Problems with Swarovski pieces breaking?

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#16
Really? That is very strange as it has never happened to me or my friends, which pieces or collections they were if I may ask? Also, I am wondering what you mean by the stones not being set? They have to be set somehow no? I mean mine are pave, pointage (some sort of patented technique) but somehow they are all set I would think. I have also dropped pieces real hard and nothing has ever happened and these were very delicate pieces with thin metal and lots of tiny stones. I dropped them on a stone floor and nothing. My experience has been that they are very very durable.

My pieces are again usually LE and more expensive and I have beads and stones combined. Also I have the Nil collection, the earrings are very delicate; heavy balls hanging on a very long and dainty chain which has worried me but though looking very delicate they have been extremely durable.

I would be interested in knowing what Swarovski collections there have been problems with as neither me nor any of my friends have had these problems. Were they actual Swarovski pieces?
 
#17
OVincze said:
Really? That is very strange as it has never happened to me or my friends, which pieces or collections they were if I may ask? Also, I am wondering what you mean by the stones not being set? They have to be set somehow no? I mean mine are pave, pointage (some sort of patented technique) but somehow they are all set I would think. I have also dropped pieces real hard and nothing has ever happened and these were very delicate pieces with thin metal and lots of tiny stones. I dropped them on a stone floor and nothing. My experience has been that they are very very durable.

My pieces are again usually LE and more expensive and I have beads and stones combined. Also I have the Nil collection, the earrings are very delicate; heavy balls hanging on a very long and dainty chain which has worried me but though looking very delicate they have been extremely durable.

I would be interested in knowing what Swarovski collections there have been problems with as neither me nor any of my friends have had these problems. Were they actual Swarovski pieces?
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I mean by being set, that the crystals are surrounded by metal as opposed too being just a crystal, like this for example. http://www.swarovski.com/Web_US/en/...amarine_Pendant.html?CatalogCategoryName=0109

Generally set pieces will be fine if you drop them, however pieces which aren't set can chip (this is to do with the alignment of particles in a crystal structure so I won't go into it), although you do have to drop them on a hard surface or drop them and stand on it etc - believe me, this does happen!

Sorry but I have no real idea which collections my pieces were from since I only buy from the Swarovski shop, but I got a keyring which two of the stones fell out of and I had a bracelet which lost a stone. It really depends how it is set, which glue is used and whether it gets knocked on things. Obviously you are much more likely to lose a stone from a bracelet than from a necklace.
 
#18
Ok, I got your point thanks. You can of course go into detail no problem (I am trained in gems so might understand somewhat but it may not be interesting to others:))) but I understand what you mean now, you mean one big piece of crystal as opposed to a jewelry with lots of crystals and yes I can imagine that if you drop an unset crystal and it hits a hard surface along a susceptible point or line, it could definitely break. You got a point there.

My pieces are totally different as I am not attracted to a single huge piece of crystal or several but I prefer their limited collections, mine are e.g., Nil from last year and this year I am looking at this:

http://www.swarovski.com/Web_HU/en/1128003/product/Regency_Necklace.html?rc_pdp=1

and these:

http://www.swarovski.com/Web_HU/en/1128101/product/Rosette_Long_Pierced_Earrings.html

http://www.swarovski.com/Web_HU/en/1128101/product/Rosette_Long_Pierced_Earrings.html

So yes I get crystals that are set:))). I usually buy sets of earrings and bracelet or occasionally a necklace and earrings set but I am normally and earrings person and those are less likely to be hit though knowing myself, I drop everything, so far so good.

Cool thread and what you said DesignerGirl has been really informative in my opinion, as an unprotected crystal will be susceptible to damage for sure and not just crystal but even gemstones of course.

I do think though that the Indicolite bracelet would be fine though. I guess my reason for shopping at the actual Swarovski stores is that then I get a two year guarantee as well. Just never know when that comes handy.
 
#19
Yes, looking at your pieces I can see that the stones would be unlikely to drop out seeing as they are quite large and deeply set, compared to ones like this, where the stones are held in by tiny claws would ring alarm bells as one where the stones can drop out http://www.swarovski.com/Web_HU/en/1128184/product/Golf_White_Bracelet.html?CatalogCategoryName=0102

As for the pieces which can chip, it's entirely due to the crystal structure which has negative atoms and positive atoms in a lattice structure (so it is held together because it is attracting the neighbouring atoms), however if the structure is shocked, it can knock the lattice, so that positive atoms are near positive and negative are near negative. Obviously this repels so a crack or chip can easily form. I buy in Swarovski bicone crystals, mainly for making wedding jewellery, and using a pair of pliers it doesn't take much strength to break one. This pendant in particular would be very risky http://www.swarovski.com/Web_GB/en/1076292/product/Loveheart_Rosaline_Small_Pendant.html

Unfortunately I think Swarovski is a case of the more you pay, the better settings/glue they use for the crystals.
 
