Our Product Story
In the 1890's, Daniel Swarovski developed the formula for producing crystals hard enough to withstand precision diamond-cutting methods, and patented the machinery needed for faceting them. His namesake gems, still made exclusively in Swarovski's native Austria, are known worldwide for their quality composition and superior sparkle. Swarovski crystals come in a full spectrum of colors and wide selection of shapes, making them a favorite of jewelry designers.
The origins of glass pre-date recorded history, but its basic components are no mystery. Melted at high temperatures, three commonly occurring substances?sand, limestone and sodium carbonate?cool to form glass. Add oxides of copper, iron, cobalt, gold, silver and other metals and it takes on gem-like hues. As far back as the Ancient Egyptians, colored glass beads were strung into jewelry. Venice emerged as a glassmaking center in the 12th century and remains famed for its tradition of artistry and excellence. By the 14th century, a craze for faceted glass adornments had swept through Europe, elevating colored glass to gemstone status.
|
