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.
 |
72pcs SWAROVSKI Crystal Beads#5040 Champagne 8x6mm#25 US $0.01 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:50:51 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
Jewelry 72pcs Swarovski crystal flat beads 8mm 1005 US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:03 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
2 SWAROVSKI 6202 Heart Crystal Beads 14mm AMETHYST AB US $2.58 Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:06 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
200Pcs Multicolor Swarovski Crystal Loose Bead 6mm US $1.88 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:11 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
500Pcs Clear Swarovski Crystal Gem Beads 4mm +AB US $5.50 (12 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:16 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
50pcs 8mm Crystal AB SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS BEADS #443 US $4.14 (3 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:33 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
100pcs 6mm Blue Lake SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS BEADS #407 US $6.06 (15 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:34 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
925 Sterling Silver Swarovski Crystal Bead For Pandora US $4.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:35 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
jewelry 100pcs Swarovski crystal 5301 6mm bicone Beads US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:37 PDT | Watch this Item |
 |
Jewelry 72pcs Swarovski crystal flat beads 8mm 1006 US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Sep-03-2010 18:51:38 PDT | Watch this Item |
