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Swarovski Crystal
Color Chart
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Crystal
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Alexandrite
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Amethyst
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Light Amethyst
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Aquamarine
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Aurum
(Coating)
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Light
Azore
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.JPG)
Bermuda Blue
(Coating)
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Black Diamond
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Blue Zircon
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Burgandy
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Cantaloupe
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Capri Blue
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Chrysolite
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Citrine
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Cobalt Blue
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.JPG)
Comet Argent Light (Coating)
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.JPG)
Dorado (Coating)
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Emerald
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Light Emerald
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Medium Emerald
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Eninite
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Fire Opal
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Fuchsia
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Garnet
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Glacier Blue (Coating)
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.JPG)
Heliotrope (Coating)
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Hyacinth
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Indian Red
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Indicolite
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Jet
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.JPG)
Jet Nut (Coating)
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.JPG)
Hematite (Coating)
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Jonquil
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Khaki
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Lime
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.JPG)
Meridian Blue (Coating)
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Mat-Finish
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Montana Blue
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Morion
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Olivine
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Pacific Opal
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Violet Opal
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White Opal
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.JPG)
White Opal Sky Blue (Coating)
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.JPG)
White Opal Satin (Coating)
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.JPG)
White Opal Star Shine (Coating)
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Padparadscha
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Light Peach
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Peridot
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Rosalin
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Light Rose
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Rose
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Rose Alabaster
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Ruby
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Crystal Sage
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Sapphire
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Dark Sapphire
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Light Sapphire
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Indian Sapphire
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Shadow Crystal
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Siam
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Light Siam
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Smokey Quartz
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Sun
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Tabac
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Tanzanite
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Topaz
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Light Topaz
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Light Colorado Topaz
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Red Topaz
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Smoked Topaz
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Light Smoked Topaz
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Turmaline
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Red Topaz
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Smoked Topaz
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Light Smoked Topaz
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Green Turmaline
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Turquoise
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Violet
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.JPG)
Vitrail Light (Coating)
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.JPG)
Vitrail Medium (Coating)
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.JPG)
White Alabaster (Coating)
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.JPG)
Golden Shadow (Coating)
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Lavender
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.JPG)
Satin (Coating)
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Volcano
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Copper (Coating)
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Purple Velvet
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Cantaloupe Beads Change ColorI would recommend viewing these in a variety of different light sources before planning a design as the color change can be quite dramatic. These are a peach-like color in my hand under normal indoor lights Fluorescent lights turn them melon green. According to the literature they also turn gray but I cannot get them to do it.
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Cantaloupe Viewed under Fluorescent Light
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Cantaloupe Viewed in Sun Light
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Cantaloupe Viewed under Incandescent Light
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There are several basic colors that are common, such as Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Siam, Tourmaline,
Jonquil, Tanzanite and so forth. Then there are variations on these colors, like Light Sapphire, Dark Sapphire, Light Azore, Light Siam, Dark Topaz, Smoked Topaz, Light Colorado Topaz, etc.
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Swarovski Crystals
The Swarovski company has over one hundred years of experience producing the world's finest man-made crystal. Their beads are unmatched in quality and brilliance. An ever-growing variety of colors, shapes and finishes is available.
In 1895, a young Austrian glass cutter named Daniel Swarovski invented a grinding machine that could produce large numbers of high-quality decorative stones. Today, the flawless shapes of Swarovski crystals are achieved through precision cutting techniques developed by the company. The resulting facet angles are sharp and microscopically identical, giving the beads exceptional sparkle. No competitor has come close to replicating the superior cuts of these Austrian crystals.
Another factor that sets Swarovski crystal apart is the 32% lead content. This qualifies it as "fully leaded crystal". Combined with quartz sand, soda, potash and other minerals, the lead enhances the natural spectrum and increases the weight, brilliance, and prismatic qualities of the crystal. Although lead can be a toxic substance, wearing leaded crystal jewelry does not pose a health risk.
The Swarovski company has been very successful in replicating the hues of semi-precious & precious gemstones. The vibrant, sparkling colors include Amethyst, Alexandrite, Aquamarine, Citrine, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Sapphire, Tanzanite and Topaz, along with hundreds of other colors & variations. In addition, some beads receive a special, permanent coating, which enhances the extraordinary color and reflective quality. Often the coating is only applied to half of the bead, but if the color and coating name is followed by "2X", both halves of the crystal have been treated.
Transparent finishes are applied to both clear and colored crystal. They include:
- Aurore Boreale or "AB", the most popular Swarovski coating. AB coating is iridescent, & gives a pale rainbow effect. A clear crystal may appear slightly golden, with blue and pink highlights.
- Satin, a coating that gives a crystal bead a soft, special sheen. Satin finish is also known as Hematite when applied to Jet crystal beads.
Opaque coatings are often applied over clear crystal on only one half of the bead. They have a separate effect when viewed on the surface of the bead versus through the crystal of the uncoated side. They include:
- Comet Argent Light, also known as "CAL": a bright silver finish. When applied as 2X, it shines like sterling silver that will never tarnish.
- Vitrail: silvery on the surface, shining with dark watermelon hues when viewed through the crystal, depending on how the light hits.
- Heliotrope: although it appears as a dull grayish color on the outside, it sparkles inside with deep purples, blues and greens.
- Tabac: a subdued, dark golden copper finish.
- Aurum: a bright golden coating, made from real gold. It is most often found as 2X, since its outside surface is stunning.
Gem Care & Handling
Gemstones are durable substances, but they require care to keep them looking their best. Follow a few simple steps and your gems will last for generations, looking as good as they did the first day you wore them.
Storage
- Gemstones come in varying degrees of hardness. It is best to keep each piece of jewelry in its own separate space or in its own separate bag. This prevents the pieces from scratching against one another and damaging or dulling the stone.
- Keeping your jewelry separated is also important because the gold, silver or platinum setting can become damaged when pieces scratch against one another.
Temperature
- Jewelry should be kept in a location where the temperature does not shift dramatically. Dramatic shifts in temperature can crack gemstones. Avoid storing your jewelry near a heating vent.
- Always keep your jewelry out of the sun. Sunlight can cause many colored gemstones to fade or discolor.
Cleaning
Clean your jewelry regularly. Cleaning jewelry will insure that your gems last a lifetime. When you have a specific question about cleaning your jewelry, it is always best to consult a professional jeweler. If you plan on using an ultrasonic cleaner, check with your jeweler to insure that your jewelry will not be harmed. Here are a few cleaning tips to keep your jewelry in top condition:
- The best way to clean your jewelry is to use a cleaner made especially for jewelry, or to soak your jewelry in warm soapy water. Never use a detergent based soap. Consider using a very soft brush to loosen dirt.
- Organic gems like pearls, coral, and amber should never be soaked. These materials should be wiped clean with a moist cloth. Due to their organic nature these materials are both soft and porous, and can easily be damaged by improper cleaning.
Handling
The day-to-day handling of your jewelry will determine how well it fares over time. Here are a few pointers to keep your jewelry looking it's best.
- Protect your jewelry from scratches and sharp blows.
- Keep your jewelry away from chemicals and salt water.
- Do not wear your jewelry while doing household chores or gardening.
- Do not wear your jewelry while swimming. Chlorine will damage gemstones and will break down the molecules in precious metals.
- Always put your jewelry on after applying makeup or spraying your hair. The chemicals in cosmetics, hairspray and/or perfume can damage your gems, precious metals, and pearls in particular.
- Jewelry should be removed before showering. Soap will leave a film, making your jewelry appear dull.
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