Swarovski
A LITTLE FORWARD THAT SWAROVSKI HAVE TO SAY
Pioneers were always way ahead of their time. In their minds they conceived the inconceivable. In their fantasies they created the impossible. When he invented an automatic cutting machine at the end of the 19th Century, Daniel Swarovski opened the door to a world of fantasy.
The magic word was crystal. A raw material, which even the most ancient cultures ascribed beneficial, valuable, indeed miraculous properties. This fascinating material transformed the world of fashion and beauty into a seductively sparkling universe. It inspired the human race and enriched both art and culture.
Today crystal has become part of the connection between people. A ray of joy, which we would like to share with you.
|
||||||
Swarovski is a fascinating story of innovation, creativity and social awareness, at the pure heart of which has always stood crystal in its many facets. Read about the very beginnings when founder Daniel Swarovski was born in Bohemia in 1862 right up to today’s international presence of Swarovski within the many realms of life. 2007Swarovski’s loose crystal elements, will now be known by their new brand name, CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements.2006Swarovski opens 108 additional retail stores worldwide.2006The Three Graces of classical Greek mythology have been reinvented to become the ambassadors of Swarovski.2005The Swarovski Bathroom made by Kludi2005Book launch Daniel Swarovski - A World of Beauty200494 new shops were opened and Swarovski developed the XILION cut.2003The Crystal Worlds are expanded around breathtaking chambers of wonder with a strong focus on contemporary fine art.2003Swarovski launches “Crystal Fabric”, which fuses fabric and crystal into a second skin.2001A global network of Swarovski Creative Service Centers1999Swarogem and Golay Buchel, two of the world’s largest manufacturers of Cubic Zirconia and simulated gems begin to operate together under the trade name Signity.1995As the highlight of the centenary celebrations, in October Swarovski opens the "Swarovski Kristallwelten" in Wattens.1993Swarovski launches crystal mesh, which revolutionises jewellery and fashion accessory designs.1989The Daniel Swarovski range is launched. These exclusive objets d’art, accessories and pieces of jewellery, are created from concepts of famous designers such as Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini und Stefano Ricci.1987The Swarovski Collectors Society (SCS) is founded in order to offer collectors of Swarovski crystal special benefits and services.1977Swarovski launches its first jewellery line.1976A crystal mouse begins a new era for Swarovski: the retailing of finished crystal products.1975The Hot-Fix technology, developed by Swarovski, makes it possible to iron jewellery crystals onto material. Shortly afterwards, finished designs, so-called "Transfers" are introduced into the range.1965A product range for the crystal chandelier market is launched under the brand name STRASS®.1956Swarovski presents the jewellery crystal "Aurora Borealis", which shimmers in every imaginable color. A special steam treatment creates this effect.1950Swareflex - the brand name for road, rail and pedestrian safety.1949Swarovski Optik is founded. Under the brand name Habicht (hawk), it manages to secure a leading role in the world market with optical precision instruments such as telescopes, telescopic sights and binoculars.1931Under the definition of 'Trimmings', bands and borders set with crystal jewellery, which can be sewn on, are registered for patent.1919Swarovski markets the grinding and dressing tools it has developed under the brand name of Tyrolit.1895Together with his family, Daniel Swarovski moves from Bohemian Georgenthal to Wattens in Tyrol.1892Daniel Swarovski invents a machine, which makes it possible to industrially cut Jewellery Crystals to an unsurpassable level of perfection and precision. |
||||||
In endlessly new crystalline ways |
||
When Daniel Swarovski first brought a sparkle to crystal, over a hundred years ago, he could never have imagined what a development he was setting in motion. |
||
Swarovski is the world leader in precision cut crystal. The company, which has remained fully independent since its foundation in Wattens, Austria, in 1895, employs 20,000 people and maintains a presence in more than 120 countries worldwide.
Over the course of its history, Swarovski has produced innovations and inspired creative trends in fields as varied as jewellery, fashion, accessories, lighting and interior design, culture and industrial research and development.
The company draws its richness of expression from the cultural heritage of Mitteleuropa and its talent for forging links between the arts, science and economics.
Today, the name of Swarovski stands for exacting workmanship, quality
and creativity all over the world.
Other Facts:
2006 - sales were €2.37 billion Employees 20,256
Production locations in the following 16 countries: Argentina, Austria, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, U.K., India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Switzerland, Thailand, USA
Global distribution network: Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dubai, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hong Kong, Hungary, U.K., India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Korea, Liechtenstein, Macau, Mexico, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Singapore, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Turkey, USA, Venezuela
Retail in 2006: Swarovski is represented by 673
own operated boutiques with an additional
516 Swarovski partner operated boutiques