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.

Bazıları, çizgilerin zebraların sıcak Afrika güneşi altında serin kalmasına izin verdiğine inanırken, son araştırmalar desenlerin zebranın derisine inmeye çalışan sinekleri kandırabilen bir böcek kovucu işlevi gördüğünü öne sürüyor. 

Bazı insanlar ise siyah ve beyaz çizgilerin zebra hareket hâlindeyken “baş döndürücü bir etki” yaratarak pek çoğu renk körü olan vahşi zebra avcılarının kafasını karıştırabileceğini iddia ediyor. Bu özellik, hayvanın hızının veya gittiği yönün gizlenmesini sağlarken büyük gruplar hâlinde dolaştıklarında kamufle olmalarına yardımcı olabilir. Aslına bakıldığında, bu durum bir grup zebranın “baş döndürücü” olarak adlandırılmasına yol açtı – böylece Swarovski kristaliyle yeniden canlandırılmak için mükemmel bir seçim hâline geldiler. Afrika savanlarının atları gibi, bu seneye özel SCS Yıllık Özel Üretim 2021 Zebra Amai gerçekten göz kamaştırıyor.

Yenilikçi tasarımcı Heinz Tabertshofer, zebranın benzersiz çizgili kaplamasını Swarovski kristaline dönüştürme görevini üstlendi. Bu süreç, tasarımcının Doğa Ana’nın muhteşem eserlerini Swarovski için yeniden yaratmasını ele alıyor:

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.

Step 5: Production of crystal parts

Once the prototype had been perfected, production could begin. Precise tooling individually cut each of the constituent parts of the model. 

Step 6: Gluing and assembly

Each component was meticulously glued together by hand, and a final polish was all that was needed to bring the Zebra Amai to life. 

Step 7: Quality control

Each crystal creation was thoroughly examined by a team of experts, who ensured that all colors looked as they should and that all facets were flawless and radiant. Once it had passed this final scrutiny, it was ready to fill the world with joy and brilliance!