Historical Gems

Today you will see Swarovski’s sparkling jewellery and accessories in over 1800 boutiques and concessions around the world.

The latest has just opened in Kingston Upon Thames and we asked the Swarovski team to open up their treasure chest of historical gems so that we could find out more about its founder Daniel Swarovski I. His long life (1862-1956) saw great advances in science and technology which he harnessed to develop artistry, fashion and, of course, the famous crystal jewellery for which Swarovski is now famous.

Daniel grew up in Bohemia’s flourishing crystal and costume jewellery industry. He trained as a crystal-cutter, entranced by the material he worked with and its ability to catch and reflect light. When, in 1883, 21-year-old Daniel visited the First Electric Exhibition in Vienna - featuring names like Siemens and Edison - he set out to invent the first mechanical method for cutting and polishing crystal jewellery stones to perfection. The first Swarovski crystal stones, the famous ‘chatons’, appeared on clothes and jewellery, hair ornaments and shoe buckles. During the Jazz Age, Swarovski crystal was all the rage, then starred in music hall and cabaret, and later on and off stage and screen, worn by Hollywood idols like Marlene Dietrich, Marilyn Monroe and Audrey Hepburn.

Daniel Swarovski I and his sons worked closely with couturiers including Chanel, Schiaparelli and Balenciaga - and later Christian Dior whose inspiration was the grandeur and glamour of Versailles. Swarovski experimented ceaselessly, until they came up with a special coating that created a crystal stone, shot through with lightning flashes of rainbow colours, known as Aurora Borealis.

Today the new store in Kingston Upon Thames promises a ‘Crystal Forest’ experience. As Robert Buchbauer, member of the original Swarovski family and member of the Executive Board, comments: ‘Crystal Forest is a multi-sensory experience which gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the seductive brilliance and infinite depth of crystal. Swarovski boutiques are unique magical places and the new retail architecture will ultimately make the brand a tangible crystal experience focused on pleasing the senses.’

Swarovski Bentalls Shopping Centre, Wood Street, Kingston Upon Thames
020 8439 1221 www.swarovski.com