Does Swarovski Tarnish? Here’s What You Need To Know
Swarovski produces some of the most incredible crystal jewelry, but how does it last over time? We’re answering the question, does Swarovski tarnish, to help you find out!
The historic Swarovski brand is known for its sparkling crystals that feature not only in Swarovski jewelry but are often used to embellish the collections of some of the biggest fashion houses, including Louis Vuitton and Gucci.
Swarovski was in fact founded in 1895, in Austria, by Daniel Swarovski who created a cutting machine that would produce the most incredible crystal glass. This new machine could cut crystal glass in a new way that made it refract light similarly to a diamond!
The cut of these crystals, as well as their composition of sand, quartz, lead, and minerals, means Swarovski creates nearly perfect crystal pieces each time. If you are looking for a more affordable alternative to diamond jewelry, a Swarovski piece is a great option for you.
However, it is important to know how durable Swarovski pieces are and how best to take care of your Swarovski jewelry. This article is going to answer the question, does Swarovski tarnish, so you can know how your Swarovski jewelry and crystals will look over time and how to keep them sparkling!
Does Swarovski Tarnish?
Swarovski jewelry and crystals are hard-wearing and durable because of the composition of each crystal, but sadly, over time they will tarnish.
Like all jewelry, Swarovski is susceptible to wear and tear over time and so Swarovski jewelry will tarnish over the years, but if you keep up with the proper care of your Swarovski pieces, it will keep sparkling for many, many years to come.
If you protect your jewelry, it will last much longer – this includes not putting it in direct sunlight for long periods of time as the colors can fade, keeping it away from harsh chemicals, and protecting it from physical damage.
Swarovski crystals differ a little from natural crystals in that they have a chemical coating that is indented to protect the crystal and keep it sparkling, however, this coating can wear away over time.
Moisturizing lotions, perfumes, cleaners, detergents, and makeup can all cause this chemical coating to wear away; this means you must take any Swarovski jewelry off before you jump in the shower and refrain from putting any lotions, perfumes, or hand creams on anywhere near your jewelry.
The chemicals in a swimming pool and the salt in the sea also have an effect on Swarovski crystals so make sure to take your jewelry off before going swimming.
How long is the lifespan?
Without properly maintaining and cleaning your jewelry, you will get about 5 to 7 years of clean, tarnish-free wear from your Swarovski jewelry, but if you take care of it properly and clean it regularly, your Swarovski pieces will last a lifetime.
Pieces that you wear every day are obviously more prone to wear and tear, but if you clean the pieces regularly and are careful about where you are applying lotions or perfume, you can keep your jewelry looking as good as new.
Can the crystals become Scratched?
Like many precious stones and precious metals, Swarovski jewelry can be scratched, although this will take quite some force due to the hardness of a Swarovski crystal.
On the MOHS scale of hardness, a natural diamond is a 10 out of 10, while a Swarovski crystal is a 6 or 7, so they are pretty hard, but it is still possible for them to be scratched. The more scratches that build up on your Swarovski crystal, the more cloudy it will look.
Will the Hardware tarnish?
The hardware on Swarovski jewelry is like the hardware on any other jewelry, the plating on the metal can peel and flake off over time. The plating is pretty durable and resistant to corrosion, most often it will be gold or rhodium plating with a base metal of white alloy or brass, but if you are wearing a necklace or ring every day, this flaking can occur after many years of wear.
This problem is pretty easy to fix though, and the plating can be replaced – for this task, it is best to head to an authorized Swarovski retailer to get the proper repairs on your jewelry.
How to Properly clean your Swarovski jewelry
It is very important to clean your jewelry regularly, as this will keep it looking sparkling and fresh as this will remove any dirt build-up and get rid of any chemicals or lotions that may be on the crystals and wear away the chemical coating.
Cleaning your jewelry is very easy and should be done regularly to prevent any build-up of dirt. The best course of action is to buy an affordable commercial jewelry cleaner like the Shinery’s Radiance Jewelry Wash to really protect your jewelry and prevent any coating from becoming worn away.
You can also always take your jewelry back to the jeweler a couple of times a year for professional cleaning and polish.
Alternatively, you can also clean some Swarovski products at home with water and soap; All you need to do is get yourself a bowl of mild soapy water, a soft brush, a soft cloth, and a lit free cloth for drying.
Most pieces can be soaked in the water for up to 5 minutes, and then the cloth and the brush can be used to properly clean the surface of the crystals and in-between the crystals and the hardware. Then just use a lint-free cloth to gently dry your jewelry.
