Absolute Stunner
The media could not be loaded. There is something to be said about the uniformity achieved by such a maximalist lineup of crystals. _ Value: Swarovski is not an heirloom investment. This bracelet has neither real crystals nor real gold. The value lies in the patented machine-cut technology. “Crystals”: Gorgeous mix of emerald, teardrop/pear, round, and marquis cuts in different gems sizes and orientations. The largest stones are in the middle (opposite and counterweight from the clasp & size extender). Color: Primarily three hues of green and two of blue. The asymmetry intention behind placing a lone crystal, of only and lightest hue, at the end of the chain makes the lesser-seen side of the bracelet unique. Gold-toned plated band: The round crystals are in bezel settings. The rest sit in baskets, highlighting the clarity and equally mesmerizing underside. Each crystal is secured with four prongs; single- and double-claw. Chain linked in pairs, giving the bracelet more structure than linking each individual crystal to one another, yet still enough movement to catch all the shine. The hardware is NOT solid gold - not even gold-plated - and will tarnish with frequent wear. Sizing: I have quite small wrists and the shortest length falls about a third way down my forearm. Assuming the target audience being dainty ladies, one more option to size down could reach an untapped market. The extender chain is adorned with even more crystals, not a vestigial afterthought. The spring-ring clasp doesn’t look cheap thanks to the gold-toned plating but I would feel more secured if the spring mechanism itself has just a little more resistance. Packaging: Sturdy paper box, fabric lining, elastic bands, and foam cushion. Branding: Not sold by the official store nor by Amazon. I had concerns about potential counterfeit. Inner and outer boxes have embossed swan logos, as well as a swan charm/hardware on the bracelet itself. Outer box also has a bar code with the Article number and a general description. Product care info booklet included; with the correct Article number and customer service email addresses as listed on the Swarovski website. The booklet is 2024 copyrighted (unrelated to the production year). This bracelet is part of the 2022-2023 Gema collection in collaboration with Giovanna Engelbert. _ Overall, this design is amazing if you prefer gold over silver, a classy but not boring look, and celebrating the best Swarovski has to offer: high sparkles payoff for a fraction of the cost. Things to consider: - If you don’t care for a brand that has successfully marketed itself as “affordable luxury”, it costs next to nothing to have actual gold plating at this price point. Probably not with as many stones and the light reflections won’t be as crisp. To Swarovski: improvement in this area would highly improve the company integrity and customer satisfaction. - These “crystals” are man-made glass: proprietary blend of quartz sand, minerals, and lead (< 90 ppm). Not nearly as expensive as naturally formed gemstones and crystals. While these are superior to other manmade crystals when new due to precisely-cut facets, they will dull over time. - As said above, I could use one size smaller. - A random portion of the band occasionally flips over as I raise and lower my arm, but I guess imperfection is part of the charms (pun intended). Read more
