Swarovski History
Founded more than a century ago, Swarovski's crystal designs continue to delight collectors around the world. "Kristallwelten," a dazzling crystal display built in 1995 to celebrate the company's 100th anniversary, is Austria's second most popular tourist attraction. Today, Swarovski is managed by the fourth and fifth generations of the family. Does this Spark an idea?
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Origin
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Daniel Swarovski apprenticed in his father's glass-cutting shop in the 1890s in the Czech Republic. In 1892 he invented and patented a machine to improve the glass-cutting process.
Company
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Swarovski established his own company in 1895 in Wattens, Tirol, in Austria, far from the industry's center to help maintain trade secrets.
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Aurora Borealis
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In 1956, Christian Dior helped Swarovski create the Aurora Borealis effect in its crystal.
Figurines
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Swarovski introduced its first crystal animal, "Silver Crystal Mouse," in 1976 for the Winter Olympics. This marked the beginning of Swarovski's series of collectible figurines.
Fashion and Jewelry
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In 1977, Swarovski introduced a line of fine jewelry. In 1989, the company unveiled the Daniel Swarovski Collection, including handbags and accessories.
Collector's Society
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The Swarovski Collectors Society was established in 1987 which has grown to more than 400,000 members today.
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References
- Photo Credit Wolfgang Pust/ Commons.wikimedia.org
