Swarovski jewelery is famous all over the world not only for how beautiful it is, but also because it is all of excellent quality. Made from various materials such as quartz, sand, minerals and lead, these have the particularity that they can maintain a shine and durability that many natural crystals lack.
Of course, we are talking about crystals and artificial gemstones of such quality that they are capable of imitating natural gemstones, but at a fraction of the price. However, despite being impressive jewels, they are still delicate, so they require proper care to maintain their original beauty and shine.
If you are the lucky owner of one of these Swarovski jewels, you will surely want to know how you can take care of it and keep it in perfect condition. Well, next, we will tell you how to do it, so keep reading until the end.
Care and maintenance of Swarovski jewelry
In Swarovski jewellery, each crystal is individually set and the metals are delicately plated, which means special care must be taken when wearing, cleaning, handling and storing them.
Cleaning your jewelry
Swarovski crystals have a thin protective layer of gold or rhodium. This is something that can limit the cleaning methods that can be safely used on this type of jewelry. So keeping them clean can be a challenge, but there are some strategies we can follow to take care of them regularly and keep them looking their best. There are two main methods to clean your Swarovski jewelry:
with a dry cloth
This method is best for light cleaning and general maintenance. Simply hold your Swarovski jewelry in one hand and gently polish your crystals with a soft, dry, lint-free cloth to remove dirt and dust.
To do this, try to wear cotton gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. Polish each crystal in a gentle circular motion to restore the original shine and beauty. Always remember to use a light touch to prevent the fabric from snagging on metal casings or sharper edges. Stubborn marks can be removed with soapy water.
With a toothbrush and soapy water
This method is ideal for regular “deep cleanings” and helps remove the toughest dirt that may have built up. You will need a soft-bristled toothbrush (an old one will do), a small bowl of warm water, and some liquid detergent or mild soap. You will also need a soft, dry, lint-free cloth or towel to dry at the end.
Dip your brush in the water to moisten the bristles, then add a very small drop of dishwashing liquid or soap to the brush. Then, concentrating on one crystal at a time, gently brush to remove any dirt and dust from your jewelry or figurines. Try not to rub, use a gentle circular motion, much like the soft cloth method.
Once you’ve cleaned each Swarovski crystal, run your jewelry under the tap for a few seconds to rinse off any remaining soap.
Important tip: be sure to cover the drain before doing this, as the crystals will be slippery and you don’t want to pour them down the drain. Rinse your crystals thoroughly, as any prolonged contact with cleaning products can weaken the metallic coating on your jewelry.
Once rinsed, gently blot the crystals dry with a lint-free cloth or towel. For best results, finish drying the crystals manually, then place them on a towel to dry completely. Make sure they are completely dry before putting them away.
Care to be taken with your Swarovski jewelry
Avoid too much exposure to direct sunlight and physical damage
Like any natural crystal, Swarovski crystals are also subject to wear and physical damage. So they should be kept away from any physical harm and should not be exposed to too much direct sunlight for extended periods of time.
Avoid sweat and chemicals
What is somewhat different about Swarovski crystals is their chemical coating which can tarnish more easily than some natural crystals if exposed to too much sweat or frequently sprayed with perfumes or washed with harsh detergents. The same goes for many other cosmetics and even suntan lotions.
Wait until after you’ve applied your lotion, makeup, perfume, and hair products to put on your Swarovski jewelry. If you put on your jewelry before these products, you may stain it or end up getting harsh chemicals on your jewelry that could cause permanent damage to your jewelry.
Take off your jewelry before going swimming, showering or bathing, or washing your hands.
It is advisable to keep your Swarovski jewelry away from chlorine, but we trust that you would not go swimming with your jewelry on anyway. Likewise, it is also not good to shower with them, since we could expose our Swarovski jewelery to shower soaps, shampoos and conditioners that can damage the fine coating that protects and gives shine to Swarovski crystal jewellery.
Do not use commercial cleaners.
Do not use commercial jewelry cleaners as they are harsh and can damage the finish of the jewelry. Look for special cleaners designed for Swarovski jewelry, as they are safe to use.
Never use a hard object to clean your crystals.
Do not try to scrape dirt off your Swarovski crystal jewelry. You can scratch the coating in the process, which can cause permanent damage to your jewelry.
Storing your Swarovski jewelry
Store your crystal jewelry in a soft cloth bag.
Keep your Swarovski crystal jewelry separate from other pieces of jewelry in its own bag to prevent scratches or tangles. You can also use your jewelry’s original packaging for storage.