10 Tips on Caring for Swarovski Jewelry

Almost every pair of earrings I design have Swarovski crystals all over them.  I splurge on these crystals because they are undoubtably the best - the best clarity, shine and overall awesomeness.  When I got my first pouch of crystals in the mail my jaw dropped at the how much these little beads sparkle! When I bought my first batch of rhinestones I had to immediately grab my camera and take a million photos so my friends would believe how ridiculously beautiful they were.  Anyways...Cleaning and caring for these delicate gems is a bit tricky. That is, if you're clumsy like me and bang your wrists on every surface and lazy like me and just throw all of your jewelry in a bowl at the end of the day. Well, STOP! These crystals should be treated like royalty! I've searched Swarovski and some related sources for some Dos and Don'ts...

Do: Store your crystal jewelry in separate pouches or boxes to avoid scratches and chips
Do: Polish with a soft jewelry cloth regularly to maintain luster
Do: Put your jewelry on last and take off first when dressing
Do: Avoid hard contact with surfaces
Do: Clean by hand with lukewarm water and a soft cloth (do not soak)
Do: Dry immediately to avoid streaks and spots
Do: Use baby wipes to restore brilliance quickly (except on crystlas with AB finishes, these last longer when only cleaned with warm water)
Don't: Wash hands, put on lotion or exercise while wearing your jewelry
Don't: Soak or immerse your crystals in water
Don't: Use abrasive cleaners, window cleaners, chlorine, toothbrushes or sonic cleaners on your jewelry

There are a lot of tutorials out there about cleaning your jewelry and most of them involve soaking in soapy water or scrubbing with a toothbrush. Don't do it! All Swarovski crystal beads have at least one finish on them (more if they are AB or fire polished). Soaking them and scrubbing them will only remove those finishes and dull or scratch your crystals. For detailed care instructions on more than just their jewelry, please visit the Swarovski website.

 

Weekend Market

Balmy Night

Stone Bracelet * Jessalynne * Chiffon Dress * Calypso St. Barth *

I've found myself matching bulky chains with oversized stones and charms when creating my newest bracelets and necklaces. Maybe I'm overcompensating for the delicate earrings that have so far been my staple? Maybe I'm not as girly as I was trying to project?  Maybe that doesn't bother me at all? I love the look and feel of a bombastic (that's right!) bracelet or cuff. The chunky chain should enhance the large focal point.  You should sparkle and feel extremely confident as you walk through a crowd and everyone is staring at your wrists in awe.

Do you prefer chunky or dainty jewelry for every day wear?



Wire Wrapped Crystal Earrings

I'm still new to wire wrapping anything but I've been dying to make some stud earrings. The chandelier style is awesome but I need some change every once in a while.   These adorable earrings were a great start to wire wrapping, sort of like dipping your toe in the pool before jumping in.  Just creating the 90 degree angle for the stud was challenging enough - I kept holding it too tightly and bending it backwards and sideways and all over the place! The loops on this pair are a little wonky but the sapphire fire polished beads are so pretty that I wore them anyway.  I have 5 other colors with and without AB finishes. These sweet little gems will be debuting at the Ybor Saturday Market - Come out and see them sparkle!

Weekend Market

Fall in Love - Titanium

 

Crystal Bracelet * Jessalynne * Grey Beaded Sweater * Lela Rose * Plum Chinos * Republic * Laced Wedges * Shoe Fashionista *

I know, more purple pants, but I can't help it! I love the color!  This time I paired the colorful bottoms with a comfy grey sweater. The sweater is amped up with sequins and a back zipper. These cuffed chinos will look ultra relaxed with these lace-up suede platforms and the arm candy in lavender crystals popping from under the grey sleeves. I've been told I wear grey way too much and get teased for thinking it counts as a color. Well, Pantone dubbed it a focal color of Fall so take that! You better believe I will be rocking Titanium grey all season long!

Do you consider grey chic or blah?

Stripes and Pearls

Bauble Earrings in Silver * Jessalynne *  Striped Sweaters * Bluelans * 

Anything with a dolman sleeve gets my vote, especially super comfy sweaters. The color grey is also something that has caught my eye in the past months. What was once thought of as a cheap, dreary color, now represents something more chic as well as confortable. I think I am relating the color to silver and in my head that makes it beautiful. Being decked out in grey, black and silver is my ultimate dream outfit. If I could wear it every day without looking like I have too many feelings, it would be a perfect world.  Of course not everyone is a big fan of subdued fashion, so there is a bright and bubbly alternative to my bauble earrings.

Are you most comfortable in deep, dark colors or bright and bubbly hues or (please say no) neons?