When most think of Swarovski they of course think of premium crystal pieces. According to Nadja Swarovski, who is a member of the Executive Board of Swarovski, the company is really an organization known for its master cutting capabilities. It is these capabilities that has built Swarovski’s reputation as a crystal manufacturer.
Swarovski and Maison Martin Margiela
This cutting expertise is what is on display in a collaboration between the iconic crystal brand and Maison Martin Margiela. The two have combined to create a collection of ready-to-wear jewelry made from Crystalactite, a material that fuses crystal with matte white resin. Maison Martin Margiela featured some of the higher end pieces from the new collection at their show in Paris in early July. Starting at about $1,000, the magnificent bracelets and pendants brought a lot of “ooh la la’s” to the event.
The process of creating the pieces is an interesting one and one that has been over four years in the making. Crystalactite fuses the crystal and resin during the initial production process. During this process, they ultimately form one smooth block of the fused material. It is here that the master cutting capabilities of Swarovski are put to work. These square blocks are then cut into exacting and precise stalactite shapes.
These provide for some dramatic pieces that will not only catch the light, but are sure to catch the attention of many jewelry shoppers this holiday season. The items are expected to be available beginning in November. It is clear why Swarovski has developed such a reputation in crystals. This merging of materials may lead to a whole new generation of Swarovski pieces.
