So, here are the new crystal shapes in Swarovski’s line that purport to ‘capture’ the ‘massive social shifts’ of our time. I don’t know about *that*, but there is some pretty neat stuff here, and frankly, I am a little surprised that Swarovski took so long to get to market with some of them. It’s okay now though, my crystal-loving friends, because Swarovski has finally brought us:
New Crystal Skull BeadsSkulls! Crystal Skull Beads! In two great sizes! Did I mention Swarovski has finally come out with SKULLS?? Oh, and here’s what they are saying about it:
“The season’s innovations also include a unique new masterpiece that recalls the dark glamour of ancient cultures: the delicately cut Skull Bead, made from a single piece of crystal. With a top-down hole perfect for beading, this design icon comes in blue and black tones, gleaming metallics, and eye-catching effects…. Ideal when used as a charm, it also creates darkly alluring designs for bags, belts, or statement rings; and when combined with natural materials and other
beads, it also exudes a tribal feel.”
Like I said, SKULLS!
Swarovski doesn’t talk a lot in their press release about these new additions to their mini-bead line. But SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS mini beads are great in general for funky modern designs. A little less flashy, a little more elegant, with a nice smaller scale that means these beads can be accents on grander works, or centerpieces in more delicate jewelry. They’ll look great on your macrame bracelets, too.
Maison Martin Margiela for Swarovski, Crystalactite Pendants, Designer Edition - Grand Crystalactite Pendant, Petite Crystalactite PendantThere is a whole Swarovski PR-spun story behind these pendants, but before we get to that, I’ll just say, these pieces are awesome. They can be mixed and matched, in multiple sizes. This will only add to they impression they give of being naturally-formed icicles or crystals. Funky, asymmetrical, with a few matte facets scattered in, these are simultaneously super-modern, and kind of, you know, mystical, like that quartz pendant you bought at the new-age store and used to dowse for demons on a city map of San Francisco… oh wait, that was on the TV show “Charmed.”
Anyhoo, let’s go to the board, contestants, and see what the great Austrian Crystal Masters have to tell us about the genesis of these pendants. And the survey says:
“Since 1988, Paris-based Maison Martin Margiela has become famous for its collaborative team-led approach and its avant-garde transformation of classic designs. In July 2013, it presented the Maison Martin Margiela Crystalactite for Swarovski at its Paris Haute Couture show. These were groundbreaking Crystal Fusion components inspired by natural stalactite forms and developed in creative partnership with Swarovski. Now Swarovski presents its interpretation of this innovative cut in pure crystal: the Crystalactite Pendants. Featuring a progressive aesthetic combining partly frosted facets with primeval, irregular icicle shapes, the vision that originated in our wildest landscapes has now been perfected by one of the most sophisticated design houses…the Grand and Petite Pendants offer myriad design possibilities for strong, contemporary designs, and for recreating haute-couture looks.” 
New Xirius Raindrop PendantAh yes. Sometimes the old must become new again. This pendant reminds me of vintage Swarovski pendants and chandelier pieces. They were usually big, heavy, highly refractive, and perfect for hanging in your kitchen window to cast prismatic rainbows on the spider plant in the macrame holder that your mom made. Now Swarovski has created a delicate scaled-down version of one of our favorite light catchers, and it will make some very pretty jewelry. Or, as the company says, “The sculptural, chaton-cut XIRIUS Raindrop Pendant is a true original, perfect for attention-grabbing jewelry and accessories, both elegant and futuristic. Viewed from above, it has a classic look; viewed from below, a kaleidoscopic 3D effect comes into play.” That’s kind of what I said, right?
New Bow Tie Flatback Rhinestone
Swarovski’s keeping this one on the down-low, press release-wise. But this is definitely a flatback rhinestone, shaped like a bow-tie. It’s 12mm wide, and you can glue it on to stuff. If you like bow-ties and crystal, this one’s for you.
New 4-Hole Rivoli ButtonThis crystal button looks like a rivoli, except the pointy middle has been removed and replaced with a recessed flat disc with 4 holes in it. If you want a new look for your knotted bracelets, or you want to really jazz up that cashmere cardigan, these are your buttons.
New Line Extensions - Familiar shapes in colors you’ve been asking for.
Swarovski has added some of their much-loved effects and colors to lines in which they were previously unavailable - mostly Crystal Silver Night, Rose and Rosaline.
We hope you are loving the new Swarovski line. Look for our designers’ upcoming projects — they’ll give you instructions and ideas for incorporating this latest and greatest SWAROVSKI INNOVATIONS release into your jewelry.
-Sarah
