Actress Olivia Wilde has joined Swarovski, the leading designer and producer of fashion jewellery and crystal decor objects, to unveil the 2011 Swarovski star crowning the world-famous Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree. 

The actress shined in stunning Swarovski jewellery from Swarovski's 2011 fall/winter collection, including Phenix Indicolite Necklace, Appolon Ring and Prism Earrings.

"This is such a magical time of year," said Wilde. "I'm proud to help Swarovski make the holidays sparkle with this wonderful tradition." 

This holiday season marks the 20th Anniversary of Swarovski's Annual Edition Christmas ornament. To celebrate, the brand will auction five one-of-a-kind artworks inspired by the ornaments from artists Mark Boomershine, Christina Burch, Wojung Choi, Natasha Law, and Irina Volkonskii to benefit The Art of Elysium. Several of the works were unveiled to the public at the star rising, and will remain on view at Swarovski's Rockefeller Center store throughout the holiday season.

"We are excited Olivia joined us today to unveil the 2011 Swarovski star and these exclusive artworks," said Wayne Page, Vice President of Operations for Swarovski North America Limited's Consumer Goods Business. "Her elegance and style align perfectly with Swarovski's vision."

The 2011 Swarovski Star's 12 rays are outfitted with 720 LED bulbs on 3,000 feet of wire to create a dazzling, twinkling effect through customised light sequencing programmed by a complex computer system.  Comprised of 25,000 crystals, with 1,000,000 facets, the Star measures 9 ½ feet in diameter and is 1 ½ feet deep.  The Star weighs 550 pounds, including 300 pounds of crystal panels, and is composed of six outer rays and six smaller inner rays. 

The main surfaces of the rays are made of point-mounted safety glass, the same shatter-proof glass that adorns the facades of New York City buildings. The crystals are affixed to the inner sides of the glass in a tight, scale-like pattern to ensure maximum brilliance. 

A team of nine artisans spent 1,200 hours installing, programming and testing the star to ensure the effects would withstand the challenging winter weather conditions 74- feet above Rockefeller Center. An exact replica of the Swarovski Star will also be on display in Rockefeller Center to allow visitors the opportunity to get a closer view of the detailing and craftsmanship.

After the reveal, the Star was raised atop the 74-foot-high, 46-foot wide, 10-ton Norway Spruce in Rockefeller Center, where it will sit for the remainder of the 2011 holiday season. This is the eighth year a Swarovski Star tops the Rockefeller Center Christmas Tree.