Daniel Swarovski (1862, Georgenthal — 1956, Wattens) was an Austrian glass cutter and jeweller born in Bohemia. In 1892 he patented an electric cutting machine that facilitated the production of lead crystal glass jewellery.
In 1895 Swarovski, financier Armand Kosman and Franz Weis founded the Swarovski company, originally known as A. Kosmann, Daniel Swarovski & Co, which was later shortened to K.S. & Co. The company established a crystal cutting factory in Wattens to take advantage of local hydroelectricity for the energy-intensive grinding processes which Daniel Swarovski had patented.
What is Swarovski 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. Swarovski Crystal is not a natural crystal but is man made. Swarovski Crystal is made at the factory in Wattens using basic formula 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.
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 products from 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.
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.
Displaying your Swarovski Crystal
To maximize the appearance of your Swarovski crystal collection, we recommend that you display your pieces in an enclosed display case with sufficient direct light using display accessories and display mirrors.
By using an enclosed display case, you enhance the perception that you and others have of your Swarovski crystal collection. This will also minimize breakage of your Swarovski crystal and the time spent cleaning your collection. Small unlit display cases should be placed somewhere in your home that will be in direct sunlight to increase the shine and brilliance of your crystal. In larger, multi-shelved lit display cases, you should position fewer and smaller pieces on the top shelves. This will allow more light to shine through to the pieces displayed on the lower shelves. The Swarovski Crystal Home Displays will add color and elevation to your display. The display mirrors will help enhance the brilliance of your Swarovski crystal by reflecting light back up through the pieces.
Cleaning your Swarovski Crystal
Swarovski recommends that you polish your Swarovski crystal regularly with the Swarovski polishing cloth. If soiled, use a soft brush to wash your crystal in lukewarm water containing a small amount of a mild detergent. Then rinse under running water. Dry with a soft, lint-free towel and finish with the Swarovski polishing cloth. To help you clean and care for your crystal, Swarovski has produced the Swarovski Cleaning Kit. The kit includes a natural bristle brush with a Plexiglass handle, a pure cotton polishing cloth, cotton gloves and a small bag of crystals for decorative purposes. When handling your crystal, it is recommended that you wear the Swarovski Gloves to avoid leaving fingerprints. This will help maintain the brilliance of your Swarovski crystal.
Swarovski Jewelry
Swarovski Jewelry is fashion jewelry, and as such, it is either gold or rhodium plated, and a certain amount of wear and tear will occur over time. Swarovski's plating standards are very high and under normal circumstances your Swarovski Jewelry will have a very long life. To ensure the lasting beauty of your Swarovski Jewelry, do not use sonic cleaners, boiling water or commercial jewelry cleaners. Jewelry cleaners usually contain ammonia or alcohol which can have a damaging effect on the plating.
Swarovski recommends that you occasionally polish each piece with a soft lint-free cloth. If your jewelry is very dirty, wash your jewelry using warm water, a mild dish detergent and a soft bristled brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water prior to drying with a soft lint-free cloth. Please note: Do not wash the Swarovski simulated pearls. These should be buffed with a soft dry cloth.
Also, it is a good idea to put your Swarovski Jewelry on after applying perfume, hand cream or hair spray. Never wear your jewelry in the bath, in bed, doing dishes or when exercising. This can cause unreasonable stress and wear and tear. Store your jewelry in the soft pouch or box provided by Swarovski to prevent scratching. Chains and necklaces will retain their shine and glitter best if they are hung up when not being worn. Do not store your Swarovski Jewelry in areas of excessive heat or sun exposure.
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