Swarovski Milestones

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.

Swarovski Kristallwelten

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

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

Swarovski Foundation

‘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.

2017

Swarovski ha presentato per la prima volta i diamanti creati Swarovski in questo anno fondamentale. Realizzati con diamanti coltivati in laboratorio, identici al 100% ai diamanti estratti in ogni aspetto tranne che per l'origine, sono tagliati e lucidati con precisione per rivelare la massima brillantezza e scintillio. Solo i migliori diamanti coltivati in laboratorio sono presenti nei gioielli Swarovski Created Diamonds: sono certificati IGI (International Gemological Institute) e classificati D-F per il colore, IF-VS1 per la chiarezza e il taglio è eccellente.

2018

Un Laboratorio del Cristallo del XXI secolo apre a Wattens, in Austria. Swarovski Manufaktur è uno spazio dedicato all'ispirazione, alla co-creazione, all'artigianalità e al savoir-faire, che stimola l'innovazione attraverso l'utilizzo di nuove tecnologie e l'allineamento di processi creativi visionari.

2019

Swarovski ha sviluppato un nuovo tipo di cristallo per la creazione di sei fontane sugli Champs-Élysées.ÉCristalli Swarovski.éCristalli scintillanti e artigianato impeccabile: Swarovski celebra l'arte della luce a Parigi. Le installazioni rotanti dei fratelli Bouroullec presentano 3.060 cristalli in una onirica esposizione di movimento e luce.

© Studio Bouroullec

2020

La Swarovski Foundation annuncia il suo nuovo programma Creatives for Our Future, un programma globale di mentoring e borse di studio, progettato con un consulente dell'Ufficio delle Nazioni Unite per i Partnerariati, per individuare e promuovere la prossima generazione di leader creativi nel campo della sostenibilità.

2021

Quest'anno segna una nuova audace visione creativa con la nomina del primo Global Creative Director della Maison. Giovanna Engelbert entra a far parte del team per sviluppare un linguaggio visivo e creativo più profondo per Swarovski. Il lancio globale del nuovo concept di negozio sensoriale, Instant Wonder, prosegue, insieme a una nuova estetica moderna espressa nei colori del marchio Swarovski e a un logo Swarovski Swan semplificato.

Creators Lab

Un nuovo programma di collaborazioni creative viene lanciato per superare i confini del design e dell'artigianalità, celebrando al contempo i Cristalli Swarovski. Creators Lab rappresenta una naturale evoluzione che riflette la lunga tradizione della Maison austriaca nel mondo della moda, del cinema, del teatro e della musica, nonché la sua storia di promotrice della creatività. I primi brand a entrare nel nuovo Swarovski Creators Lab sono Nike, MA®KET, Amina Muaddi, Judith Leiber e FAO Schwarz.

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Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear entra a far parte dello Swarovski Creators Lab per creare un'edizione limitata da collezione interamente decorata con Cristalli Swarovski.

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Swarovski per il Ministero della Gioventù e del Servizio Civile

Creators Lab continua a esplorare possibilità creative e a celebrare lo spirito dell'arte collaborativa che fa parte della nostra cultura sin dall'inizio. Lo spirito giovane e la natura progressista di Swarovski si sposano perfettamente con Liberal Youth Ministry (LYM), dove ogni collezione celebra l'universalità della gioventù.

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Stuart Weitzman

Diamo il via ai festeggiamenti: Stuart Weitzman entra nel Creators Lab, giusto in tempo per le festività. Unendo la precisione artigianale con una decorazione stravagante, la décolleté Stuart Power Shine abbina i suoi nuovi tacchi Stuart Power da 75 mm a oltre 6.000 Cristalli Swarovski. Pensata per catturare la luce ad ogni passo, questa spettacolare scarpa vi invita ad essere sicure di voi e a lasciar brillare la vostra sicurezza.

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Cristalli del Comitato Consultivo

Esclusiva: Felpe, pantaloni della tuta e cappelli.

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2022

Nuove Camere delle Meraviglie vengono presentate regolarmente ai Kristallwelten. James Turrell, artista considerato un "mago della luce", crea Umbra, un'installazione di luce e colore in movimento che coinvolge tutti i sensi.

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2023

Swarovski is a protagonist of pop culture, and Swarovski Crystals are sprinkled throughout pop culture history. 2023 is another stellar year for the House as it makes the most creative events, and celebrities, shine.

Illuminating Pop Culture

Doja Cat dazzled at the Schiaparelli Haute Couture SS23 Show, with 30,000 crimson Swarovski crystals hand-applied by makeup artist Pat McGrath. The five-hour process created a stunning transformation, merging aesthetic subversion with pure glamour.

Illuminating Pop Culture

Swarovski Crystals play a significant role in Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, lighting up the custom looks of the world’s top designers.

Illuminating Pop Culture

Harry Styles stunned at the Grammys in a custom EGONLAB jumpsuit made from Swarovski Crystal Mesh, featuring 250,000 crystals in nine colors. Handmade in Paris over 150 hours, the dazzling outfit highlighted his creativity, individuality, and star power.

Swarovski Created Diamonds Galaxy Collection

Inspired by the cosmos, The Galaxy Collection is the first Swarovski Created Diamonds fine jewelry collection designed by Global Creative Director Giovanna Engelbert. Each design is crafted from laboratory grown diamonds that are IGI (International Gemological Institute) certified and 100% identical to mined diamonds in every way but origin.

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.

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.

The 2025 Met Gala

Swarovski Couture Shines on the Red Carpet

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

Wedding Jewelry & Accessories

Fall in love with beautiful designs infused with the brilliance of crystals. From subtle shimmer to all-out glamour, there’s a piece to complement any wedding style, each deserving of a place on your wedding accessories list.

Ocean-Inspired Jewelry

Our new jewelry families are beautiful works of artistry that feature Swarovski Crystal Pearls, and a palette of blue and green Swarovski Crystals.

Disney The Lion King x Swarovski

Commemorate a cherished classic with radiant characters.