Discover the timeline of Swarovski, from the birth of Austrian House through key milestones, and discover the House’s rich heritage across the world’s of fashion, jewelry and pop culture.
1895
Daniel Swarovski invents a machine that is capable of cutting crystals with a precision that has never before been possible.
1900
Daniel draws a sequence of diagrams - Article 1 to Article 6 - that come to define a lexicon of crystal cuts. Daniel takes this lexicon to Wattens in Austria, Swarovski’s country of origin, and they become the first crystals put into production. Article 7 to Article 12 make up his second lexicon of original crystal cuts.
Article 1-6, and Article 7-12.
1950s
Swarovski collaborates with couturiers, who are inspired by the creative possibilities of its ever-evolving materials. After a trip to see the Northern Lights, Daniel creates a coating that emulates the changing colors of the natural phenomenon. Christian Dior was the first designer to discover this effect and used it in one of his last collections in 1957.
1970s
A factory technician in Wattens glues spare chandelier parts together to create a crystallized mouse, which becomes the first Swarovski figurine. Initially, it is gifted to 1000 Swarovski employees, but quickly becomes so popular that it goes on sale at the XII Winter Olympic Games in Innsbruck in 1976. Its popularity leads to a new line of nature-inspired figurines.
1980
Swarovski begins a long-lasting relationship with the Palace of Versailles, recreating the monumental crystal chandelier to illuminate the Sun King’s Chamber. The piece has a distinctly 17th century aesthetic - it features innovative crystal LED candles, which flawlessly replicate a traditional flame, lending a unique ambience to the royal apartments.
1989
In 1989, Swarovski launches a couture range called the Daniel Swarovski Paris collection, named after its founder. The elaborate collection incorporates crystals and has only limited pieces available.
1995
Swarovski Crystal Worlds, Kristallwelten, opens in Wattens, Austria, to mark the brand’s centennial anniversary. Multimedia artist André Heller designed a unique and magical place that attracts millions of visitors from across the globe. Crystals are celebrated in all their transformative facets and every year, multiple collaborations with artists, particularly in the Chamber of Wonder, continue to push the boundaries of creativity.
The Giant
André Heller’s thematic centerpiece for Swarovski Crystal Worlds was the shape of the Giant, and he developed the story of a Giant who set out to experience the crystal world and all of its treasures and wonders.
2004
Bringing a sprinkle of shimmer to the holiday season, Swarovski crowns the iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree for the first time. Heralding the start of a yearly tradition, the 2004 Swarovski star measures three meters in height and shines with 25,000 brilliant white crystals. A magical addition to the New York City skyline.
2007
The 79th Academy Awards shows the audience the true meaning of brilliance. For the first time, a sparkling crystal curtain forms the backdrop for the Hollywood stars. The Swarovski Crystal Curtain measures 10 meters in height, weighs over a ton, and consists of 50,000 individual crystals.
2013
Gabriel Chandelier
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Swarovski joins forces with Ronan and Erwan Bouroullec to create the Gabriel Chandelier, a permanent artwork illuminating the main entrance at the Palace of Versailles. Over 12 meters high and incorporating 800 Swarovski crystals innovatively lit with luminous LEDs, this contemporary yet majestic piece is both a technical feat and an enduring tribute to the crystallized chandeliers that historically adorned the Palace’s ceremonial rooms.
© Studio Bouroullec
© Studio Bouroullec
Swarovski Foundation
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‘To achieve lasting change, you must think not only of yourself but also of others’ - Daniel Swarovski.
The Swarovski Foundation was established to bring focus to our founder’s philosophy and the brand’s historical commitment to philanthropy. It supports charitable organizations and initiatives to achieve positive social and environmental impact. The Swarovski Foundation's mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education to reduce inequality through education. The focus is on Equity, Water, and Creativity, and there are three key initiatives, Waterschool, Creatives for Our Future and Action Fund.
2018
A 21st century Crystal Workshop opens in Wattens, Austria. Swarovski Manufaktur is a space for inspiration, co-creation, craftsmanship, and savoir-faire, stimulating innovation using new technologies and aligning creative visionary processes.
2019
Swarovski develops a new type of crystal to create six fountains on the Champs-Élysées in Paris. The rotating installations by the Bouroullec brothers feature 3,060 crystals in a dreamlike display of movement and light.
