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 first presented Swarovski Created Diamonds in this milestone year. Made from laboratory grown diamonds that are 100% identical to mined diamonds in every way but origin, they are precision-cut and polished to perfection to reveal maximum brilliance and scintillation. Only the best laboratory grown diamonds feature in Swarovski Created Diamonds jewelry - they are IGI (International Gemological Institute) certified and graded D-F in color, IF-VS1 in clarity, and the cut is excellent.

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

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

A new program of creative collaborations launches to push the boundaries of design and craftsmanship, while celebrating Swarovski Crystals. Creators Lab is a natural evolution reflecting the Austrian House’s long heritage of influence in fashion, film, theater and music, and history of championing creativity. The first brands to enter the new Swarovski Creators Lab are Nike, MA®KET, Amina Muaddi, Judith Leiber and FAO Schwarz.

Build-A-Bear

Build-A-Bear has entered the Swarovski Creators Lab to create a limited-edition collectible fully adorned with Swarovski Crystals.

Swarovski x Liberal Youth Ministry

Creators Lab continues to explore creative possibilities and celebrate the spirit of collaborated art that has been part of our culture since the very beginning. Swarovski’s youthful spirit and progressive nature is a perfect match for Liberal Youth Ministry (LYM), where each collection celebrates the universality of youth.

Stuart Weitzman

Cue the celebrations as Stuart Weitzman enters the Creators Lab, just in time for party season. Combining precision craftsmanship with extravagant embellishment, the Stuart Power Shine pump pairs its new 75mm Stuart Power heels with over 6,000 Swarovski Crystals. Designed to catch the light with every step, this spectacular shoe invites you to stand tall and let your confidence shine.

Advisory Board Crystals

Exclusive: Sweatshirts, Sweatpants, and Hats.

2022

New Chambers of Wonder are introduced regularly to Kristallwelten. James Turrell - who as an artist is considered a “magician of light” - creates Umbra, a moving light and color installation that appeals to all the senses.

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

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.