However, keep in mind that some Swarovski products cannot be fully submerged in water. In these cases, just dip a cloth into the water, squeeze out any excess and gently clean the jewelry and crystals with this damp cloth.
Any Swarovski pieces you wear on a daily basis should be cleaned often, every day if possible, with a dry, clean cloth – this will remove any chemical or dirt buildup from each day. If you do have any Swarovski necklaces or rings, it is also a good idea to let any lotions or makeup fully dry before putting your jewelry on.
Storing your jewelry
To store your jewelry, it’s a good idea to purchase a jewelry box where you can keep all your pieces on display.
When traveling, always carry your jewelry in the original packaging the piece came in (usually a soft pouch) to prevent the piece from being scratched.
Best-selling Swarovski jewelry
There are so many gorgeous pieces of Swarovski jewelry to choose from, so we have just picked a few earrings, necklaces, rings, and bracelets we think you will love and may inspire a future Swarovski purchase.
1. earrings
Statement earrings are a specialty at Swarovski, just like these beautiful Chroma Crystal Earrings. These striking studs have an octagonal cut shape and feature a rosy pink crystal in the middle to add a little extra pop of color.
The many facets on these earrings ensure they will sparkle in the light and would make the perfect finishing touch to any evening or special occasion look! These stunning earrings retail for just $185 and would make a perfect addition to any jewelry box.
If you are looking for something a little bigger and bolder, look no further than these Swarovski Lucent Hoop Earrings! These hoops have a geometric shape which means they glitter perfectly in the light for an eye-catching finish.
The translucent glass crystal of these earrings is available in bright blue, as you see above, as well as light topaz yellow and pale pink, making these earrings the perfect accessory to add a little extra color to any look, day or night!
2. necklaces
Swarovski has a wide range of necklaces, both dramatic options, and everyday options so you are bound to find something to fit your personal style. This Swarovski Harmonia floating crystal-embellished choker is just gorgeous, and the ideal accessory to pair with a simple black dress to add that little extra element of glamour.
The large Swarovski crystals circle around the neck, while the gold-tone hardware really compliments the gold-tone crystals for an attention-grabbing look! There is a concealed rear fastening to ensure a flawless finish.
The Swarovski Millenia crystal pendant necklace is simple enough to add a little bit of sparkle to your everyday look!
The delicate chain is rhodium plated, with a lobster clasp where you can adjust the length of the necklace, and then finished with a pale blue octagon cut Swarovski crystal at the center and tiny round crystals surrounding it. This necklace is available for just $145 and looks incredible alone as well as layered with other rhodium or sterling silver jewelry.
3. rings
A cocktail ring is such a fun accessory to add more glamour and drama to a striking evening look – and this Swarovski Lucent Cocktail Ring is the perfect option. The ring itself is made from faceted crystals, while the top of the ring is embellished with a large octagonal crystal in the same pink tone for a stunning tonal look.
This ring is available in emerald green, aquamarine, and light topaz as well so you can pick the option that best suits your style! Wear this ring with your favorite sparkling dress, sleek heels, and statement earrings for an eye-catching look.
Stacking, mixing, and matching rings is so fashionable right now and this Swarovski Millenia Stack Ring would make the perfect addition to your curated ring selection! The ring is made from triangles of colorless and green crystal and finished with rhodium-plated hardware for a paired-back and elegant look.
The simplicity of the ring really shows off the many facets of the crystals which sparkle in the light. This ring is available for just $165 and is available in many other color combinations too!
4. bracelets
Minimalist, sophisticated bracelets are a must-have in any jewelry box to add a touch more sparkle to any look, day or night, all year round. This Angelic Crystal Line Bracelet is the perfect option – crafted from gold-tone metal and circular links embellished with a large round crystal in the middle and many smaller crystals surrounding it.
The bracelet is a dainty ¼ inch wide, making it the ideal polished and refined accessory. The fold-over clasp makes it easy to slip on and off too.
We love the relaxed, boho vibes of this Swarovski Somnia bracelet with the mixture of chunky spherical beads in bronze, topaz, and shimmering white tones.
The gold-tone hardware perfectly accentuates the warm tones of the mix of beads on this bracelet, while spring-ring fastening is finished with a couple of extra yellow beads for a flawless finish. This bracelet is the ideal accessory to pair with your summer everyday looks for a little extra luxe touch.
We hope you found this article answering the question, does Swarovski tarnish, helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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