© Studio Bouroullec
© Studio Bouroullec
2020
The Swarovski Foundation announces its new Creatives for Our Future program, a global mentorship and grant program designed with an advisor from the United Nations Office for Partnerships, to identify and accelerate the next generation of creative leaders in sustainability.
2021
This year marks a bold new creative vision with the appointment of the House’s first ever Global Creative Director. Giovanna Engelbert joins to develop a deeper visual expression and creative language for Swarovski. The global roll out of a new sensorial store concept, Instant Wonder, follows, along with a modern new aesthetic expressed in Swarovski’s brand colors, and a streamlined Swarovski Swan logo.
Creators Lab
Ein neues Programm kreativer Kooperationen startet, um die Grenzen von Design und Handwerkskunst zu erweitern und gleichzeitig Swarovski Kristalle zu zelebrieren. Creators Lab ist eine natürliche Entwicklung, die das langjährige Erbe des österreichischen Hauses in den Bereichen Mode, Film, Theater und Musik sowie seine Geschichte der Förderung von Kreativität widerspiegelt. Die ersten Marken, die im neuen Swarovski Creators Lab vertreten sind, sind Nike, MA®KET, Amina Muaddi, Judith Leiber und FAO Schwarz.
Build-A-Bear
Build-A-Bear hat sich mit Swarovski Creators Lab zusammengetan, um ein limitiertes Sammlerstück zu kreieren, das vollständig mit Swarovski Kristallen verziert ist.
Swarovski in Kooperation mit dem Bundesministerium für Familie, Senioren, Frauen und Jugend
Das Creators Lab erforscht weiterhin kreative Möglichkeiten und zelebriert den Geist gemeinschaftlicher Kunst, der seit jeher Teil unserer Kultur ist. Swarovskis jugendlicher Geist und progressiver Charakter passen perfekt zum Liberal Youth Ministry (LYM), wo jede Kollektion die Universalität der Jugend feiert.
Stuart Weitzman
Bühne frei für Stuart Weitzman, der pünktlich zur Partysaison das Creators Lab betritt. Der Stuart Power Shine Pump vereint präzise Handwerkskunst mit extravagantem Schmuck und präsentiert seinen neuen 75-mm-Stuart-Power-Absatz mit über 6.000 Swarovski Kristallen. Entworfen, um mit jedem Schritt das Licht einzufangen, lädt dieser spektakuläre Schuh dazu ein, selbstbewusst aufzutreten und Ihre innere Stärke erstrahlen zu lassen.
2022
Die Wunderkammern in den Kristallwelten werden regelmäßig erneuert. James Turrell – der als Künstler als „Magier des Lichts“ gilt – kreiert mit Umbra eine bewegende Licht- und Farbinstallation, die alle Sinne anspricht.
2023
Swarovski spielt eine tragende Rolle in der Popkultur, und Swarovski Kristalle funkeln durch die gesamte Geschichte der Popkultur. 2023 ist ein weiteres herausragendes Jahr für das Haus, in dem es die kreativsten Events und berühmte Persönlichkeiten erstrahlen lässt.
Beleuchtung der Popkultur
Doja Cat glänzte bei der Schiaparelli Haute Couture SS23 Show mit 30.000 karminroten Swarovski Kristallen, die von Make-up-Artist Pat McGrath von Hand aufgetragen wurden. Der fünfstündige Prozess schuf eine atemberaubende Verwandlung, die ästhetische Subversion mit purem Glamour verband.
Beleuchtung der Popkultur
Swarovski Kristalle spielen eine bedeutende Rolle bei Beyoncés Renaissance World Tour und erhellen die maßgeschneiderten Looks der weltbesten Designer.
Beleuchtung der Popkultur
Harry Styles begeisterte bei den Grammys in einem maßgeschneiderten EGONLAB-Overall aus Swarovski Crystal Mesh mit 250.000 Kristallen in neun Farben. Das in über 150 Stunden in Paris handgefertigte, schillernde Outfit unterstrich seine Kreativität, Individualität und Starpower.
Swarovski Created Diamonds Galaxy Kollektion
Inspiriert vom Kosmos, ist die Galaxy Kollektion die erste Swarovski Created Diamonds Fine Jewelry Kollektion, die von Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert entworfen wurde. Jedes Design ist aus im Labor gezüchteten Diamanten gefertigt, die vom IGI (International Gemological Institute) zertifiziert und in jeder Hinsicht mit abgebauten Diamanten identisch sind, außer in ihrer Herkunft.
