Zebra Amai

La collezione Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) di quest’anno trae ispirazione dalla flora e della fauna uniche dell’Africa e, in particolare, dalla zebra. Osserviamo come la bellezza naturale dei mammiferi equidi africani è stata riprodotta nella creazione in cristallo.

 Le strisce di una zebra rappresentano il suo elemento distintivo, ogni animale presenta un disegno unico. Si è dibattuto a lungo sul modo in cui la zebra abbia sviluppato le strisce e quale sia la loro finalità.

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.

Etapa 5: Produção de peças de cristal

Quando o protótipo ficou perfeito, deu-se início à produção. Cada uma das peças do modelo foi cortada individualmente através de ferramentas de precisão. 

Etapa 6: Colagem e montagem

Cada componente foi colado meticulosamente à mão, sendo apenas necessário um polimento final para a Zebra Amai ganhar vida. 

Etapa 7: Controlo de qualidade

Cada criação de cristal foi inspecionada minuciosamente por uma equipa de especialistas, que garantiram que todas as cores estavam no local certo e todas as facetas estavam perfeitas e radiantes. Ultrapassada a sua última inspeção, cada peça estava pronta para encher o mundo de alegria e de brilho!