Inspired by the work at his father’s small glass factory, Daniel Swarovski embarked on a mission to make diamonds and fine jewellery available to all. In 1892, at the age of 30, he had invented and patented an electric glass-cutting machine that would go on to revolutionise the production of crystal glass.
This creation set in motion a new era for crystal jewellery and quickly saw Swarovski’s pieces adorn the young and fashionable throughout 1920s Europe. By the time Swarovski opened its first boutique in the 1980s, the company had added collectable figurines to its collection, drawing in an entirely new audience of loyal customers.
Today, Swarovski’s crystal collectors are among its most committed patrons, and its annual limited-edition release is a bona fide tradition for crystal glass lovers worldwide. For 35 years now, Swarovski has captivated customers with its incredibly intricate creations, from the Nirvana cocktail ring to the Slake bracelet and its signature Swiss movement watches.
Its crystal business is one of the most profitable units, operating around 3,000 stores in approximately 170 countries, with over 29,000 employees. In all, the company generates a revenue of more than EUR 2.7bn.
While Swarovski remains focused on producing beautiful yet affordable items, its commitment to the highest possible quality has never been in question. Its patented Pointiage® cutting technique highlights the ultra-precise craftsmanship of every piece.
Swarovski’s stores and showrooms around the world are just as attention-grabbing as its jewellery. The company runs the Crystal Worlds exhibition in Austria, a museum dedicated to crystals, as well as showcasing its work as part of Asia’s prestigious Fashion Jewellery & Accessories Fair. Swarovski has also collaborated with the London Design Museum to launch a ground-breaking digitally enhanced crystal exhibition.