Swarovski on Fifth
Over two luxurious floors, a world of joyful extravagance and crystal wonder unfolds in a new flagship store on New York’s Fifth Avenue. A palette of the House’s signature shades combined with rich, textured surfaces make the New York flagship a sensory delight full of immersive experiences.
2024
A year of firsts for the House including the appointment of a Global Brand Ambassador, pop icon Ariana Grande, and debuting Swarovski couture looks designed by Giovanna Engelbert at the Met Gala.
Global Brand Ambassador
Ariana Grande is announced as new ambassador and face of the House. The multi award-winning American singer, songwriter and actress is among the world's best-selling music artists. Celebrated for her breathtaking performances and unique personal style, Ariana Grande is a powerful advocate for inclusivity and empowerment. The partnership unites two icons of pop culture.
The 2024 Met Gala
For the first time ever, Swarovski couture looks are presented at the Met Gala. Friends of the House, Karlie Kloss, Imaan Hammam, and Anok Yai shine in ensembles designed by Global Creative Director, Giovanna Engelbert. For the dress code “The Garden of Time”, Giovanna transforms into Nature, Karlie a Flower, Imaan is the Sun, and Anok becomes Water wearing a catsuit teamed with a high jewelry necklace from the Swarovski Created Diamonds Galaxy Collection.
Show Time
Jean Paul Gaultier and Swarovski collaborate on Falling | In Love, the magical Friedrichstadt-Palast Berlin Grand Show. The Berlin-based show is illuminated by 100 million Swarovski Crystals and lights up the extraordinary explosion of colour curated by the celebrity Parisian designer. The hypnotic allure of crystals is unleashed on the world’s largest theatre stage with crystalline gardens filled with flora and fauna forming a shimmering backdrop for a rainbow of bejeweled ensembles.
2025
Born in Austria under the genius vision of our founder, Daniel, Swarovski has been making the world shine bright since 1895. This is our 130th year of breaking the boundaries of creativity and embracing the extraordinary. Swarovski creations are designed to spark joy, bring brilliance in every facet of your life, and wow your individuality.
Ariana Grande X Swarovski
The first creative collaboration with Global Brand Ambassador and face of the brand, Ariana Grande launches.
Co-created by the pop icon and Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, the Ariana Grande x Swarovski Capsule collection celebrates the joy of self-expression and is inspired by a deep love of music that shines through musical notes and heart motifs.
Co-created by the pop icon and Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert, the Ariana Grande x Swarovski Capsule collection celebrates the joy of self-expression and is inspired by a deep love of music that shines through musical notes and heart motifs.
Vienna Opera Ball
A collaboration spanning nearly 70 years, the union of Swarovski and the Vienna Opera Ball celebrates the beauty, elegance, and rich culture of our shared Austrian heritage.
It is a true legacy of wonder. Each year a new Swarovski Tiara, a virtuoso display of our mastery of light, illuminates the ball. This year the intricate design is inspired by the Swarovski Swan.
130 Years of Joy
In honor of our 130-year anniversary, Swarovski is inviting the world to explore its many facets with a program of unmissable events and limited-edition collections. Rooted in our rich heritage and the vision of our founder, Daniel Swarovski, the House continues to pursue crystal innovation as it enters its next chapter with a multidimensional celebration of light, color, and joy.
World of Swarovski
Illuminating the many facets of Swarovski from heritage to lifestyle and beyond.
Vom Meer inspirierter Schmuck
Title:Die einzigartigen Kunstwerke unserer neuen Schmuckfamilien brillieren mit Swarovski Kristallperlen und einer Palette von blauen und grünen Swarovski Kristallen.
Schmucktrends im Herbst und herbstliche Farbpaletten
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Bernsteinfarbene Blätter und orangefarbene Kürbisse erwecken klassische Herbstfarben, die den Geist der Saison einfangen und Ihr Styling bestimmen.
Die Geschichte von Swarovski
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Entdecken Sie die faszinierende Reise von Swarovski, die mit einer bahnbrechenden Kristallschleifmaschine in den Tiroler Alpen begann und Luxus neu definiert.