Saturday, 21 March 2015

When Purchasing Swarovski Crystals San Francisco Buyers Should Keep These Points In Mind

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 high lead and lead oxide content in the glass used to manufacture this crystal is largely responsible for its resemblance to a diamond. A large selection of cuts are available to choose from, with each of these represented by its own four-digit code. Popular shapes include rondell, round, bicone, cube, heart, teardrop, and oval. Some are equipped with holes for stringing, or made so they can be affixed to material for crafting unique designs.

Suitable to be worn with any outfit, dressy or casual, the versatility of Swarovski crystal accessories makes them the perfect gift idea for both men and women who love sparkling jewelry. They are often combined with metal settings to make rings, bracelets, pendants, earrings, and more. Not only can these crystals be worn, but they are also used to fashion many beautiful collector's items such as vases, sculptures, and Christmas ornaments.

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.

Lead crystal jewelry should not be worn while swimming, nor should it come into contact with most cosmetic products. Regularly polishing it with a soft cloth and storing it in a soft case when not being worn, will help it maintain its original shine and prevent damage.




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