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Swarovski Crystal
Caring for Swarovski Crystal
The first thing to remember about Swarovski crystal is that it's crystal. It'll scratch and chip if you're not careful. It's not as delicate as pearls, but if you drop it on the sidewalk it'll probably do something unpleasant.
Below are more care tips from Swarovski, along with a few of my own observations: - Storing: Store each handmade jewelry piece separately, especially Swarovski pearls.
- An ounce of prevention: Store Swarovski jewelry in small zip lock bags, or in a jewelry box lined with Silver Saver Paper. You will go years without having to polish your silver.
- What to Avoid (other than dropping it): Avoid contact with sprays such as hairsprays, perfumes, deodorants or detergents and salt water. Put your handmade jewelry on last.
- When not to Wear: Swarovski suggests avoiding wearing your crystal jewelry in the bath, in bed, or when exercising. This is hard on your jewelry.
Cleaning Swarovski Crystal
Do not use sonic cleaners, boiling water, or ammonia cleaners. Polish with a soft cloth to maintain the finish. If your handmade jewelry is very dirty, wash in warm water using a mild detergent and a soft toothbrush. (Do not submerge your jewelry in water.) Rinse thoroughly prior to drying with a clean cotton cloth.
There are two really good ways to clean Swarovski crystal with tarnished sterling: - My preferred method is to use a non-ammonia liquid tarnish remover (not silver paste), rinse under running water, and gently dry with a towel.
- Brilliant! Polishing Cloths also work great.
Do not wash Swarovski pearls - these should just be buffed with a soft dry cloth.
How To Spot a Fake
The beauty and high quality of Swarovski crystals has inspired a host of imitations. Here are some tips to help you tell the real thing from an imposter:
- Swarovski crystals are perfectly uniform: the shape, size and slope of the cuts are the same from bead to bead. Computers are used to precisely cut each crystal into hundreds of identical facets. Imitation beads will vary in their dimensions and weight.
- All the facets meet at a single point. On inferior beads, the facets are not perfectly aligned.
- If you see bubbles inside the crystals, it’s a fake.
- The AB (rainbow) finish generally has no scratches. The imitations often have scratches, swirls (the surface looks oily), and streaks.
- Swarovski mixes special compounds in the crystal that cannot be duplicated. Only Swarovski has the fire and brilliance for which it’s known.
- Buy from reputable designers. The only time the Swarovski swan sign should be displayed is if you are buying jewelry and gifts made by Swarovski (they have their own line). It is incorrect (and illegal) to display the swan sign for any other products.
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