I am a huge fan of anything that sparkles and Swarovski Crystal has me wrapped around it's little…read morefinger.
Daniel Swarovski, born in northern Bohemia in 1862, now the Czech Republic, was an apprentice in his father's glass cutting shop, when he invented an electric cutting machine, that would be patented and we would then be rewarded with his works of art, worldwide. Because the art form of glass cutting was so popular in his hometown, he decided to move to Tyrol, Austria, where the water needed was plentiful and the market was wide open for glass cutting.
In 1885 he founded Swarovski, his crystal cutting factory in Wattens, Tyrol. Swarovski crystal contains approximately 32% lead to maximize refraction. Crystal sculptures, figurines, home decor, chandeliers, fashion accessories and jewelry are all marked with the edelweiss flower, before 1988 and the famous swan afterwards.
This address is for the North American Customer and Service Centre. Their toll free phone number is: 1 800 426-3088. Shopping online is always more of a joy to me and Swarovski offers free shipping and wrapping, for any purchase over $95.00, which is not hard to spend on their beautiful merchandise.
I have been to the Flagship store in Innsbruck, Tyrol, Austria, another in Lucerne, Switzerland and many Swarovski shops throughout the USA. Swarovski Crystal is sold worldwide. For your convenience, you can also shop online.
The website for purchasing Swarovski Crystal is:
http://www.swarovski.com/
Swarovski Crystal is an investment if it stays in good condition or you do not lose it like the bracelet that I purchased in San Diego. Most all Swarovski merchandise is sold in limited quantities and for a limited time only.
In Switzerland, I purchased a Swarovski crystal bead necklace, that can either be worn long with the crystal pendant in view or doubled up into a two stranded set of beads with the pendant being used as the clasp. I paid $210.00 at the time and if I were to ever decide to sell them, I would fetch a nice return on my money, I'm sure.
Daniel Swarovski passed on in 1956, but his legend and product shall live forever. Thank you Mr. Swarovski for making me and my house sparkle.