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The History of Swarovski




The History of Swarovski Crystal

Swarovski crystal figurines and jewelry items are renowned the world over for their breathtaking beauty and intricate detail. But believe it or not many collectors are not aware of the rich history behind the manufacturing process of these magnificent works of crystalline art.

The Swarovski company was founded by Daniel Swarovski in 1895 in Wattens, Austria. When Daniel was growing up the industrial age was well on its way. This created the perfect nurturing environment for his creative and industrious spirit. His experiments with glass cutting and machinery soon led to his invention of a machine that would mechanically cut and polish glass, a process which up to this point had been done only by hand. The company was spectacularly successful and was soon creating glass crystal for everyone from the optics industry to the jewelry and fashion industries. Their success has never diminished and continues to this day.

While Swarovski still manufactures glass for various industries and while Swarovski jewelry such as rings, earrings, bracelets and necklaces are quite popular they are most well known for the stunningly beautiful collectible animal figurines they create known as "Swarovski Silver Crystal". In 1974 designer Max Schreck started a new product line rather accidentally when he built a tiny mouse out of glass chandelier parts on a whim. Soon to follow was a series of crystal animals, the most famous of which were crystal lovebirds. Today Swarovski's Silver Crystal division is a major part of the company.

How a Swarovski crystal figurine is created is a closely guarded secret. In the beginning the figurines were manufactured from random chandelier parts the company had available. This soon changed to the modern process which is quite a bit more complex to say the least. Initially the designers will study a proposed subject by going through photos, books, etc. Once a design is decided upon they create a rough model. From this point it is passed on to a team of engineers who create a series of blueprints from the model. These blueprints are of the separate pieces of the design. A team of machinists then create the tools necessary to create these pieces and bond them together. Based on how complex the figurine is there can be anywhere from 5 to 50 separate pieces required! These pieces are manufactured by pouring molten glass into molds. The glass is heated and cooled multiple times which anneals it, a process which strengthens the glass and prevents it from shattering. Once finally cooled the pieces are tested for clarity. Only an absolutely perfect piece is allowed to go onto the final stages where it is precision ground, polished and glued together with all of the other pieces using transparent glue.

This is quite an involved process and seeing how much work goes into each Swarovski figurine makes one truly appreciate the craftsmanship involved!

What you see below is a sampling of all the Swarovski crystal collectibles available for sale on eBay - many rare and retired. If you don't see exactly what you're looking for search here for even more!

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NIB Swarovski Crystal 2005 Annual Edition Angel 718996

NIB Swarovski Crystal 2005 Annual Edition Angel 718996

US $65.00

Product Details
NIB Swarovski Crystal 2006 Annual Edition Angel 863449

NIB Swarovski Crystal 2006 Annual Edition Angel 863449

US $65.00

Product Details
NIB Swarovski Crystal 2007 Annual Edition Angel 905208

NIB Swarovski Crystal 2007 Annual Edition Angel 905208

US $55.00

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal

Swarovski Crystal "Harlequin"-2001 Annual Edition Piece

US $350.00

Product Details
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SCS  2000  EDITION COLUMBINE MIB COA

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL SCS 2000 EDITION COLUMBINE MIB COA

US $325.00

Product Details
FENDI SUNGLASSES~NEW~LIMITED EDITION~SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

FENDI SUNGLASSES~NEW~LIMITED EDITION~SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

US $399.99

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Swarovski Crystal 100 ANNIVERSARY SWAN LIMITED EDITION

Swarovski Crystal 100 ANNIVERSARY SWAN LIMITED EDITION

US $39.99

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal 10th Anniversary Edition The Squirrel

Swarovski Crystal 10th Anniversary Edition The Squirrel

US $49.99

Product Details
DANIEL SWAROVSKI Limited Edition CRYSTAL ENCRUSTED MASK

DANIEL SWAROVSKI Limited Edition CRYSTAL ENCRUSTED MASK

US $122.50

Product Details
Swarovski Gold Crystal Tennis Bracelet Limited Edition

Swarovski Gold Crystal Tennis Bracelet Limited Edition

US $15.99

Product Details
Swarovski Annual Edition 1995 Crystal Lion Figurine MIB

Swarovski Annual Edition 1995 Crystal Lion Figurine MIB

US $152.50

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Swarovski crystal (Angel) pin Limited Edition!!!

Swarovski crystal (Angel) pin Limited Edition!!!

US $11.99

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Swarovski Crystal Limited Edition 2004 BULL RARE MIB

Swarovski Crystal Limited Edition 2004 BULL RARE MIB

US $4,750.00

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Swarovski Crystal 1997 Annual Edition Dragon

Swarovski Crystal 1997 Annual Edition Dragon

US $9.99

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Swarovski Crystal Annual Edition 1993 Elephant

Swarovski Crystal Annual Edition 1993 Elephant

US $113.61

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Swarovski Crystal 1996 Annual Edition The Unicorn

Swarovski Crystal 1996 Annual Edition The Unicorn

US $50.00

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Swarovski Crystal 1998 Annual Edition Pegasus Figurine

Swarovski Crystal 1998 Annual Edition Pegasus Figurine

US $50.00

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal The Collector Jubilee Edition 2007

Swarovski Crystal The Collector Jubilee Edition 2007

US $109.95

Product Details
LOT 4 COLLECTOR EDITION SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL CARE BEARS

LOT 4 COLLECTOR EDITION SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL CARE BEARS

US $247.50

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal SCS Annual Edition 1992: Whales MIB

Swarovski Crystal SCS Annual Edition 1992: Whales MIB

US $76.42

Product Details
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PLANET MILLENNIUM EDITION 2000. MIB.

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PLANET MILLENNIUM EDITION 2000. MIB.

US $149.00

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal Eagle Members Limited Edition Lottery

Swarovski Crystal Eagle Members Limited Edition Lottery

US $5,250.00

Product Details
Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Millennium Jewelry!

Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Millennium Jewelry!

US $99.00

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal Ltd. Edition Sapphire Marquis Prism

Swarovski Crystal Ltd. Edition Sapphire Marquis Prism

US $17.99

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Swarovski Crystal Ltd. Edition Snowflake Prism Ornament

Swarovski Crystal Ltd. Edition Snowflake Prism Ornament

US $17.99

Product Details
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 1998 LTD EDITION SCS SWAN BOTH BOXES

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 1998 LTD EDITION SCS SWAN BOTH BOXES

US $49.99

Product Details
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ANNUAL EDITION

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL ANNUAL EDITION"PEGASUS"1998 ONLY YEAR

US $397.00

Product Details
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PLANET MILLENNIUM EDITION RETIRED MIB

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL PLANET MILLENNIUM EDITION RETIRED MIB

US $149.95

Product Details
Swarovski Crystal 2004 Limited Edition

Swarovski Crystal 2004 Limited Edition "BULL" Figurine

US $4,800.00

Product Details
SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 2006 ANGEL ANNUAL EDITION ORNAMENT

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL 2006 ANGEL ANNUAL EDITION ORNAMENT

US $70.00

Product Details
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