Information on Swarovski Jewelry
While Swarovski makes a variety of products with crystals--such as home décor items, small figurines and optical lenses--the company likely is best known for its jewelry. The signature Swarovski jewelry pieces are made mostly of crystals in a variety of shapes and colors, combined with different metals and materials. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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Swarovski was founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski I, three years after he created a machine that, according to the Swarovski website, "revolutionized the process of crystal cutting." As the company grew, Swarovski moved to Wattens, Austria, to create a large manufacturing site. The first jewelry collection by Swarovski was launched in 1977, even though the crystals previously had been used in fashion pieces and other designers' jewelry lines.
Crystals
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Swarovski's jewelry is notable because of its crystals. The company's crystal-cutting machine is not its only invention. In 1957, the company--along with fashion icon Christian Dior--developed the Aurora Borealis effect. In nature, the aurora borealis is "a luminous glow of the upper atmosphere," according to the University of Alaska's Geophysical Institute. For Swarovski crystals, the effect is similar. Unlike Swarovski's regular crystals, Aurora Borealis crystals sparkle with the glow of an oil spill in sunlight, changing colors at every angle.
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Jewelry
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Swarovski collections feature rings, pendants, earrings, necklaces, brooches, pins, charms, clip earrings, bracelets and bangles. The company also offers hair jewels and tiaras, as well as watches and cuff links. Swarovski jewelry may include colored crystals, clear crystals or a combination of the two.
Cost
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The cost of Swarovski jewelry varies greatly, depending on the item. The company offers inexpensive pieces, as well as limited edition items. As of March 2010, prices at Swarovski's online store range from about $32 to $70 for charms; $100 to $425 for bracelets and bangles; $65 to $170 for brooches; $90 to $550 for necklaces; and $44 to $195 for pierced earrings. However, discount retailers may offer Swarovski jewelry for about half the price.
Homemade Jewelry
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If you don't see a design or price that suits your needs, learn how to create your own jewelry using Swarovski crystals (see Resources). If you don't know how to make your own accessories--and don't have time to learn--you can order custom-made Swarovski pieces from online sellers.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit swarovsky beads image by odze from Fotolia.com
