Plating and Finishes Information

Our crystal chains are offered in 4 different plating finishes: Brass (no plating), Sterling Silver, Gold and Hematite.

Brass
Brass is the raw form of the chain as it comes out of the factory. The empty chain is manufactured from brass stock and then the crystals are added. This brass stock can vary in brightness and color depending on when it was stamped. Swarovski has no control over the look of the raw brass however they do demand the highest quality brass composition of alloys from the metals manufacturer. So, sometimes you may get some raw brass chain that almost looks like it is plated gold and other times it may look dull or dark in color. This is why most people electro-plate the chains in finishes such as gold, hematite or silver.
*Please note that if you plan to manipulate the chain by soldering then you must use raw brass chain. You cannot solder to plated chain...this will ruin the plated finish.

Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver is the most popular finish for crystal chain. This very bright coating of silver adds to the brilliance of the product. Our contractor uses an anti-tarnish coating to help resist fading and tarnishing. However, as with anything Sterling Silver item it will fade over time. Sterling Silver plating cannot be polished to return its brilliance.

Gold Overlay
Our chains are offered in Gold overlay plating. The quality of plating is excellent and the contractor is very experienced in plating rhinestone chains. This is a popular finish and adds a richness to your products. Approimatly 5mils of Gold is coated over the chain.

 

Hematite
Hematite, which is often referred to as gunmetal, gives the chain a smooth shiney black coating. Great gothic look. The hematite resists fading better than the other finishes. This finish is by special order only. Minimum charge may apply please email for estimate.