AuctionsDec 12, 2025
13.54-Carat Paraíba Tourmaline Sets Records at Christie’sSet in a Tiffany & Co. necklace, it sold for $4.2 million, the highest price and price per carat paid for a Paraíba tourmaline at auction.
MajorsMay 21, 2020
Swarovski Names First Company-Wide Creative Director Amid Exec Shake-Up
Fashion industry veteran Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert will oversee the crystal company’s creative elements.
Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert has been appointed as Swarovski’s first creative director, following the appointment of a CEO and changes to its executive structure.
Wattens, Austria—Swarovski has named fashion veteran Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert its first company-wide global creative director, the crystal company announced earlier this week following recent changes to its executive board.
“For decades, Swarovski has been illuminating the world of fashion, design, entertainment, in general the whole creative industry. I am thrilled to be leading the creative vision of a cultural powerhouse like Swarovski in the future,” said Engelbert in a press release.
Engelbert, who confirmed the appointment on her website, will be tasked with overseeing the creative side of the Swarovski crystal business, including brand image, products, communications, campaigns, stores and events.
Born and raised in Milan, Engelbert has been an editor and fashion consultant for more than 20 years, working with big-name brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Christian Dior, and Carolina Herrera.
The former Dolce & Gabbana model was a force behind Vogue Gioello, the now-defunct Vogue publication dedicated to jewelry, and also served in editorial roles for L’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Japan, Vogue Pelle, and W Magazine.
She also rose to fame for her oft-photographed street style outside of fashion week shows around the world, becoming one of the industry’s biggest and earliest street style stars.
In 2016, Engelbert took on a consultant role for Swarovski Professional, the company’s business-to-business division.
She created the “Book of Dreams,” a limited-edition coffee table magazine showcasing artwork created using the company’s crystals and pearls.
Englebert’s first product designs will be showcased in Swarovksi’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
The announcement follows a recent restructuring at the company, which included the appointment of CEO Robert Buchbauer, the great-great-grandson of the company's founder, Daniel Swarovski.
“Our 125-year history is witness for the power of our company to transform and reinvent itself and I am pleased to welcome a brilliant creative mind and strong female leader like Giovanna to our company,” said Buchbauer in a press release.
As far as other executive changes, a source told WWD that Nadja Swarovski, also a great-great-grandchild of the company’s founder, had “lost all oversight of her main responsibilities, which was the Atelier Swarovski business, corporate branding, communications and corporate social responsibility.”
A company spokesperson declined to address a change to Nadja’s role, but noted she was still a member of the executive board.
Markus Langes-Swarovski, however, is no longer a member of the executive board, a spokesperson confirmed, but remains on the advisory board and is the chairman of the board of directors.
The executive board, the board of directors, and the advisory board are separate entities, said Swarovski.
The executive board, which held the reins prior to the appointment of a CEO, now includes Buchbauer, Mathias Margreiter, and Nadja Swarovski.
“For decades, Swarovski has been illuminating the world of fashion, design, entertainment, in general the whole creative industry. I am thrilled to be leading the creative vision of a cultural powerhouse like Swarovski in the future,” said Engelbert in a press release.
Engelbert, who confirmed the appointment on her website, will be tasked with overseeing the creative side of the Swarovski crystal business, including brand image, products, communications, campaigns, stores and events.
Born and raised in Milan, Engelbert has been an editor and fashion consultant for more than 20 years, working with big-name brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Michael Kors, Christian Dior, and Carolina Herrera.
The former Dolce & Gabbana model was a force behind Vogue Gioello, the now-defunct Vogue publication dedicated to jewelry, and also served in editorial roles for L’Uomo Vogue, Vogue Japan, Vogue Pelle, and W Magazine.
She also rose to fame for her oft-photographed street style outside of fashion week shows around the world, becoming one of the industry’s biggest and earliest street style stars.
In 2016, Engelbert took on a consultant role for Swarovski Professional, the company’s business-to-business division.
She created the “Book of Dreams,” a limited-edition coffee table magazine showcasing artwork created using the company’s crystals and pearls.
Englebert’s first product designs will be showcased in Swarovksi’s Spring/Summer 2021 collection.
The announcement follows a recent restructuring at the company, which included the appointment of CEO Robert Buchbauer, the great-great-grandson of the company's founder, Daniel Swarovski.
“Our 125-year history is witness for the power of our company to transform and reinvent itself and I am pleased to welcome a brilliant creative mind and strong female leader like Giovanna to our company,” said Buchbauer in a press release.
As far as other executive changes, a source told WWD that Nadja Swarovski, also a great-great-grandchild of the company’s founder, had “lost all oversight of her main responsibilities, which was the Atelier Swarovski business, corporate branding, communications and corporate social responsibility.”
A company spokesperson declined to address a change to Nadja’s role, but noted she was still a member of the executive board.
Markus Langes-Swarovski, however, is no longer a member of the executive board, a spokesperson confirmed, but remains on the advisory board and is the chairman of the board of directors.
The executive board, the board of directors, and the advisory board are separate entities, said Swarovski.
The executive board, which held the reins prior to the appointment of a CEO, now includes Buchbauer, Mathias Margreiter, and Nadja Swarovski.
