The name “Swarovski” is well-known in the jewelry and design world, but what does it mean exactly? Is it a company? A technique? A designation of quality? The answer, of course, is all three.

The tradition of Swarovski crystals began in 1892 when Daniel Swarovski invented a crystal cutting machine that allowed for a more precise cut than previous manual methods. This technique became well-known because it brought out the beauty of the crystal. So the Swarovski name has become associated with a level of quality and beauty.

While the Swarovski company has innovated in many areas– including precision optical instruments, grinding tools and even road safety products! – precision-cut crystals and gemstones for fashion, jewelry and the design industry has remained a major focus.

Here are a few facts you may not have known about Swarovski:

• Swarovski worked with fashion designer Christian Dior to develop a technique that further enhances the sparkle of cut crystal, known as the “Aurora Borealis” effect.
• Swarovski crystals are used to adorn chandeliers, including those in the New York Metropolitan Opera and the Palace of Versailles.
• In 1976, Swarovski began creating its popular decorative crystal figurines. The very first figure was a small crystal mouse created for the 1976 Austria Olympics. Today the Swarovski Crystal Society has more than 325,000 members – all enthusiastic about the small figurines!
• The Swarovski Kristallwalten (Crystal World) was the brainchild of multi-media artist Andre Heller who was commissioned by Swarovski to “pay homage to crystal as a medium of imagination” in honor of the company’s 100^th year. More of a modern art museum, it has become one of Austria’s most popular tourist attractions.

Some of our TruLuvGift artists work with Swarovski stones. Artist Michal Golan uses Swarovski crystals to enhance her stunning “Evil Eye” and Hamsa bracelets. Nachshon Peleg and Stavit Allweis have placed Swarovski stones at the center of several of the necklace pendants.