Leading manufacturer of crystal stones and crystal fashion jewellery Swarovski, has unveiled the newly refurbished crystal star that will crown the 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Nadja Swarov…
Leading manufacturer of crystal stones and crystal fashion jewellery Swarovski, has unveiled the newly refurbished crystal star that will crown the 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. Nadja Swarovski, vice president of International Communications, and Thomas Madden, managing director of Tishman Speyer, co-owners of the Rockefeller Center, were present to discuss the enhancements to the star, which include a new lighting system with energy-efficient LED bulbs. The 12 rays of the star have 720 LED bulbs on 3,000 feet of wire, which create a dazzling, twinkling effect through customized light sequencing programmed by a complex computer system, used for the first time for the Swarovski star, which debuted at the top of the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2004. Nine artisans and engineers worked three months on the unique combination of art, science and technology to complete the new design, and ensuring that the effects would withstand the challenging winter weather conditions 76-feet above Rockefeller Center. The Swarovski star is made up of 25,000 crystals, with 1,000,000 facets, measures 9.5 feet in diameter, is 1.5 feet deep, and weighs 550 pounds, also including 300 pounds of crystal panels. The star is composed of six outer rays and six smaller inner rays, with the main surfaces of the rays made of point-mounted safety glass, the same shatter-proof glass that adorns the faades of New York City buildings. “The redesign of the star exemplifies the Swarovski tradition of blending innovation with timeless elegance,” said Nadja Swarovski. “We are proud to continue to enhance the star“s beauty and to share our vision with visitors to Rockefeller Center from around the world.” “We are pleased to once again partner with Swarovski to present New Yorkers and visitors alike with a magnificent symbol of the holidays at Rockefeller Center,” said Thomas Madden, managing director of Tishman Speyer. “The new elements to the star are sure to dazzle the millions who visit the iconic tree each year.” The Swarovski Star, which will also have a replica on show in Rockefeller Center to allow visitors the opportunity to get a closer view of the detailing and craftsmanship, is now positioned on the top of the 76-foot-high, 40-foot wide, over 10-ton Norway Spruce from the home of Maria Corti. The 77th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on 2 December, from 7-9 p.m., and will be televized live.