The company was created in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski in Austria. It was not his first jewelry company but it was this initiative, together with the patent for a new glass cutting machine, that undoubtedly launched him to fame and the world of exclusivity.
Swarovskis have been a part of fashion and the glittering fantasy of flashes of light ever since. Famous actresses and important figures in world cultural life have proudly worn them.
They are objects of beauty, and from collections around the world, with a value that increases over the years.
Let's see some interesting facts about these jewels.
Despite the name, Swarovski crystals are not really crystals. Strictly speaking, they are a kind of glass created with a secret and patented method. Its special elaboration, cutting and polishing make its brightness, effulgence, and refractive index, superior to real glass and closer to the values of diamond.
Swarovski crystals are made with a 32% lead content plus a unique combination of sand, quartz, and other minerals. Lead is essential for its special property of facilitating the refraction of light.
One of the spectacular properties of crystals is what is known as the Aurora Borealis effect, a delicate and colorful play of light refraction produced by a micro layer of vaporized metal that covers the glass surfaces, a process invented by one of the sons of the founder in 1956.
When you combine all these characteristics, you understand why a Swarovski crystal is much more expensive than any other glass jewel.
The Swarovski's first big appearance was with the magnificent presence of Marlene Dietrich in the 1932 film Blonde Venus, sparkling with crystals everywhere.
Another unforgettable moment of cinema and Swarovski is the famous scene of Marilyn Monroe singing “Happy Birthday Mr. President”, her dress was made with 2,500 Swarovski.
The stage of the presentation of the Oscars 2018 was made with 45 million crystals. It took 3,000 hours to complete and it weighed over 6,800 kg.
Do you have a genuine Swarovski? You can easily find out:
A Swarovski never has bubbles in the crystal.
All facets come together and point upward.
If the crystals belong to the same color family they must be exactly the same.
They cannot be damaged or scratched or greasy.
Swarovski crystals are never sold strung together, they are always sold separately. Only Swarovski pearls are sold strung.
A Swarovski never has a dull shine, it shines like a diamond.
When Daniel Swarovski founded his company, he expressed his desire to give you “… a diamond for each…”. He no doubt he made his vision come true.