Swarovski Crystals :: Okay What's the big deal?

Can someeone please explain to me why Swarovski Crystals are so darned special. I hear the brand name everywhere. Maybe it's because I'm in marketing, that I don't trust brand names...

I'm an Art Director, Art school grad type girl, this crystal thing is lost on me completely.

I think they're riding on their rep as a REALLY GOOD stemware/tableware company.... Their glasses and vases are stunning, and amazingly good quality.

In the wedidng realm, I'm certain all the ebay items originally bragging 'swarovski crystals' were just trying to make-pretend the whole tiarra was made by swarovski. The real swarovski tiarras are very stylish and VERY $$$$.

on the other hand, their crystals are more blingy than the cheap glass and plastic 'crystals' on the market...

the lady at the bridal shop said they sparkle just a tad more than other types of crystals., they catch the light better or something..

IMO the crystals swarovski or not are for the most part the same.. they do sparkle more than the others i must say.. the cezch(sp?) ones are just as good..

as far as rhinestones they are def the best.. they are better quality than the cheap ones.. clearer and so on...