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.

Wholesale!20PCS 6MM Swarovski Crystal Glass Beads #601 US $0.30 (3 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:22:45 PDT   | Watch this Item

Jewelry 100pcs 6mm Swarovski Crystal 5301 Bicone Beads US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:22:52 PDT   | Watch this Item

new 99Pcs Pink Multicolor Swarovski Crystal Beads 3x4mm US $2.31 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:16 PDT   | Watch this Item

Swarovski Crystal Beads Stretch Bracelet 7" G1416 US $3.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:21 PDT   | Watch this Item

charm 100pcs Swarovski crystal 5301 6mm bicone Beads US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:34 PDT   | Watch this Item

White AB 400pcs Swarovski crystal 5301 4mm bicone Beads US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

Jewelry 72pcs Swarovski crystal beads 8mm 1007 US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

Jewelry 4mm 400pcs Swarovski bicone crystal beads 63019 US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

100pc Swarovski Crystal Beads Mixed Color 6*8mm 5200 AB US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:45 PDT   | Watch this Item

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 925 STERLING SILVER BEADS FIT PANDORA US $3.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:24:24 PDT   | Watch this Item

I have absolutely fallen in love with these Sweetie bracelets from Links of London.

I had never heard of the range until a friend was bought one, with a small heart charm, for her birthday recently and since then I have done my research.

Links of London was founded in 1990 in a kind of bizarre way. A local restaurant owner had commissioned the design of a pair of sterling silver cufflinks as a gift for their loyal restaurant clients. The exclusive London Department Store, Harvey Nichols, saw the design, fell in love with it and ordered a whole collection.

The rest is history.With branches in the UK, USA, Canada and Hong Kong the brand has gone on to win a whole raft of awards, culminating in the UK Jewellery Brand of the Year 2007.

I for one am won over by their designs and first on my list is the Sweetie Bracelet……sweet!

Apart from the Sweetie bracelets Links of London also offers other jewelry for women, jewelry for men, gifts for babies and children, watches and accessories. If you browse Ebay many of these items can also be picked up at great prices.

A gift for a loved one, or for yourself…you won’t be disappointed.

Pandora Charm Bracelets are originally of Danish design and they are crafted in precious metals such as gold and silver, with a huge variety of individual charms that can be mixed and matched to create really unique designs.

Each bracelet is divided into three sections by small threads, which allows you to add charms on to the bracelet in any combination you desire. The beads are free to move and rotate which only adds to their eye-catching effect.

Thus the bracelet can be modified to reflect your style, your clothing colour or even your mood on any individual day.

I have only recently bought one of these bracelets at a local jeweler and I must admit that at first the price did make me think twice.

However, since bringing it home, keen as I was to add to my collection, I have looked them up online, both on eBay and on Amazon and I have been amazed at the savings that can be made. There are some beautiful individual charms available at hugely reduced costs on eBay and even better a much wider range than you would find at any local store.

I think I may have just found a few birthday and Christmas presents that people can buy me for oh…the next 30 years or so!

Christmas Stocking Charm Fits Pandora Bracelet US $0.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:07 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lot 25 Mixed Glass Bead Fits PANDORA Charm Bracelet US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:34 PDT   | Watch this Item

Authentic silver Pandora Bead Charms Bracelet US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:23:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

925 silver lucky charm pandora beads Bracelet FH62 US $7.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:24:08 PDT   | Watch this Item

925 silver lucky charm Pandora beads Bracelet LM060 US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:24:27 PDT   | Watch this Item

7.5" PANDORA CHARM PANDORA BEAD & PANDORA BRACELET P42L US $0.01 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:24:28 PDT   | Watch this Item

Vogue 10Pcs Rondelle Stone Jade Charm Beads For Pandora US $3.49 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:24:31 PDT   | Watch this Item

Authentic silver Pandora Bead Charms Bracelet ,19cm US $0.30 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:25:26 PDT   | Watch this Item

AUTHENTIC PANDORA White Pearl Large Beaded Drop Charms US $17.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:25:30 PDT   | Watch this Item

Lot 25 Mixed Glass Bead Fits PANDORA Charm Bracelet US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Sep-09-2010 21:25:38 PDT   | Watch this Item