Daniel Swarvoski

The name Swarvoski is synonymous with crystals, a beautiful mineral the history of which goes back to the Mesopotamian times. In 1892 Daniel Swarvoski brought about a significant change in the use of crystals. He invented a machine to cut these stones perfectly. He used the Austrian, Rhine River as the source of energy for this machinery. Hence the word rhinestone was created which is commonly used for lead crystals today.

Daniel Swarvoski was born in 1862 in Bohemia one of the most important manufacturing centers for glass and crystal at the time. Daniel's father had a small factory where he cut crystals. Daniel was fascinated with his father's work and he would watch with amazement for hours the art and finesse of this craft. He went on to become an apprentice with his father and for other crystal cutters

In 1833 at the age of 21 Daniel visited "1. Elektrische Ausstellung" (First Electrical Exhibition in Vienna). There he saw the work and new techniques of Siemens and Edison which was a great inspiration for him. He had a bright idea, a vision that became a passion. He worked diligently to make his dream a reality and nine years later in 1892 he developed the automatic cutting machine that could cut crystal precisely, faster and to perfection.

In 1895 Daniel Swarvoski, his brother-in-law Franz Weis and Armand Kosmann founded the Swarvoski company in Wattens, a market community in Austria. (Now the home of the Swarvoski museum.) In 1908 Daniel and his three sons Wilhelm, Fredrich and Alfred expanded the company. They built ovens that were designed to create the crystal from its raw materials. By 1913 they had producing almost perfect lead crystal. They became a powerful force in the lead crystal manufacturing business. The company's success was enormous and today the business has expanded into a variety of other products, such as optical products, abrasive cutting tools, chandelier parts, necklaces, pins, earrings, handbags and shoes.

Daniel Swarvoski started the foundation for this company one hundred years ago.
This genius and inventor left a legacy that has continued to grow, expand and reach the highest pinnacles of exquisite perfection, quality, style, class and success. Swarvoski is a company that has made it possible to develop pioneering technologies to assist in the preservation of the environment.

One of Swarvoski highest priority is passing their technological and environmental knowledge to other businesses to assist in it's worldwide implementation. This is the legacy of Daniel Swarvoski.