The History of Beaded Jewelry - The Genius of Swarovski

There's no question that Swarovski has made a sparkling name for itself in the history of beaded jewelry, but it's more than just a company name - it's a family name. Back in 1895, Austrian jeweler Daniel Swarovski developed and patented an electric cutting machine that made more precise glass cuts than could be done by hand. His goal was to make crystal affordable by more people and, ultimately, to create crystal jewelry so beautiful that everyone could afford a "diamond".

Throughout the years, Swarovski moved into other areas of glass including precision optical instruments for telescopes, binoculars and rifle scopes; commercial and industrial lighting solutions; and crystal lighting components.

Always looking for new innovations, in 1956 Swarovski created the aurora borealis crystal, a stone that captured rainbow colors and was quickly picked up by designer Christian Dior. Many other designers followed, and soon these shimmering beauties were highlighting and embellishing dramatic lines of couture clothing designs. 

The year 1965 saw another new breakthrough - Swarovski gemstones were introduced. These precision-cut stones were introduced with the likes of peridot, sapphire, amethyst and more; by 1997 computer technology allowed the company to create even more perfect cuts on semi-precious gemstones that expanded to include citrine and topaz.

Swarovski is truly a company that stands for innovation. Never being one to stand still, they have continued developing new cuts, crystal types and jewelry lines that have each broken new ground.

Swarovski has come a long way from its start in that small Austrian mountain town, but the company's forward-thinking genius continues to set the highest standards for all of their products. Much like Daniel Swarovski's creative spirit, the beaded jewelry at SWCreations is unique, one-of-a-kind, and always glitteringly beautiful. Our wide selection of pieces featuring Swarovski stones is all handmade; if you'd like us to design a piece just for you, contact us.