Prior to 1892 faceted crystal was produced by hand cutting natural rock or quartz crystal to achieve a maximum of sparkle and brilliance in much the same way that diamonds are still hand cut and faceted today.

The art of cutting crystal with facets is a very precise activity. The purpose of a facetted cut is to produce a stone that sparkles with internally reflected light, and that shows the fire and brilliance of the stone.

The angle of each facet is precisely calculated. As the aim is to maximize the effect of the internal reflections, these angles depend on the refractive index of the crystal being cut. The refractive index of a material at a particular frequency is the factor by which electromagnetic radiation of that frequency is slowed down when it travels inside the crystal.

In 1892 a young man from Bohemia named Daniel Swarovski invented and patented a crystal cutting machine. In 1895, he moved with his family to the town of Wattens, Austria where he found the water he needed to run his machines. In 1913, with his sons, Daniel Swarovski built a plant for the production of crystal.

Using his technique and the precision made available by cutting the crystal by machine, faceted crystal became more affordable and available for many uses. from medical optics and industrial purposes to the making of fine crystal stones for use in costume jewelry.