New Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal Collection

Since 1995, Swarovski has offered its customers a unique collection of limited edition, numbered pieces. This year, a mere 10,000 copies of the "Numbered Limited Edition 2008" have been produced worldwide, for which Swarovski Crystal Society members have first right to purchase.

Every two years, a piece inspired by nature is added to this unique collection, which embodies the highest levels of crystal precision, perfection and brilliance. Past items include an eagle, a peacock, wild horses, a bull and an elephant: this year's piece is a stunning rhinoceros.

Large and powerful, this mystical animal embodies the quiet strength of nature, and symbolises the beauty of the natural world. Set on a dark wood base incorporating a mirror, its body, horns, ears and legs are entirely made of fully facetted clear crystal, while its tail is unfaceted. The rhinoceros' pose captures the animal in movement, illustrating its flexibility and agility. As a model of one of Africa's five biggest and strongest animals, the crystal rhinoceros is also considerably larger than its peers, measuring 30cm by 14.5cm.

Despite being a fascinating animal that is both respected and feared, the rhinoceros has become one of the world's rare species, particularly in Africa and southern Asia. Its immortalisation in crystal has been inspired by the Endangered Wildlife theme, underlining Swarovski's deep and continuing link with nature.

Two other intriguing mammals also make their debut this year: the majestic giraffe and the vigorous gnu, both from the African savannah and plains. Just like the rhinoceros, these two animals were selected as a tribute to the African theme.

Captured in full gallop, the giraffe has a fully faceted clear crystal body with unfaceted legs and Jet crystal eyes. It features Swarovski's new partial coating technique, giving the piece the real giraffe spotted pattern in Desert Glow. The gnu's body is made of fully faceted clear crystal with unfaceted legs and details such as Smoky Quartz horns, a Black Diamond mane and tail and Jet crystal eyes. Both are traditionally sized, and though they are not part of the limited edition family, the pieces incorporate the same level of detail and technical expertise.

These three new additions to Swarovski's expansive crystal animal family each celebrate the beauty and magnificence of nature.