For the 10th year in a row, precision-cut crystal king Swarovski is providing the star topper for New York City’s iconic Rockefeller Center Christmas tree. 

The star, which was revealed on Nov. 14, is composed of 25,000 crystals with 1 million facets, measuring 9.5 feet in diameter and 1.5 feet deep. Weighing 500 pounds—including 300 pounds of crystal panels—the ornament will sit atop the 76-foot high, 47-foot wide, 12-ton Norway Spruce in Rockefeller Center for the 2013 holiday season.

Made from the same point-mounted, shatterproof safety glass used in New York City’s skyscraper buildings, crystals are fastened to the inner sides of the glass in a scale-like pattern to create luminous brilliance. The star will be illuminated by 720 energy-efficient LED bulbs on 3,000 feet of wire. 

A replica of the Swarovski star—which took 1,200 hours of installation, testing, and programming by a team of nine artisans—will be on display in Rockefeller Center to give visitors an opportunity to view the detailing and craftsmanship close up.

To commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Swarovski star topper, the 118-year old crystal brand will offer a selection of holiday jewelry and ornaments at the Rockefeller Center Holiday Kiosk, online, and at Swarovski boutiques worldwide. The Rockefeller Center Christmas tree will be on display through Jan. 7, 2014. 

JCK