More on Majors
The Latest
CollectionsDec 12, 2025
Piece of the Week: Oscar Heyman’s Sphene RingTake luxury gifting to new heights this holiday season with the jeweler’s showstopping 12-carat sphene ring.
Events & AwardsDec 12, 2025
IGI Jewelry Design Contest Now Accepting SubmissionsThis year's theme is “Unveiling the Depths of the Ocean.”
Brought to you by
Impacting Tomorrow TodayHow Jewelers of America’s 20 Under 40 are leading to ensure a brighter future for the jewelry industry.
TrendsDec 11, 2025
Pinterest 2026 Trend Report: Brooches, Bold Gold, Cool BlueIn its annual report, Pinterest noted an increase in searches for brooches, heirloom jewelry, and ‘80s luxury.
Weekly QuizDec 11, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
GradingDec 11, 2025
GIA to Offer Origin Determination for 3 More GemstonesStarting Jan. 1, customers can request the service for opal, peridot, and demantoid garnet.
IndependentsDec 11, 2025
Look Inside Day’s Jewelers’ Ninth StoreThe 111-year-old retailer celebrated the opening of its new location in Salem, New Hampshire, which is its third store in the state.
Brought to you by
Roseco Releases New Full-Line CatalogRoseco’s 704-page catalog showcases new lab-grown diamonds, findings, tools & more—available in print or interactive digital editions.
AuctionsDec 10, 2025
Francis Ford Coppola’s Watch Sells for $10.8MThe filmmaker’s personal F.P. Journe “FFC” prototype was the star of Phillips’ recent record-setting watch auction in New York.
WatchesDec 10, 2025
There’s A New Rolex Boutique in MiamiThe new location in the Design District pays homage to Miami’s Art Deco heritage and its connection to the ocean.
SurveysDec 10, 2025
Consumer Confidence Drops in November Inflations, tariffs, and politics—including the government shutdown—were among consumers’ top concerns last month.
SourcingDec 10, 2025
NAJA Announces Details for 2026 ‘Ace It’ Winter Conference“Longtime favorite” presenters, as well as first-time speakers, will lead talks and workshops at the annual event in Tucson next year.
Events & AwardsDec 10, 2025
MJSA Names 2025 Responsible Design Challenge WinnerSilas Smith of Meridian Metalworks won the challenge with his pendant that blends Australian and American landscapes.
AuctionsDec 09, 2025
‘Desert Rose’ Diamond Sells for $8.8M in Abu DhabiThe sale of the 31.68-carat, sunset-hued stone was part of Sotheby’s first series of events and auctions in Abu Dhabi.
ColumnistsDec 09, 2025
Holiday Sales Happen in December, Most Decisions Don’tMost customers who walk into your store this month have made up their minds. Your job is to validate their choice, Emmanuel Raheb writes.
TrendsDec 09, 2025
‘Once Upon a Time,’ Guzema Debuted Its Holiday CollectionThe collection features characters and motifs from Ukrainian folklore, including an enchanted mirror and a magic egg.
TechnologyDec 09, 2025
Gemvision Releases Updated MatrixGoldMatrixGold 3.11, the newest version of the jewelry design program, offers more flexibility, precision, and creative control.
Events & AwardsDec 09, 2025
MJSA Showcase Pavilion Returning to JA New York The pavilion will be part of the 2026 JA New York Spring show, scheduled for March 15 to 17.
MajorsDec 08, 2025
Juell Kadet, a ‘Lifelong Pillar’ of Rogers & Hollands, Dies at 96Kadet, a 1994 National Jeweler Retailer Hall of Fame inductee, helped grow the family-owned retailer in the Chicago area and beyond.
TechnologyDec 08, 2025
You’ve Heard of Smart Watches and Rings; Meet Smart EarringsBilled as the world’s smallest wearable, Lumia Health’s new smart earrings have a health tracker subtly embedded in the back.
TrendsDec 08, 2025
Amanda’s Style File: Celebrating December’s BirthstonesDon’t let those with December birthdays feel blue. Help them celebrate their month with blue zircon, turquoise, and tanzanite.
CollectionsDec 05, 2025
Piece of the Week: Robinson Pelham’s ‘Tsar Star’ EarringsThe new pink sapphire version of the piece dances with its wearer in the brand’s “Icons After Dark” holiday campaign.
TrendsDec 05, 2025
Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2026 Is … WhiteA choice that’s generated a lot of commentary, Pantone says “Cloud Dancer” marks a fresh start and encourages relaxation and creativity.
MajorsDec 05, 2025
Stuller Releases ‘Wrapped in Wonder’ CampaignThe manufacturer’s holiday campaign features a gift guide filled with trending designs and jewelry that can be personalized.
CrimeDec 04, 2025
Man Arrested After Allegedly Swallowing Fabergé Egg PendantThe man was charged with theft, accused of ingesting the necklace while in a jewelry store in Auckland, New Zealand.
IndependentsDec 04, 2025
Step Inside JR Dunn Jewelers’ Giant New Store The Florida independent expanded its store from 8,000 to 14,000 square feet, fulfilling the vision of its late co-founder, Jim Dunn.
Supplier BulletinDec 04, 2025
Introducing Shop Natural Day: A New Movement Celebrating Natural DiamondsSponsored by De Beers Group
