Swarovski crystal a genuine auction crowd puller
Author: Richard Brewster | Posted: 4th March, 2015
The first pieces of a substantial collection of Austrian Swarovski crystal will be auctioned from 9.30am Friday March 6 at Young’s Auctions 229 Camberwell Road, East Hawthorn – with the remainder being offered in coming weeks.
Headquartered in Wattens Austria, the company was established in 1892 by Czech-born Daniel Swarovski (formerly Swartz) who died in 1956.
His father was a glasscutter who owned a small glass factory where the young Swarovski served an apprenticeship and became skilled in the art.
In 1892, he patented an electric cutting machine that led to the production of crystal glass and the founding of his company with financiers Armand Kosman and Franz Weis.
The firm was located at Wattens to take advantage of local hydroelectricity for the energy intensive grinding process.
The Swarovski crystal range includes crystal glass sculptures and miniatures, jewellery and couture, home décor and chandeliers.
The auction contains Armani figurines, dinner sets, porcelain, studio glass and crystal from makers Kosta Boda, Christofel and Orrefors.
Among the furniture is reproduction mahogany items, pairs of feather filled settees, a jarrah dining setting and French elm.
