The History of Swarovski Crystal

1895  Daniel Swarovski moved from Bohemia to Wattens in the Tyrol, a centre of jewellery production since the 18th century. The area provided what he needed to found his new company - an abundance of energy in the form of water. 

1956  Swarovski launched "Aurora Borealis", often referred to as AB, an iridescent effect for jewellery stones. 1962 The glamorous film star Marilyn Munroe wore an evening gown sparkling with more than 10,000 Swarovski crystal stones when she sang happy birthday to President John F Kennedy. The dress was later auctioned for one million dollars.

1965  A new and brilliant range of chandelier components was launched under the trademark Strass. David Malik declared that he had not seen anything like it and became the first person in this country to adorn his lighting designs with Swarovski Strass.

1987  The Swarovski Crystal Society was formed and SCS members had the opportunity of collecting an annual edition which is a limited production for one one year only of themed crystal objects. The annual edition for the year 2009 is the Gorilla.

1995  In October of the Centenary year, Swarovski opened Crystal Worlds in Wattens, Austria, a magical world of crystal which has had 8 million visitors to date.

Crystallized with Swarovski Elements

Love Swarovski? Our favourite shoemakers GINA have beautiful  footware, with the added sparkle of Swarovski crystal.  There is a wonderful selection of shoes and bags in their London boutiques. Visit GINA at 189 Sloane Street, London SW1X 9QR and 9 Old Bond Street, London W1S 4PJ or online www.gina.com