The Man Who Started It All: Swarovski Crystals and Gems

The famous chandelier used in the 2004 version of the Phantom of the Opera was spectacular and would you believe it, they were made from the Swarovski crystals which are highly valued nowadays. These famous crystals have been around for years but its popularity was revived only and flaunted all over the world around the late 80's and have not wavered a bit since then.

The Swarovski Dream
   
It was in October 24, 1862 when the world was so busy with so many things that the person who would revolutionize the crystals that we know today was born. Daniel Swarovski was born in Bohemia, Austria and worked alongside his father as a cutter when he was a young man.  It was in 1883 that he went to the First International Electric Exhibition to see Edison's invention. He was inspired by many other inventors such as Siemens and Schuckert, and thought that there might be other means to a more perfect cutting of crystals. Clearly, cutting by hand is not enough.

And so in 1892, he invented a precision cutting machine and after three years, he, together with friends Armand Kosman and Fanz Weiz became financiers to Swarovski's vision of expanding his crystal cutting business. It was known as A. Kosmann, Daniel Swarovski & Co which later eventually changed to K.S. & Co.

Then soon in 1908, he invented a furnace with his three sons that produced flawless crystal glass with amazing brilliance. He invented the Tyrolit, an effective grinding tool in 1919. He also invented the road-safety reflectors made of glass in the year of 1925.

Then in 1948, Daniel began to establish the Swarovski Optik, his own company. And in 1988, he changed the logo of the Swarovski brand from the initially designed Edelweiss flower into a different logo. After a while, Daniel Swarovski decided to change it into a swan logo within the year. He used special coatings for the crystals to create the rainbow spectrum, of which the Aurore boreale is the most common.

Swarovski made the famous opera house chandelier again in the remake of the movie Phantom of the Opera. Later in 2004 – Swarovski created the 550 lb, crystal star on top of the Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York City which is actually 9 feet in diameter.

And it was in 2007 that Swarovski accepted partnership with Philips to do manufacturing of various gadgets with "Active-Crystals".

Highlights on Swarovski Colors
   
Swarovski made sure that when he makes crystals, he will make them crystals of classic colors, but there are colors that are exclusive to the brand. Below is the list of Swarovski Crystal Colors available today exclusively available from Swarovski.

The Classic colors include Crystal, Emerald, Rose, Peridot, Light Siam while the Exclusive Colors is comprised of Indian Sapphire, Light Topaz, Morion, Dark sapphire, Light Azore, Turmaline and Burgundy. Exclusive Effects include Comet Argent Light, White Opal Star Shine, Volcano, Satin, Matte Finish and Meridian. Other crystals are further classified into Classic Effects which include the popularly known Aurore Boreale, Heliotrope, Glacier Blue and Vitrail Light. Really, whatever kind of crystals you need, at whatever color, you will find them with the Swarovski crystals!

Swarovski has earned so much respect from the world and the crystals which he has worked so hard to develop remain popular to this day. They are used in fashion, electronics and as collection. The crystals are not only sold as beads that were normally created as necklaces or any other fashion accessories. The famous "crystal swan" is in fact the logo of the Swarovski brand and has been imitated by other crystal cutting manufacturers for years.

Daniel Swarovski died in 1956, but the love for his inventions and the craze for Swarovski crystals and gemstones live on. He was a man whose vision ceased to become a dream; it has crystallized into tiny yet beautiful works of art.

The Crystal Truth About Crystals and Gemstones

In life, not everything that is shining is made of gold, but who would not want these splendid minerals on their bodies, their jewelry or their clothes when they just simply spell amazing? The words crystals and gemstones have most often been used interchangeably, but here we'll take an in depth look into these pricey minerals and describe their origins and the beliefs that were born over the years of using crystals and gemstones.

What's the Difference between Crystals and Gemstones?

They say that you recognize a crystal because it's clear but what about diamonds? Diamonds are clear as well making it so complicated to tell them apart. Most of the crystals and gemstones that we see today are already cut but when they are still in their original, mineral form, it is pretty easy to identify each. Crystals are sliced from symmetrically interwoven cuts of glasslike substance that appears like an ice formation. Gemstones, on the other hand, are actually carved and polished from stone formations.

Stones of Healing

Since pre-recorded history, stones and crystals have been used for their healing powers. Men and women have enjoyed using these materials due to their non-invasive, relaxing effects. It is said that stones and crystals absorb or relay energy to the seven primary chakras of the body, relieving tension and exuding relaxation when necessary.

Chakra refers to the seven force centers in the body, which emits energy and permits us to perform our daily activities. One energy deficiency on a particular chakra disrupts the whole energy system in the body creating "disease". And it is in these diseases that these crystals and gemstones are most often used; to gather, integrate or replenish energies. Since the stones and crystals emit very specific energies and are able to stimulate, make sure you properly place these materials at precise points in the body to heal what needs healing.

Fashionable Minerals

Before, prehistoric men wore rocks of various shapes, sizes and colors and have even used them as tools. And many years after, royalties mainly used these materials as necklaces and adornments, even turning them into crowns! Now, gemstones and crystals are everywhere! Be it on your earrings, bags, shoes and clothes. Fashion designers have long recognized its use in fashion designing. 

And nowadays, a woman can hardly live her life without setting hands upon any jewelry whether as a pair of earrings, a ring, a shoe embellishment or a decorative piece on her belt. Men's fashion, on the other hand, makes use of these minerals as cufflinks, necklace or rings regardless of their value.

Also, most people now have started using the affordable mineral beads as a form of passion or a hobby. This way, personalized beadworks of necklaces and other forms of jewelry have been made possible and available to everyone.  At one point, Swarovski crystals have become so popular to the point they appear on practically anything that can be beaded with crystals, most especially, on wedding dresses and evening gowns.

