carefully keeps the exact chemical composition of the campaign from outsiders.

Innovation on the market in the early 90s of the last century was introduced to the market by Swarovski, whose rhinestones were perfect copies of sapphires and emeralds.

Interesting! It is very difficult to immediately distinguish faceted alpanite from a natural mineral. Even experienced craftsmen need equipment to determine the artificial origin of rhinestones.

Czech Jewelry. Czech Glass.

Since ancient times, glass has been used to imitate precious stones. But in vintage jewelry it began to play a new role - the role of a soloist. Molded or molded glass, cast in the shapes of leaves, flowers, figures. Unusually interesting and durable products. It is impossible to remain indifferent to such decorations. Another interesting option is the so-called Art Glass, art glass. Technology of alloying glass, metal and some other components. A very interesting Art Glass is Lava Rock, volcanic lava glass. Art glass, also known as jewelry glass, contained gold, silver, and other inclusions that gave it amazing shades of radiance. Glass is heavier in weight than Lucite and refracts color more strongly. Some companies in the Czech Republic, for example, produced glass that was indistinguishable to the naked eye from the precious stones of garnets, rubies, and emeralds. The Czech Republic played one of the most important roles in glass production. It all started in Northern Bohemia in the city of Gablonz (modern name Jablonec nad Nissa in the second half of the 19th century. In 1892, the Austrian jeweler Daniel Swarovski introduced the first cut glass rhinestones imitating diamonds, rubies, emeralds and sapphires. He patented a mechanical cutter for the production crystals. Another discovery was made by Czech jewelers at the beginning of the 20th century: artificial pearls were made here for the first time. The Czech jewelry industry is very rich in historical traditions and legends. This is connected with the 2nd World War and subsequent events. In Jablonec, documents related to the production of jewelry, died or were destroyed. But the entire history of the city is closely intertwined with the history of costume jewelry, buttons, beads, accessories, perfume bottles, hand mirrors, colored glass boxes. Henrik Brditschka and Altmann This is one of the most important legends of costume jewelry production in the Czech Republic. The company belonged to two family houses Brdicka and Altmann. Brdicka began producing metal components for bijou in 1908, and in 1913 the company began producing unique costume jewelry and produced it until 1939 (before the outbreak of the 2nd World War). This company was the largest bijou manufacturer in Northern Bohemia and was located in the city of Gablonz (modern Jablonec). More than 100 jewelers and 40 designers worked at the factory. An entire area of ​​Art Nouveau style cottages was built for the workers. And now you can see them near the Yablonex concern. During the war, the company continued to operate, producing orders and medals. In 1947, Brdicka was arrested, the family left for Austria, and the documents were destroyed. Products were mainly labeled. Markings: “Czecho”, “Czechoslovakia”, “SBK”, some craftsmen put markings with their own letters. The crystals used were often marked "Czecho". But there were also products without markings. Brdicka made jewelry in the Victorian, Art Deco and Art Nouveau styles. Used various metals, rhinestones, high quality glass crystals and very varied designs. Glass cast into molds, various colors, plain, iridescent, striped, grooved, often marked “Czecho”. Handmade beads and pendants. The metals used are brass and bronze, casting. Hence the significant weight of the jewelry; glass cameos and intaglios were used, which are works of art in themselves. After 1932, Brdicka began making reproductions of expensive jewelry in bijou materials. All jewelry produced by Brdicka and Altman are original masterpieces made in the Czech Republic: complex brooches and necklaces, long earrings, distinguished by their large sizes, very complex handwork, and the complete absence of stamped parts and drilling. Only casting and soldering were used. Art Deco and Art Nouveau motifs are very characteristic: ladies, floral motifs, pharaohs, buds, dragonflies, butterflies, sphinxes, scarabs, beetles, cicadas, dogs, birds, etc. The characteristic colors are bright, saturated: blue, various shades of green, milky white, purple, lilac, sky blue. Due to the lost documents, many legends arose around this company. Some believe that most of the decorations were lost during the war. Others - that most of them were preserved and many unfinished ones, without final finishing on the reverse side, were stored in closed warehouses and became known through production, sales and liquidation of old stocks of costume jewelry and accessories. Some of the bijou come from old family houses that were closed for many years and then found new owners. It is known that these magnificent jewelry were created in Jablonec. Some were completely finished, others were only soldered, but were subsequently carefully restored using old components, preserving all features, including traces of old soldering and assembly. Attribution was based on the materials, style and theme of these beautiful jewelry. In particular, American costume jewelry historians attributed brooches and pendants with Egyptian themes to the first half of the 20s of the 20th century. In 1922, the tomb of Tutankhamun was opened and hence a surge of interest in Egypt. Several interesting scientific articles have appeared in America devoted to the study of old Czech costume jewelry and, in particular, H. Brdicke. The legends continue to exist. Some are reminiscent of tales of the cave of treasures, while others are more prosaic. Whether to believe them or not, everyone decides for themselves. Probably, costume jewelry and a fairy tale are one whole. Jablonex - Yablonex The name of this costume jewelry company was very well known in the USSR. Almost all the bijou that was sold in the Union was produced by this company. But few people know that Yablonex was one of the largest manufacturers of costume jewelry in the world. And not by chance. In Northern Bohemia, fine art glass and crystal, beads, beads and rhinestones necessary for costume jewelry were produced for many centuries. After the closure of the Brdicka and Altman factory in Jablonec nad Nisou, small private jewelry workshops continued to operate. There were about 200 of them. From these small enterprises, Jablonex was created in 1952. The sales market for the products was huge: South and North America, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, Africa, Oceania, the Middle East, East Asia, Western Europe. A lot of jewelry was supplied to the Soviet Union and France. Some branches produced raw materials for the jewelry industry: beads, beads, rhinestones (including for Swarovski), metal fittings.. The assortment was very diverse: necklaces, bracelets, pendants, brooches, tiaras, rings, hair clips, theatrical handbags, perfume bottles, clips, earrings, imitation jewelry made from precious materials. A huge amount of rhinestones were used. The produced rhinestones and beads were used by jewelry manufacturers all over the world. Yablonex was the largest supplier of raw materials for bijou. At Yablonex, the method of simulating natural pearls was improved, when a glass bead was covered with 8 layers of paint made from powdered mother-of-pearl. No other company could achieve such a gentle glow of artificial pearls, so strings of artificial pearls with beautiful clasps are still very much appreciated. In the 50s, beautiful cameos from glass, often double-layered, began to be produced in Jablonec. They are still well preserved and of excellent quality. Bijou manufacturers in many countries used these cameos. Branches were opened in nearby settlements in the 60s; in Zhelezny Brod there is a glass museum and a personnel training school. In 2005, the Jablonex Group concern was created, which included Preciosa (production of chandeliers with crystal pendants and luxury crystal) and Ornela. In recent years, the production of complex costume jewelry has practically ceased and the assortment has been limited to the production of beads of the Jablonex and Bijoux de Bogeme" for France. In the fall of 2009, Yablonex was brought to bankruptcy, was unable to repay loans and was put up for sale. Huge production capacity and reserves, high cost did not allow just one and it was sold in parts. Everything again fell apart into a mass of separate enterprises, the production of beads and rhinestones was transferred to “Preciose”. Now there are about 80 small bijou companies in the region, which mainly produce components for the costume jewelry industry. Some of them united into the “Union of Costume Jewelry Manufacturers” (SPB) with the “Made in Jablonec” brand. Unfortunately, “Jablonex” used the marking of its products only on paper labels, which are not saved, but the style of this company and the quality of work are easily recognizable. For example, a Grapes brooch - jewelry ruby ​​glass, rhinestones, jewelry alloy.

