Glossary

Strass refers to a clear glass of high lead content and brilliance that is cut into stones resembling diamonds. Strass which is also known as "Paste" is named after the Parisian jewe ler, Georges Frederique Strass, who invented this technique in the 1730's. Strass can be backed with colored metal foil to simulate different gemstones. Strass or Paste is the forerunner of the glass crystal stones created by Swarovski and other Czech and Austrian manufacturers. (see Paste)