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

By Lelia Hall


The Swarovski name has been associated with some of the world's finest crystal since 1895. Esteemed for its exceptional luminosity and vivid range of colors, this leaded-glass crystal is desired by both those who collect and those who make jewelry. When in the market for Swarovski crystals San Francisco CA buyers must know how to recognize a genuine piece, and be familiar with the selection available to them.

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.

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 specially-formulated exterior finishes applied with heat to the cut glass contain just the right mixture of metallic compounds needed to produce the characteristic luminescence. A single or double coating may be applied, those which receive two coats are referred to as "2X". A wide assortment of colors and shades are produced in each finish type, namely the intense, multi-faceted Aurora Borealis (AB) and the double-coated AB 2X finishes, and the softer, more subtle satin and color finishes.

As with any thing of value, there are some imitation Swarovskis out there, which is why it's important to know how to identify when it's the real thing. An authentic crystal should be stamped with "Wattens, Austria" as its place of origin, its even cut should produce facets which point upwards and all meet at the same junctures and a brilliant sparkle, and there should be uniform luster with no air bubbles inside.

Collectors who are interested in purchasing a vintage piece from a particular era, can date it using the signature mark, which in most cases consists of both words and an image, but sometimes the latter is omitted. Another way to assess the age of a crystal piece is if it has an Aurora Borealis finish, since this was not introduced until 1956, any with this finish were made in this year or later.

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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