Physical properties of the stone

Only employees of the Swarovski laboratory know all the subtleties of creating a gem. As a result of processing with chemical reagents and the addition of metals, rhinestones of different sizes and palettes of shades .

After cutting, the crystal takes on an ideal shape, but even uncut, it has the following characteristics:

• it is very hard and second only to diamonds; it is rated at 7 on the Mohs scale;
• it has ideal geometry and symmetry of edges;
• evenly colored;
• with rich shine.

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Due to its hardness, it is resistant to mechanical stress. For this reason, jewelry with alpanites should be stored separately from softer minerals .

Chemical composition

The Swarovski campaign keeps the exact chemical composition of the crystals a secret. However, it is known that specialists collaborating with the company were able to combine crystallized aluminum oxide and potassium glass, which made it possible to achieve incredible strength and brilliance of the crystals.

Swarovski - perfect quality

The secret of constant demand for the company's products is simple. This is work brought to perfection.

Plus absolute protection of secrets. After the release of the next collection, all documentation, recipes, descriptions of technological “chips” are destroyed. So that no one can repeat this collection.

Swarovski rhinestones have 14 edges, half narrow, half wide (this reflects light better). Recently the company began producing stones with 17 facets.

Important: the company’s quality control policy is simply draconian. Any slightest discrepancy and the rhinestone is mercilessly thrown away. Products of “sinless” beauty and perfection arrive on the counter.

Types and colors

The color of the crystal depends entirely on what metal is included in the rhinestones.

Thus, green shades are obtained by introducing copper and iron, while red and violet shades are obtained due to manganese. Different concentrations of chromium are responsible for blue and blue shades

Crystals of other colors are also synthesized, for example:

• pink;
• orange;
• red;
• yellow;
• ocher;
• brown;
• turquoise.

Interesting! Specialists manage to recreate the cloudy texture, resulting in specimens that imitate natural turquoise and other natural minerals.

Where is the stone used?

The use of alpanite is quite diverse. Naturally, crystal, created as an alternative to expensive gemstones, is most often used in the jewelry industry .

Jewelry

What is alpanite in jewelry? First of all, it is an affordable alternative to expensive minerals .

