|
 Founded
in 1895, the Daniel Swarovski Corporation is a four generation family
business. It was begun when Daniel Swarovski invented a new machine for
cutting glass, bought a textile mill and started the world's first
hydroelectric glass cutting plant.
 Supplying approximately 75% of the world's full lead crystal,
they produce approximately 40 million stones per day, in 250,000 different
shapes, sizes and colors. Swarovski crystal is cut using precision optical
methods. With over 400 patented machines, they are the technological
leader in the business.
 Crystal is made by combining quartz, sand, soda, potash and
lead oxide. This mixture is then heated to 1500 degrees Celsius. Colors
are created by the addition of metallic oxides such as copper, sulfur,
iron and manganese. The oxides are added before heating. Special effects,
such as Aurora Borealis and Volcano, are chemically bonded tot he stone's
surface. Colors and special effects are permanent. To be considered full
lead crystal, the lead oxide content must be above 30%. Swarovski Austrian
crystal contains 32% lead.
Picture That Designs proudly features only genuine Swarovski crystal in
our crystal pieces. |
