Saturday 21 March 2015

Helpful Information About Buying And Owning Swarovski Crystals San Francisco Shoppers Need To Know

By Lelia Hall


Setting high standards since 1895, the Swarovski name is synonymous with the most exquisite crystal jewelry on the market. Highly regarded for its dazzling brilliance and wide range of striking colors, these crystals are coveted by both collectors and those who design their own jewelry. When buying Swarovski crystals San Francisco CA consumers should first become familiar with the qualities and selection of these brilliant pieces.

The diamond look of Swarovski crystal is primarily achieved by the use of glass which contains a high percentage of lead and lead oxide. These pieces are shaped using a special, precision cutting technique and come in many different cuts including the cube, rondell, bicone, round, teardrop, heart, and oval shapes, as well as those which can be sewn onto fabric or strung. Each group has its own four-digit code.

Its outstanding versatility makes Swarovski jewelry a great accent for any outfit. A sparkling crystal pair of earrings, pendant, bracelet, or ring can look equally stylish when worn with either a casual or dressy ensemble. Both women's and men's pieces are available which feature these eye-catching crystals. They are also used to make some lovely collector's items such as Christmas ornaments, sculptures, and vases.

One aspect which makes this crystal stand out from the rest is its affinity for refracting light into a multitude of stunning colors. A chemical treatment of the crystal which gives it the ability to absorb and reflect a wide range of light wavelengths. The color spectrum emitted is generally a series of variations of the base color.

The heated chemical coatings which give crystal its distinctive luminescence contain a patented combination of metallic compounds. One or two coatings may be applied, if there are two, the piece will be designated as "2X". The most common finishes include the multi-faceted, Aurora Borealis and Aurora Borealis 2X, also known as "AB" finishes, as well as the more uniform satin, and color finishes. A large selection of colors and shades of each type are produced.

Buyers must be aware that there are some imposters out there, so it is essential that one knows the marks of a genuine Swarovski. Typically, an authentic crystal will be free of any bubbles, have an even luster and high sparkle from even cutting, all facets will point upwards and uniformly meet at the same junctures, and the place of manufacture will be stamped as "Wattens, Austria".

Over its history, the Swarovski signature mark used to identify its pieces has changed periodically, which can be useful for collectors who wish to date a particular piece. The words and image imparted onto the crystal or lack thereof can indicate the era which it dates from. Also, the Aurora Borealis finish was only introduced in 1956, which tells buyers that any piece bearing this finish is dated after that year.

Crystal jewelry should be kept in a soft case when it's not being worn and gently polished using a soft cloth periodically, to keep it looking radiant. It should not come into contact with cosmetics, or be worn while swimming, if it is to last for many years and retain its beauty.




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