Collectibles Rants and Packrat Dreams

What is crystal?

Many Swarovski Silver Crystal lovers believe that the raw material used in the manufacture of our crystal objects occurs naturally, like rock crystal from which containers and spheres have been carved since time immemorial. Nothing could be further from the truth. SwarovskiCrystal is made at the factory in Wattens using basic formulae perfected by Daniel Swarovski and his three sons in the earlier part ofthis century. In this section, we answer a number of questions frequently asked about Swarovski Silver Crystal.

Does the word “SILVER” in the name Swarovski SilverCrystal mean Swarovski products actually contain silver?

No. A Swarovski craftsman in Austria, whoheld up a finished piece of crystal to the light inspections,was awed by the silvery glow created by the object’s spectral brilliance. Since then, all pieces in the collection have been called Swarovksi Silver Crystal.

What is Swarovski Silver Crystal made of?

Swarovski Silver Crystal if fired using a combinationof natural minerals and quartz sand, and then cooled slowly to avoid stress and inclusions.

Why is Crystal more expensive than glass?

Crystal quality is dependent on the production method and the processing of the raw material . Both factors play a major role in determining its brilliance and the measure of its value.

What distinguishes Swarovski productsfrom imitations and those made by other manufacturers?

The factor that sets Swarovski crystal products apart is -and always has been - the superior quality of the cutting and polishing. In recent years,crucial role has also been played by exceptionally creative in - house and freelance designers.

Do other manufacturers use Swarovski crystal tomake figures?

Some gift ware manufacturers purchase standardchandelier stones and assemble them to create their own designs,but these figures are easily identified by the holes in the crystal. However, the stones used in Swarovski Silver Crystal pieces are not available to other companies, because each component is cut specially for the Swarovksi Silver Crystal piece in question.

How can I tell if a figure is a genuine SwarovskiSilver Crystal product?

Swarovski’s seal of quality is the logo etched into the base of every single product piece.

What is the best way of caring for and cleaningSwarovski Silver Crystal?

Dust carefully or rinse in lukewarm water. Forbest results, however, use the special polishing cloth available from all Swarovski official retailers. This cloth, along with a cleaning brush, white Swarovksi gloves and a package of colored crystals is included in the Cleaning Kit made by Swarovksi.

Can Swarovski Silver Crystal be repaired?

Minor damage to Swarovski Silver Crystal poses no great problem and can be made good at one of Swarovski’s many repair shops around the world. Multiple fractures, however, are usually irreparable.