Jewelers

Daniel Swarovski

Daniel Swarovski (October 24, 1862 – January 23, 1956) – Austrian engineer, inventor and successful entrepreneur of the late XIX – first half of the XX centuries. Swarovski Daniel  is the founder of one of the most famous jewelry companies – Swarovski AG, specializing in the manufacture of jewelry from rhinestones and precious stones.

Daniel Swarovski became world famous for inventing a revolutionary technique for machine cutting of crystal. The technology of production of Swarovski crystals has been kept in the strictest confidence for over 100 years, and the chain of jewelry stores of the same name numbers over 1,150 luxury boutiques in 120 countries of the world.

Daniel Swarovski
Installation in the park surrounding the Swarovski Crystal Worlds Museum, 2004

Biography of Daniel Swarovski

Daniel Swarovski was born on October 24, 1862 in a family of hereditary cutters of the famous Bohemian crystal in the small village of Georgental in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Today this settlement is part of the Czech Republic and is called Jirzetin pod Bukovou.

From childhood, Daniel helped his father in the family business of making simple jewelry from mountain quartz and was fond of playing the violin. After leaving school, he left his native land and went to Paris to study engineering. During his studies, the young Swarovski became seriously interested in electrical engineering and took up the design of electrical equipment, but upon completion of his studies he was forced to return home.

In 1883, Daniel Swarovski visited the World Electrical Exhibition in Vienna and this event became significant in the fate of the young engineer. His acquaintance with Edison’s machines made a huge impression on him, Swarovski firmly decided to use electrical equipment in crystal cutting and began developing the first engineering project.

Daniel Swarovski
Souvenir Machine with clock

As a result of several years of hard work, Daniel in 1892 succeeded in constructing the world’s first electric polishing machine, which cut stones with amazing precision and speed. The Austro-Hungarian authorities issued a patent to the young genius for his invention and contributed to the establishment of the production of equipment.

The best conditions for the development of entrepreneurship in those years were offered by the authorities of the Austrian mountainous Tyrol. Therefore, Swarovski, together with his family, decided to move to this region to create a revolutionary production of electrical equipment. In the village of Wattens, he rented the building of a local weaving factory, where he started producing machines for cutting crystal and making jewelry from rhinestones.

Daniel Swarovski

The production turned out to be very successful; by the beginning of the twentieth century, its staff had expanded from five to a hundred people. In 1895, Swarovski AG was founded, which quickly gained immense fame. At the same time, the brilliant engineer bought not only the building of the former weaving factory, but also the local hydroelectric power station, along with a huge piece of land adjacent to it.

Even before the First World War, Swarovski jewelry began to be sold throughout Europe, the first stores were opened in France and Russia, and the Austrian’s products were in great demand. But Daniel Swarovski did not even think to rest on the laurels of fame. Together with his grown-up sons, in 1911 he invented a technology for the production of artificial crystal of the highest transparency and brilliance, which he immediately classified.

Daniel Swarovski
Crystal Dome at the interactive Swarovski Crystal Worlds in Wattens, 1995

Thanks to the highest quality products, Swarovski products made from unique crystals quickly became fashionable. They have become a worthy alternative to insanely expensive gemstone jewelry and have gained immense popularity.

During the First World War, Daniel Swarovski successfully mastered the production of abrasive materials at his enterprise, which was in dire need of the Austro-Hungarian army. After the end of hostilities, this production only increased its volumes, subsequently becoming a separate line of the firm’s activities.

Daniel Swarovski
Daniel Swarovski with his sons, 1940s

In the interwar years, the Swarovski AG company, under the leadership of its owner, successfully mastered the production of optical products: lenses; binoculars; telescopes; weapon sights.

And this field of activity turned out to be very successful for Swarovski, and during the Second World War, the production of optics was a priority in the company’s activities.

Daniel Swarovski positively reacted to the annexation of Austria to the Third Reich in 1938 and even became a member of the Nazi party NSDAP. His sons and most of the workers did the same, but the elderly engineer was busy with what he loved and did not take an active part in political life. Despite the termination of trade ties between the warring parties, Swarovski jewelry products successfully entered the US stores through neutral states throughout the Second World War.

Daniel Swarovski
Jewelery Swan Swarovski, late twentieth century

In 1945, Daniel Swarovski managed to avoid losing his business due to accusations of collaboration with the Nazi regime. The authorities of post-war Austria were condescending to the old jeweler, who by that time was already more than 80 years old. After a short trial, he was fully acquitted, and all restrictions on international trade were lifted.

The post-war 40s and 50s of the last century were among the best in the history of Swarovski AG. For almost 20 years, it has been Austria’s largest exporter, and a successful production diversification policy has allowed the company to survive all crises.

But, by that time, the ingenious inventor had already left the active management of his own company. He handed over the reins of government to his sons and grandchildren, and he himself retired. On January 23, 1956, 93-year-old Daniel Swarovski died in Wattens, where he was buried.

Daniel Swarovski
Jewelry Ring Chic Purple Blue, late 20th century

Daniel Swarovski today remains a symbol of a successful jewelry business, and products bearing the name of the genius master are in demand among fashionistas from all over the world.

Daniel Swarovski
Jubilee mouse Swarovski, XXI century
Daniel Swarovski
Gustinus Ambrosi. Monument to Daniel Swarovski in Wattens, 1960
Daniel Swarovski
Dress decorated with Swarovski crystals, 20th century
Chic bracelet with crystals
Chic bracelet with crystals
Birds of Paradise from Swarovski
Birds of Paradise from Swarovski
Daniel Swarovski's crystal making machine, 1891.
Daniel Swarovski’s crystal making machine, 1891.
Gold souvenir pacifier with Swarovski crystals
Gold souvenir pacifier with Swarovski crystals

Daniel Swarovski as a child
Daniel Swarovski as a child