Swarovski crystals are precision-cut gems that are widely popular for their beauty and unparalleled clarity. These valuable crystals, particularly when it is an exclusive range of crystals from Swarovski, have a unique ability to capture and reflect light, creating a sparkle that adds a touch of elegance to any setting.
Whether you’re wearing them as jewellery, displaying them as decor, or cherishing them as collectables, proper maintenance is the key to preserving the allure and value of your Swarovski crystal treasures. It is, therefore, essential to understand how to properly care for and maintain them to ensure that they retain their radiant beauty for years to come.
In this guide, we’ll discuss the process of maintaining Swarovski crystals and provide you with expert tips to help you preserve their shine.
How to Maintain Your Swarovski Crystal
Handle With Care
The first step in maintaining your Swarovski crystals is to handle them with care. While these crystals are durable, they are also quite delicate and are prone to damage from rough handling. Therefore, always handle them over a soft and cushioned surface, as dropping them onto hard surfaces can result in chipping or scratching.
Additionally, before handling your Swarovski crystals, ensure that your hands are clean and free from oils, lotions, or residues that could transfer onto the crystals’ surface.
Clean Regularly
Over time, dust, dirt, and oils can accumulate on the surface of Swarovski crystals, dulling their brilliance. Therefore, regular cleaning is essential to maintain their sparkling clarity. When cleaning, use a mild and gentle cleaning solution formulated explicitly for crystal or glass. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners that can damage the crystals’ surface.
Also, avoid wiping the crystals with hard clothing materials that could scratch their surface. Instead, make use of a soft, lint-free cloth or a soft brush.
Avoid Exposure to Water
Swarovski crystals should be kept far away from water, as exposure to moisture or liquids can damage their adhesive properties and affect their brilliance. Therefore, remove any crystal pieces you have on before bathing, swimming, or engaging in water-based activities to keep the crystals from being touched by water.
If your Swarovski crystals come into contact with water, pat them dry with a soft cloth immediately to prevent moisture from seeping into any crevices.
Store Properly
How you store your Swarovski crystals plays a significant role in preserving their brilliance and preventing damage. When storing these crystal pieces, do not allow them to come into direct contact with each other or other jewellery pieces to prevent scratches or damage.
It is advisable to store your Swarovski crystals in soft pouches or jewellery boxes lined with fabric to provide protection and prevent dust from settling on them.
Avoid Sunlight and Heat
Exposure to prolonged sunlight and high temperatures can lead to fading and discolouration of Swarovski crystals over time. So, keep your crystals away from windows, direct sunlight, and areas where they could be exposed to excessive heat.
It’s best to store them in a cool and dry environment with stable humidity levels to prevent colour fading and damage.
Handle Metal Components Carefully
Swarovski crystals are often used in jewellery settings that are made up of metal parts, and handling these parts with care is important to prevent damage to both the crystals and the metal.
Avoid applying excessive force when handling these items to reduce the risks of the metal bending or getting distorted. If the metal parts become tarnished, use a soft polishing cloth specifically designed for the type of metal to restore their shine gently.
Seek Professional Cleaning
If your Swarovski crystals have lost their sparkle due to accumulated dirt or damage, you may want to consider hiring professional crystal cleaning and restoration services. These experts have the knowledge and tools to clean and restore Swarovski crystals to their original brilliance.
Keep their Documentation
Preserving the documentation of Swarovski crystals is essential to prove their authenticity and potential future value. If your Swarovski crystals came with certificates of authenticity at purchase, ensure you keep these documents safe and organised.
You should also preserve records of purchase dates, locations, original packaging, and any relevant information that can help establish the authenticity and history of your Swarovski crystals.
Conclusion
Swarovski crystals are valuable investments that deserve meticulous care and attention. By following the expert tips and guidelines provided above, you can ensure that your Swarovski crystals will continue to radiate brilliance and elegance and captivate the eyes of many for years to come.