Swarovski Elements
Swarovski crystals are manufactured gemstones created in Austria. In 1892, Daniel Swarovski designed and built a machine that could manufacture precision-cut, lead glass crystals, using quartz, sand and minerals, however the exact composition of the crystals remains a closely guarded secret to this day.
‘Swarovski Elements’ is the brand name for the loose Swarovski crystals which are widely used across fashion, jewellery and accessory industries. Any product that incorporates genuine Swarovski crystals in their designs will carry a “Made with Swarovski Elements” label.
Daniel Swarovski’s mastery of crystal cutting defined the Swarovski company’s journey. His constant drive for innovation, combined with his passion for design and creativity, catapulted the company into its current position as one of the world’s leading jewellery and accessory names. In 2000, Swarovski introduced the pearl with a crystal core, providing the weight, texture and shine of a natural pearl, combined with the quality of a Swarovski Crystal.
Swarovski continue to collaborate with a range of designers to ensure continual evolution of their products. Through these innovative practices they are able to design and create new techniques and technologies that keep the company at the cutting-edge of crystal design and manufacture, and a leader in the market for the production of manufactured crystals.
Swarovski History
Daniel Swarovski was born in 1862 in Bohemia to a family that owned a crystal-cutting company. Now part of the Czech Republic, the Bohemia region has a rich history of crystal craftsmanship. In 1883, Daniel formed a jewellery company and by 1886 they had over 70 employees. In 1891, Daniel registered a patent for the crystal cutting machine that he had created and in 1895 he moved from Bohemia to Wattens, Austria, to begin crystal production.
Swarovski’s original logo was an edelweiss flower. An edelweiss is a white flower with woolly, star-shaped petals that grows in the Alps. It is a symbol of Austria, and has come to represent courage, bravery and love, although the literal interpretation of edelweiss is “noble white”. In 1989, Swarovski replaced its original Edelweiss logo with the Swan logo, which is the logo currently used on all Swarovski packaging and storefronts across the world.
During the 1920's, the "flapper" fashion trend saw a surge in demand for fashionable Swarovski designs. Shorter women's hairstyles prompted Swarovski to create a crystal-embellished fabric headband and crystal embellishments for clothing. As the interest in fashion grew, in the years following World War II, so did the popularity of Swarovski crystals. Well-known designers including as Coco Chanel and Christian Dior began to use Swarovski crystal in their designs, and in 1956 Daniel Swarovski collaborated with Christian Dior to create the popular Aurora Borealis (AB) effect that is still used to this day on crystal colours.
Increasing in their popularity, the use of Swarovski crystals grew in the glitz and glamour industries of Hollywood. Stars from Marilyn Monroe, in "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes", to Judy Garland wearing her ruby slippers in "The Wizard of Oz", were seen adorned with crystals and bedazzling the silver screens. This trend continued to grow rapidly after the company developed the Hotfix technology in 1974, which allowed crystals to be fixed directly onto clothing and fabrics without the need for metal or plastic settings.
Swarovski at Allum & Sidaway
At Allum & Sidaway we have an enchanting collection of Swarovski crystal jewellery which we know you will love as much as we do. Whether you are shopping for a gift, or choosing something special for yourself, we have a wide choice of colours and designs, in earrings, necklaces, pendants, bangles, watches and rings.
From the iconic crystal swans, in black or white crystals, to hearts, flowers, drop pearl earrings, pearl necklaces and crystal encrusted watches, we have something for everyone.
The dazzling, 5 row, white crystal choker would look exquisite on a bride, but would also add a sensational sparkle to an evening or party outfit.
The delta crystal necklace in rose gold plate, black crystal and pearl ’Latisha’ drop earrings, and ‘Louison’ pearl necklace are chic and stylish. They wouldn’t look out of place with business attire, evening wear or less formal outfits.
Due to it's quality, Swarovski is selected by so many of our leading brands such as Olivia Burton, to create elements for their designs. Swarovski crystals in our awe-inspiring collection of jewellery is sure to impress.
At Allum and Sidaway we care about our customers. No two pieces of jewellery are alike, and we will guide you effortlessly through your jewellery purchase. We offer a range of services from advice on cleaning and caring for your jewellery, to interest free credit and purchasing options. Come and visit us in one of our stores, or browse our website, we look forward to welcoming you and providing you with an exceptional shopping experience. Trust Allum & Sidaway, we are experts in the jewellery business.