#20
Very interesting discussion and I definitely see your points, very true, I have never looked at it this way but fortunately I seem to have expensive taste, by fortunately I mean that those pieces are likely better made than the basics, however, isn't this the way with most things? I mean that when I want to buy Burberry shoes, I probably should not buy the most basic ones as those could be made a lot cheaper than their high end ones. It is not a guarantee of course, there never is one, I had a lot of bad luck with shoes but fortunately not with my Swarovski jewelry. I guess I cam consider myself lucky but also just real glad they offer a two year guarantee but even at that of course I would not be thrilled if I had problems nonstop, that is such a hassle. I do take really good care of my things usually so that helps but accidentally dropping a piece of jewelry can occur (especially with me:))).
 
#21
I had a Swarovski necklace brought for me, very pretty and loved it. Within a couple of months 85% of the crystals had fallen out. When into the shop but they said I'd have to pay to have it repaired as they had forgotten to stamp the warranty book. It was only £20 so although I was not happy I agreed. They then sent the unrepaired necklace back saying there were too many missing to repair and to call Customer Services.
When I spoke to someone at Customer Services they said that it was my fault as I'd either worn it too much or do something to it to cause the crystals to fall out. I asked what I could have done, if it was one or two maybe but not majority of them. They were rude and just said they couldn't help further.
 
#22
I have had a bracelet and several pairs of earrings and I have lost stones out of all of them! So I am hesitant to buy again, even though they replace it, it is kind of annoying that it keeps coming out! They are really pretty but now I want to save up for the real thing!
 
#23
Okay so i got engage and my fiance bought a swarovski crystaled ring.
And it makes me so made how cheaply this ring was made.
Within 3 weeks 5 crystals had fallen out. We went to get it fixed and the ladysaid that there was no warrenty (which she lied about). Then she fixed it for us but charged 35$ for something we already had. And here i am again crystals fallin out. It has been 3 weeks again since the ring was fixed. I am furious. Im just planning on going to a new company.
 
#24
Poopie said:
Okay so i got engage and my fiance bought a swarovski crystaled ring.
And it makes me so made how cheaply this ring was made.
Within 3 weeks 5 crystals had fallen out. We went to get it fixed and the ladysaid that there was no warrenty (which she lied about). Then she fixed it for us but charged 35$ for something we already had. And here i am again crystals fallin out. It has been 3 weeks again since the ring was fixed. I am furious. Im just planning on going to a new company.
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I don't know where you live, but in the USA there is a warranty. I have even had pieces replaced six months after I bought them, and the damage was my fault (i fell and smashed a charm).
 
#25
I have quiet a fair bit of swarovski pieces, all of them still in perfect condition. Thou they're costume jewellries, i do take care of them wit extra care. Its crystal after all. Like im more careful when im wearing swarovski pieces compare to diamond/gold/platinum pieces. Also in australia, everytime u make a purchase theres a 2yr warranty n after dat for as long u still have the original packaging, theyre happy to do repair for u
 
#26
Hello

Just a friendly warning as I have just returned from my local Swarovski shop. I've purchased products from their before no problem but the ring I bought as a birthday present value over a hundred pounds has broken a second time :(

Such a shame but ok, so first time took it in to the shop polite assistant replaces it in five minuets great!

Today however they refused to do anything about it. Now this ring is less then 5 months old again and the stones are falling out again. Was quite embarrassing to discuss this in front of a busy shop but they basically said it was my fault and that it must of got wet or perfume on it. I don't wear this to work but only on occasions.

I tried to explain that its less then 5 months old, it was replaced before, that goods of this value are not fit for purpose if they don't even last six months. They just called the manager over in front of everyone gave me a post it with their complaint department and said phone them if you have a problem with that. Was shocked and upset wont buy from them ever again and will fight to get them to replace this ring and prove it is of low quality whether I need to approach a independent jeweler to inspect the ring first and go to small claims court. I've never done any of those things before but I was made to feel small and like a liar in the shop that I think its time to stand up to these bully's!

Sorry for rant everyone but they aren't as nice as they seam wait till you have a problem and see!
 
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