Swarovski has produced holiday ornaments dating back to 1981. The 1981 Snowflake ornament was designed to be either a Christmas ornament or a Christmas pendant since it was attached to a long chain. Because of the timing a branding at the time, it is the only Swarovski ornament to bear the block SC logo.
Swarovski continued releasing ornaments in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 before settling in to the Swarovski Star / Swarovski Snowflake tradition. During the years of 1984 -1990, the Swarovski ornaments were issued by their Giftware Suite division and did not contain any type of Swarovski logo.
In 1986, the Swarovski Ornaments were referred to by the company as “Holiday Etchings”. There were 11 different shapes and sizes of the Swarovski Holiday Etchings. From the literature I have seen, there were 4 angels, 3 bells, a dove, a peace, a holly, and a snowflake design on various shapes. The single most important feature of knowing that these were limited editions to the year of 1986, is that the year is etched on these ornaments. All these 1986 ornaments that I have seen are all in white velvet-like bags and have white Giftware Suite boxes. All part numbers on the boxes are 5 digit numbers, beginning with “9”.
It is worthwhile to mention that these ornaments do have look-alikes, even made by Swarovski. Many were made with the same design and shape, but do NOT include the etched 1986 on them, so they were not limited editions. It has been documented that they were sometimes packaged in red, blue, or green vinyl-like boxes.
Being a few weeks before Christmas, there are countless Swarovski Ornaments listed for sale in the online auctions. I have a few out there, on behalf of our clients, that have just ended or are ending in the next week.
So all you Swarovski crystal fanatics if 1986 Swarovski Ornaments are on your wish list this Christmas, make sure that the 1986 is visible on the auction image to ensure that it is truly a limited edition ornament.
Happy Sparkling Holidays from the Kristall Buzz!
Angie / Crystal Exchange America
Swarovski crystal figurines are available at Crystal Exchange America, a professional brokerage service of 25 years, dedicated to helping Swarovski collectors buy and sell retired Swarovski crystal figurines, ornaments, and collectibles.
Crystal Exchange America is reputable, knowledgeable, and has a world-wide customer base with thousands of satisfied customers. Swarovski crystal fanatics can go to www.CrystalExchange.com to obtain more information about safely listing, buying, and selling retired Swarovski, limited edition Swarovski, Swarovski Silver Crystal, and Swarovski crystal figurines.