Swarovski: The Jewelers’ Playground

They may not be rare, particularly pricey, or crafted by Mother Nature, but Swarovski crystals still drive Stephen Webster wild with desire. The London-based fine jeweler said he’s always looking for different ways of working with Swarovski because these crystals offer him what precious gem dealers cannot: freedom. “With Swarovski, you don’t need to hold back — you can let it rip a bit. If you want a big, juicy look, then you say, ‘Let’s go for it.’” Webster has worked on myriad projects using the crystals, including the jewelry in the 2012 James Bond film “Skyfall” — and the consumer spin-off collection following the film’s release — Christina Aguilera’s retro-style, pearl-encrusted microphone and even debutantes’ tiaras. He’s made necklaces from chandelier components and created men’s and women’s collections for the luxury brand Atelier Swarovski. Webster, who has a namesake label and is also creative director of British jeweler Garrard, said he walks into Swarovski’s development studio in London “and it’s like going to see everyone in the stone industry all at once. There are masses of product.” Mary Katrantzou, who works with the crystals each season for her ready-to-wear collection, and who has also designed for Atelier Swarovski, said she knows the “Swarovski

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