SWAROVSKI - World of glittering crystals
 Swarovski is the luxury brand name for the range of precision-cut lead crystal glass products and optical instruments. Daniel Swarovski was born in 1862 in Bohemia in what was then the Austro-Hungarian Empire, one of the most important glass manufacturing centres in Europe. His father owned a small glass-making factory which gave the family a good living.
As a young boy, Daniel watched his father work in his glass and crystal cutting business. When he got older, he completed apprenticeships with his father and at several other crystal-cutters. At the age of 21, he visited the first Elektrische Ausstellung (electrical exhibition) in Vienna, where he saw the innovations being introduced by such inventors as Thomas Edison and Werner von Siemens. In 1892, he registered a patent for his invention: a machine that cut crystal to perfection every time. In 1895, he founded Swarovski with his brother-in-law Franz Weis and Armand Kosmann. They opened a crystal cutting factory in Wattens (near Innsbruck, Austria) where they could take advantage of local hydroelectricity for the energy-intensive grinding processes of his machine.
The company is comprised of two major divisions: The first, Swarovski Crystal, is producing precision-cut crystal components, the crystal elements, catering to a wide range of design-driven industries in the fashion, lighting and interior business, the second, the Swarovski Group, owns Tyrolit Schleifmittel in Schaz and Swarovski Optik in Absam. Today, the company employs more than 17,000 persons in 40 countries.
Swarovski has invented and patented hundreds of unique products comprised of crystals. Here are just a few:
1931 - Crystal-set fabric ribbon, which could be applied directly to clothing, shoes, and any other accessory
1956 - Jewelry stone finish “Aurora Borealis”, which shimmers in every imaginable color
1967 - Machine cut simulated precious crystals
1975 - “Hot-Fix” technology adds a sparkling radiance to any item of clothing
1993 - “Crystal Mesh” revolutionized jewelry and fashion accessory design
1999 - “Crystal Tattoo” applies self-adhesive crystal jewelry stones to the skin
2003 - “Crystal Fabric” fuses fabric and crystal into a second skin
It would be hard to imagine a better way to introduce a young antiques collector to a hobby that could last a lifetime than to start him or her off with the gift of a crystal figurine which, purchased second-hand, could be had for pocket money. However, hard-bitten collectors spend small fortunes on limited edition Swarovski collectables which can fetch serious money. Auction houses tend to sell the less expensive figures in groups of three to six with bids usually coming in at around the £40 to 60 mark. A rarity such as the 1989 limited edition of Turtle doves sells for around £350, while Lovebirds, dating from 1987 is dearer at around £500. Look for the swan trademark as proof of authenticity.
 The first of the traditional Swarovski Christmas trees was presented in Zurich. The annual Christmas tree has become one of the main attractions of the Christmas Market. It is located near the Swarovski Store at the beginning of the Bahnhofstrasse, one of the world's most expensive and exclusive shopping destinations.
In Berlin, the tree was in the new Hauptbahnhof - the railway station servicing the inter-city rail network. Standing about 70' high, the tree was smothered in Swarovski crystal decorations.
Swarovski continues to be the proud sponsor of "The Star at Rockefeller Center". This one-of-a-kind star will sparkle from the top of America's Christmas Tree for all thew world to see!
Excursion to the Swarovski Crystal Worlds
The company runs a crystal-themed indoor theme park, Swarovski Kristallwelten (Crystal Worlds) at its original Wattens site (near Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria).
The glittering Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens lures both young and old into a breathtaking world of sparkling fantasy and reality. Be sure not to miss this fairy tale sensation!
Commissioned by the Austrian firm of Swarovski, the renowned artist Andre Heller created this illusory world of glitter that is divided into nine chambers of wonder inside an artistically created water-spitting giant. Since the opening, the Swarovski Crystal Worlds have developed to become one of the greatest tourist attractions in the whole of Austria.
The sparkling gems are watched over by the water-spitting head of a giant at the entrance. After passing the giant at the entrance of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, a subterranean exhibition experience is opened to you as a sea of sparkling crystals. Close to the entrance of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds you will find the “Planet of Crystals”, which is a 3-D projection that relates the metaphors of the history of the world. A special highlight in the Crystal Worlds is the Crystal Theatre with its glistening figures. An experience of a special kind for children and adults.
Stay at our LANDHOTELS situated nearby the Swarovski Crystal Worlds:
LANDHOTEL Alphof*** in Kirchdorf/Tyrol
LANDHOTEL Jägerhof*** in Achenkirch am Achensee/Tyrol
LANDHOTEL Maria Theresia*** in Gerlos im Zillertal/Tyrol
LANDHOTEL Post Rinn*** in Rinn/Tyrol
LANDHOTEL Leutascherhof**** in Leutasch/Tyrol
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