Swarovski, a Popular Brand for Crystal Art Pieces

Crystal, with its irresistible sparkle is a mystic substance and has been a source of fascination through the ages. Collection of silver crystal figurines has become popular all over the world particularly during the last 25 years. Swarovski brand of crystal figurines are carved in Austria and are exported to different countries all over the globe.

Swarovski showroom at 9 and 10, Amrutha Topaz Building, Panjagutta in Hyderabad is famous for its crystal figurines, porcelain figurines and popular brands of Switzerland made wristwatches. There are a number of other showrooms on both sides of the road leading from Panjagutta junction to Begumpet or Somajiguda. Ornaments of gold, silver, pearls, sapphires, emeralds and other precious substances are sold at these shops.

Brought From Austria

Swarovski showroom, opened a couple of years ago, is a popular one in twin-cities as well as in AP. Swarovski crystal figurines are collections brought from Austria. The company was established more than a century ago in that country. There are dealers for Swarovski art pieces in Mumbai, Delhi and other major cities in India.

These collections are basically showpieces. There are also a number of ornaments coated with gold and rhodium. These valuable art pieces are obtained from the dealers in Mumbai, Delhi and other cities.

Each of the art pieces is under a title or subject. The pieces are designed based on a natural scene, a painting or a situation. Ordinary people appreciate the beauty of an art piece - drawing, painting, or a statue. But one has to spend a little more to possess an art piece made of a precious metal or a valuable material like crystal.

The art pieces are classified under certain titles depending on the model. The crystal figurines are in the shape of humans, birds, animals, plants, flowers, endangered species and a number of other varieties. They are categorised under Woodland friends, fairy tales, African wild life, Horses on parade, Kingdom of ice and snow, Feathered friends, Pets’ corner, Sparkling fruit, Beauties of the lake, Crystal melodies, Our candle holders, Chinese zodiacs, Games of kings, Celebrations, Childhood dreams, Your special treasures, Crystal garden and under other names.

The costs range from Rs 700 to more than a lakh. The Swarovski Collectors’ Society (SCS) was established in 1987. Majority of the visitors to the shop have an idea about the value of the beautiful and precious items sold in the shop.

Special Art Pieces for SCS Members

Special pieces are designed for SCS members periodically. The recent such collection for collectors’ display is the Isadora figurine and it was exclusively designed for SCS members for 2002-04. The figurines are sold only to members on request. There are 60 members in the twin-cities in the society. Another art piece - the 15 ruby red roses with silver stems - is also specially designed to mark the 15th birthday of the society.

The membership can be obtained by applying to the dealer. A fee of Rs 2,750 per annum or Rs 6,250 for three years has to be paid by the applicants to become a member.

Attractive programmes comprising of cultural events and tours will be organized to the members regularly. The local dealer will inform the members of the details. Programmes will also be displayed on the SCS Internet page and in Swarovski magazine.

Porcelain Decorative Pieces

In addition to the crystal articles, there are varieties of decorative pieces made of porcelain. These porcelain pieces are sold to the visitors.

The porcelain art pieces are brought from Spain. The figurines mainly contain the shapes of humans, animals and other types. They are handcrafts. The price range varies from Rs 6,000 to more than a lakh. The idol of Lord Ganesh, which costs Rs 74,500 is popular and is available only in India.

The shop is also known for its Omega, Rado, Tissot, CK, Movado, Fendi, Gucci, Swatch, Wenger and other Swiss made wristwatches. There are a number of varieties in each brand. The price range commences from Rs 1,800 to more than Rs one lakh.

The shop is kept open from 10 AM to 9 PM

Mrs Lata Reddy and Mrs Praveena are the managers for the showroom. Latareddy19@rediffmail.com

P. Chandrasekhar