Swarovski Crystal

Synonymous with sparkle, Swarovski has enjoyed more than a century of celebrity as one of the world's finest purveyors of cut glass. Launched in 1895 in the Austrian town of Wattens, Swarovski rapidly grew from a small-scale crystal cutting company to a worldwide distributor of high-end cut glass designs.

Originally known as A. Kosman, D. Swartz & Company, the brand set out to create high-quality elegant crystal and cut glass pieces. From animal figurines to perfume bottles, Swarovski's team has developed brilliant designs, which contribute to the luxury appeal and widespread demand for their creations.

Swarovski continues to diversify their offerings today. They've pursued lines of smaller decorative objects, such as Disney character figurines, while also sponsoring large-scale projects in which they can showcase their talents, such as the placement of a Swarovski-designed chandelier in the recent film adaptation of "Phantom of the Opera." Throughout this innovation, Swarovski maintains its dedication to craftsmanship excellence, a quality that links all of their pieces.

Quick Facts

• Older Swarovski items will bear the company's original logo, an edelweiss flower
• Swarovski has had the pleasure of creating the 9-foot-wide star that rests atop the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree every year for the last decade
• Swarovski's hometown of Wattens features the Swarovski Kristallwelten, a museum dedicated to the brand that offers alternating exhibitions on the company's products and design process