Zebra Amai

This year’s Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) collection takes inspiration from the unique flora and fauna of Africa – and in particular the zebra. We take a look at how the natural beauty of the African equine has been brought to life in crystal form.

 A zebra’s stripes are its key distinguishing element, with each animal bearing a unique pattern. However, the question of how the zebra got its stripes and what purpose they serve has long been debated.

Some believe that stripes allow zebras to keep cool under the hot African sun, while recent research suggests that the patterns function as an insect repellent, capable of deceiving flies that try to land on the zebra’s hide. 

Others claim that when in movement, black and white stripes can create a ""dazzling effect"" that confuses the zebra’s predators – many of which are color-blind. This can help to disguise the animal’s speed or direction of travel, and help it camouflage while in large groups. In fact, this phenomenon led to a group of zebras being referred to as a ""dazzle"" – making them the perfect creature to reimagine in Swarovski crystal. Just like the equines of the African savanna, this year’s SCS Annual Edition 2021 Zebra Amai truly dazzles.

Innovative designer Heinz Tabertshofer took on the challenge of translating the zebra’s unique striped coat into Swarovski crystal. This is the process he undertook to recreate one of Mother Nature’s iconic creations for Swarovski:

Step 1: Research and sketches

Heinz began by researching the animal and its natural habitat before visiting the Evelyn Haim-Swarovski equine farm – and its two zebra residents. This gave Heinz the opportunity to study the animals a little closer and in real life. In the end, the SCS Zebra Amai is largely based on one of the local zebras called Helmut. 

Step 2: Rough sculptural modeling

Using digital computer modeling, the sketches were converted into a three-dimensional representation. At this stage, different stances and expressions could be experimented with until the perfect pose was found.

Step 3: Design model

Once a final design was settled on, designer Heinz Tabertshofer and the product developer worked together to optimize the angles of the facets, to ensure the masterpiece would sparkle at its best. When they were satisfied, the Zebra Amai boasted 457 facets and a resin replica could be produced. 

Step 4: Handmade prototype

The SCS Annual Edition 2021 Zebra Amai finally sparkled into life as a hand-cut and polished prototype. A special coating was used to help define her stripes, giving Zebra Amai a unique Silver Night and Golden Shine coat.

步驟 5：生產水晶組件

原型樣品完成後，便可開始進行生產。利用精準的工具，切割模型的各個組成元件。 

步驟 6：黏合和組裝

每個組件都採用人工一絲不苟地黏合在一起，接著經過最後潤飾，讓 Zebra Amai 活靈活現。 

步驟 7：品質控管 

每件Swarovski 水晶作品都會經過團隊專家的仔細檢查，確保所有顏色色澤和切割面完美無瑕，光彩四射。通過最後審查後，便可準備為世界帶來歡樂與耀眼光芒。