The Swarovski Company was founded in the late 19th Century when Daniel Swarovski invented an automatic cutting machine for crystal, and in 1895 established a crystal cutting factory in Austria. The birthplace of the factory was Wattens, which was chosen because local hydroelectricity made the energy-intensive process involved more cost-effective.
Today Wattens is home to the Swarovski museum which tells the story of the founder and the company’s history and development right through to present day.
The Swarovski range includes jewelry, couture, crystal sculptures and miniatures, home décor and chandeliers. They also create crystal beads and promote other designers including these in their work. In order to maximize refraction and to give Swarovski its magnificent sparkle, the crystal contains around 32% lead. Some of the crystals are also coated in order to refract a rainbow spectrum.
All Swarovski sculptures are marked with a logo, this was originally an edelweiss flower but was replaced by the current swan logo in 1988.
Today all types of Swarovski crystal are hugely in demand as collectibles, and make a stunning display in any home, can be worn as vintage or contemporary jewelry or can be used as an investment piece as their popularity and value continues to rise.
For the more adventurous or for those who want to flex their creative flair there are now so many beautiful Swarovski crystals available that you can try designing your own individual pieces. It is really not as difficult as it first seems and there are many books available to guide you through the process step by step.
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Free Shipping jewelry 30psc Swarovski 5040 Crystal 8mm Rondelle Beads AB US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:25:06 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Olivine / 6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:25 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Peridot / 6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:28 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Rose / 6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:31 PDT | Watch this Item |
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100 pcs Purple Colorful Swarovski Crystal glass bead 6*4mm CR179 US $0.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:34 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Ruby /6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:34 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Sapphire /6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:37 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Siam /6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:40 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Silk / 6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:42 PDT | Watch this Item |
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Swarovski Crystal Beads / Bicone / Topaz / 6mm (72) US $8.49 Auction Ends: Saturday May-19-2012 1:26:45 PDT | Watch this Item |
