Swarovski crystal began in 1892, when Daniel Swarovski, the son a Bohemian-born gemcutter, invented the first industrial crystal-cutting machine. The quality of the material and the precision of his cut soon earned him an international reputation.

Pictured right: the SCS miniature Swan

Today Daniel Swarovski's descendents follow in his footsteps, making their mark in the fields of decorative objects, jewelry and fashion.

The Swarovski Collectors Society began in 1987 and has since grown to over 450,00 members one of the biggest clubs in the world.

Membership benefits include joining gifts, subscription to the quarterly Swarovski magazine, invitations to special SCS events and the ability to purchase members only editions and specials.

2008 saw the launch of a new trilogy of members only pieces entitled Endangered Species. The first animals to be portrayed are Pandas and are designed by Swarovski designer Heinz Tabertshofer

Pictured right: The Annual Edition 2008 Pandas comprises two unique, jewel-inspired figurines in faceted crystal with exceptional brilliance. The two pandas are created in clear and Black Diamond crystal, with Jet crystal eyes.

Mother panda is presented with a matt crystal bamboo accent. The mother and cub pandas are two separate pieces that can be displayed together or individually.ogy

With this series the Swarovski Collectors Society returns to the concept of offering one Annual Edition limited to the year of issue and in one version only.