Swarovski launched a redesigned crystal star which will decorate the tip of the 2009 Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. The star has been redesigned with a computerised new lighting system with energy-efficient LED bulbs. The 12 rays of the star are outfitted with 720 LED bulbs held by 3,000 feet of wire. There is a customised light sequencing programmed by a complex computer system. This is the first time the Swarovski star would feature a lighting movement. The Swarovski star has previously topped the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree in 2004.
The Swarovski star is designed with 25,000 crystals, having 1,000,000 facets, and of 9 1/2 feet in diameter and 1 1/2 feet in depth. The star weighs 550 pounds, including 300 pounds of crystal panels. It has six outer rays and six smaller inner rays, with the main surfaces of the rays made of point-mounted safety glass. The crystals are attached on the inner sides of the glass in a tight, scale-like pattern to benefit with maximum brilliance, reports say.
The star has been created over three months and the designers have ensured the lighting system bears the winters at 76-feet above Rockefeller Center.
At present the Swarovski Star rests on the 76-foot-high, 40-foot wide, over 10-ton Norway Spruce from the home of Maria Corti, reports add. To give the spectators a close view of the workmanship of the star, a replica of the Star will be displayed in the Rockefeller Center. Swarovski will also display some of its holiday jewellery and ornaments on sale at the Swarovski holiday kiosk at Rockefeller Center, Swarovski boutiques in the US and on the Swarovski website.
The 77th Rockefeller Center Tree Lighting Ceremony is slated for December 2nd, 2009.