In 1895, Daniel Swarovski, a Bohemian inventor and visionary, introduced his newly invented machine for cutting and polishing crystal jewellery stones. From this beginning, Swarovski has grown to become the world's leading producer of precision-cut crystal for fashion, jewellery and, more recently, lighting, architecture and interiors. Swarovski's own brand lines of accessories, jewellery and home décor items are sold through more than 1,900 retail outlets worldwide.