Why ladies love to wear crystals and gemstones is not at all surprising!  What with the crystals' undeniable beauty and splendor, no one could ever escape its lure! Crystals come in different sizes, uses and value. One might even use the crystals and other gemstones for healing purposes, or simply for making you look fabulous, or some other purposes.

Hollywood Stars Wearing Crystals and Their Gemstones

Hollywood doesn't seem to have enough stars to brighten up its gates, but the stars themselves keep wearing such fabulous, crystals and gemstones, as they love partnering such stones with amazing clothes while taking their walk on the red carpet. While some say they like wearing crystals and gemstones as their birthstones. Really, these trinkets are said to have the ability to enhance the natural aura of a person. Let's see what they can do to some of our popular stars' already bright future!

January – Garnet
Oprah Winfrey - January 29, 1954
Patrick Dempsey - January 13, 1966

Garnet is known to trigger the creative abilities of a person and activate the desire to help others sincerely. Oprah could very well be carrying this gem in her pocket with all the philanthropic work she's doing and clearly, the scrub suit isn't enough to bring out Patrick's natural passion to save lives.

February – Amethyst
Jennifer Aniston – February 11, 1969
Rihanna - February 20, 1988

We all agree that Jennifer and Rihanna could do well with a little calm and balance, with their bad break ups and trying relationships. The Amethyst could channel the calming energy towards their hearts enabling them to clear their thoughts, manage their emotions and sharpen their intuitions.

March – Aquamarine
Sarah Jessica Parker - March 25, 1965
Reese Witherspoon - March 22, 1976

Aquamarine emits energy that centers on spiritual experiences. In effect, it reduces fear, allowing a person to move forward in his or her life experiences. Sarah could benefit from the Aquamarine to balance her hectic work life and her spirituality for a holistic beauty. What better way to maintain her fashion iconic status! Reese, on the other hand, would enjoy the calm of the stone, allowing her to communicate freely and engage in new experiences.

April – Diamond
America Ferrera - April 18, 1984
Leighton Meester - April 09, 1986

While diamonds are often seen as a mere sign of engagement, we should also realize its immense ability to clear the mind and remove negativity! As new stars, America and Leighton could use a little bit of spiritual awareness to keep their minds healthy and hearts always compassionate despite the stress and cutthroat demands of show business.

May – Emerald
Robert Pattinson - May 13, 1986
Megan Fox - May 16, 1986

Being very busy and popular are the two common denominators of Robert and Megan. They could use a little Emerald to stimulate the over-all healing of mental and physical health, as they could usually falter due to stress. This stone could help them harmonize their personal lives while keeping them focused when at work.

June – Pearl
Angelina Jolie - June 4, 1975
Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen - June 13, 1986

The pearl is very effective in clearing out emotional imbalances. With the hectic schedule and non-stop drama in the lives of the Olsen Twins and the always in scrutiny tandem of Jolie and Pitt, these guys would really benefit from a little pearl exposure to absorb their stress and prevent them from behaving negatively.

July – Ruby
Lindsay Lohan -July 2, 1986
Daniel Radcliffe - July 23, 1989

Obviously Lindsay and Daniel have talent in common, and there's no better way to ensure that the artistic juices keep flowing in their careers than to wear some pieces of ruby. It stimulates energy in the body to assist a person while achieving one's goals. This equilibrium in the mind helps create stability and confidence at the same time, warding off negativity.

August – Peridot
Hayden Panettiere - August 21, 1989
Madonna - August 16, 1958

Peridot is an effective stimulant of regenerative hormones in the body. Therefore, Madonna and Hayden's athleticism will need support from this stone to aid in muscle relaxation. Peridot is also known to ease the mind during stressful situations, thereby eliminating feelings of nervousness and fear.

September – Sapphire
Beyoncé Knowles - September 04, 1981
Keanu Reeves - September 02, 1964

Artistic people are known to be very emotional, and the sapphire could help them balance their body chemicals at the same time normalize their moods. Sapphire stones are known to promote tranquility and inspiration. Clearly, Beyonce and Keanu are both very artistic and creative and might need a little sapphire to soften their naturally intense emotions.

October – Opal
Zac Efron - October 18, 1987
Simon Cowell - October 07, 1959

It is extremely interesting how the gemstone Opal promotes clarity in making decisions and Simon Cowell is on our list. His name is synonymous to big talent shows that produce stars today and his thoughts simply matter. For Zac Efron, whose career is just about taking off, Opal could be helpful in reducing the effects of fatigue in his career life.

November – Yellow Topaz
Miley Cyrus – November 23, 1992
Scarlett Johansson - November 22, 1984

Popular, beautiful and talented Miley and Scarlett have their schedules pretty full that hardly have any time left to relax. And because of this, they need to have the gemstone, the Yellow Topaz which integrates the busy mind to the refreshing energies of the world. It promotes trust and clarity in communication and encourages the wearer to be in touch with his or her higher desires. Truly ideal for these two stars who are so pretty much wrapped up in their busy careers.

December –Turquoise
Brad Pitt - December 18, 1963
Taylor Swift - December 13, 1989

Taylor Swift would definitely do well wearing turquoise as this gemstone keeps the mind focused at one's goals especially when he or she is too busy achieving his or her goals. Swift's talent and success is amazing and the gemstone turquoise would help her keep a more objective look at what she dealt with on her way to the top. As for Brad, this is a great stone to help attune his mind and spirit. Wearing the gemstone turquoise will surely help bring clarity and calm to him.

Really, people have used various kinds of stones for many years and these gems are priced not only for their value but for their inherent ability to pull energies. More than piece of accessory to complete our stars' awesome wardrobes, various crystals and gemstones might just be able to further improve what is already a great life for them!