Did you purchase them as Swarovski Crystals from Austria? Not all crystal are Swarovski. They look like plain crystal rondells. You would know the difference because these would have cost you about 25 cents each X 150? (about $38.00) Did they cost that much? If they were strung, they are not Swarovski. Swarovski are never strung. I am not trying to give you a hard time, honest! :0) I am a jewelry artisan by trade, and can only use the real Swarovski. Can you tell me more about how they were sold to you? On Ebay from China? Not real Swarovski, either...although nice...they cost about $2.99 a whole strand. My customers would know the difference- and I would be in deep! Thanx for the help.-a new fan