Secondly, due to the light weight of the crystal, even very large voluminous jewelry is practically not felt when worn .

Thirdly, a wide palette of colors and a variety of shapes allows you to create the most incredible designer jewelry, and thanks to the hardness of rhinestones, they will be practical and durable .

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Alpanite gives jewelers unprecedented scope for imagination. You can create jewelry for any age that will highlight both an evening look and an everyday look.

The impeccable shape of the crystals allows them to be used in “status” jewelry : no one can tell at first glance that this is not a natural stone.

Other areas

Alpanite is widely used in creating original interior designs. Its strength allows you to decorate doors, fireplaces, stairs, and the low price of crystals makes its use in decoration affordable.

Designer handbags, shoes, clothes, hats are decorated with crystals .

Due to its shine, which does not fade under the influence of light, alpanite is even used to create sconces and lampshades .

Crystal Empire

The first “emperor” in it was D. Swarovski. He lived in what was then Austria-Hungary. He was not appreciated as a violinist, and Daniel became interested in electricity. And he created a machine that ideally makes crystals from crystal and crystal glass. Dad, a hereditary cutter of Bohemian crystal, was happy.

There is a machine - it's time to get started with the products. The family rents (and later buys) a plot of land in Austria. The construction of an empire began here.

Daniel was a brilliant organizer, a talented inventor and simply a lucky person.

During the First and Second World Wars, the company actively collaborated with Germany, supplying it with sights, binoculars, rangefinders, and abrasives. The use of this aspect of the product grew and the company was appreciated. The importance of artificial stone has been proven by the growing demand for products.

The company was not blamed for this collaboration. Cunning administrators proved that the company was invested by Jews (in Hitler's Germany this could have been a ticket to a concentration camp). In addition, the Cold War began. Products for the military were needed again.

“The Swarovski herringbone scope is the perfect complement to a sniper rifle.” H. Medina, US Army sniper.

Not just trinkets

Now the Swarovski company produces not only “pebbles”.

The list of its production:

• optics (binoculars, lenses, glasses and optical products, telescopes);
• road signs (reflective and luminescent):
• artificial gems;
• lamps, chandeliers;
• cutting and abrasive materials.

The world loves Swarovski crystals. The company collaborates with the best designers in the world.

Magic properties

Gemologists have not come to a consensus about the aura and energy of the crystal, since it is synthesized, that is, created by human hands, and not born in the bowels of the planet. However, many experts claim that rhinestones of a certain color can influence human energy . Accordingly, despite its artificial origin, alpanite should not be denied its own energy.

Magical properties of crystals:

1. red is strongly associated with energy and love attraction. Wearing stones of all shades of red can attract the attention of the opposite sex.
2. Blue and its shades awaken creativity.
3. Green rhinestones help to cope with difficult emotional states, alleviate depression and help to find inner harmony.
4. Purple crystals help you concentrate on a goal and discover ways to achieve it.
5. Yellow alpanites can protect you from love disappointments.

Medicinal properties

There is also no consensus on the medicinal properties of alpanite. Since the stone was created in a laboratory, it is deprived of direct contact with the natural energy of the Earth ; it does not accumulate currents and heat inherent in natural minerals. But women who have worn crystal jewelry for a long time note that the number and severity of headaches have noticeably decreased.

Esotericists draw a direct association between the effect of alpanite on the owner’s condition and its color:

• green rhinestones harmonize the emotional background;
• blue liberates creativity;
• orange helps cope with insomnia;
• yellow sets you in a positive mood;
• purple helps to concentrate attention.

How to spot a fake

The popularity of alpanite has led to the emergence of counterfeits. Despite the fact that the crystal itself is of artificial origin, there are products that “imitate imitation” . Regular glass will help you distinguish a fake. Run the stone over the glass - alpanite will leave a mark on it, since it is very hard, but a fake will not cope with this test.

In addition, when magnified, the Swarovski zirconia markings on the crystal should be visible , and only gray glue is used to fix them.

How to care for products

Caring for jewelry with alpanites is not difficult, but in order for the stone to please you with its appearance for a long time, you need to follow simple recommendations :

1. Try to avoid unnecessary contact with water. While you can wash your hands without removing the ring, you shouldn’t go to the pool or take a shower.
2. Store alpanite separately from other jewelry with stones. Since it is a very hard stone, it can damage other jewelry.
3. When cleaning, limit yourself to using a soft cloth.
4. To clean crystal jewelry, you can use a soapy solution. Do not treat alpanite with chemical cleaners.

Price

The refinement of the process has made alpanit accessible to people of any financial income.

Russian stores offer a wide range of alpanite (price/rub.):

• stone (sapphire color; circle, diameter 7-11 mm) – 8 – 23;
• earrings – 1,390 – 2,590;
• ring – 1,990 – 2,600;
• pendant – 830 – 1,890.

Ring with alpanite and cubic zirconia
This is the cost of silver jewelry in which colored alpanites are complemented by colorless “diamonds”-cubic zirconia.