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.

Official Swarovski Hello Kitty Announcement

Swarovski has put out a formal statement on their web site about the Swarovski Hello Kitty crystal collaboration this year.

Hello Kitty was introduced in 1974 and has remained popular for over 25 years in pop, art, culture and fashion.  And in 2011, Swarovski is joining in on the force through jewelry, charms and crystal figurines.  The Swarovski announcement indicates that there will be three Swarovski Hello Kitty crystal figurines.

And last, but not least, a limited edition Swarovski Hello Kitty figurine decorated using the signature pointiage technique.  This confirms the news we found earlier on the web that there will be only 88 pieces worldwide with nearly 20,000 Swarovski crystal stones.

Limited Edition Swarovski Hello Kitty figurine, 2011

In May, I wrote several articles about this news.  For convenience, links are below

So, if you are a Hello Kitty fanatic, the release date is just around the corner. Â The official Swarovski Hello Kitty collection debut will be at the end of July. only one more month of waiting.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Happy Father’s Day to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics from the Kristall Buzz

Happy Father’s Day to Swarovski collecting crystal fanatics around the world!  May all Dads, Grandfathers, and Fathers-to-be have a relaxing and enjoyable day!

I recently found this cute story and thought today was an ideal day to remember the simplicity of our kids life and how fortunate we are to have parents to teach us the way, and kids to remind us how wonderful life is.

Father’s Day was near when I brought my three-year-old son, Luke, to the card store. Inside, I showed him the cards for dads and told him to pick one.
When I looked back, Luke was picking up one card after another, opening them up and quickly shoving them back into slots, every which way. ” Luke, what are you doing?” I asked. “Haven’t you found a nice card for Daddy yet?”
“No,” he replied. “I’m looking for one with money in it.”

Dad would be very lucky to get a card with money in it!  Or perhaps a gift hand-crafted by his kids.  Or how about a nice Swarovski Porsche?  From 2002 through 2007, Swarovski produced eight different crystal limited edition Porsche cars:

  • Swarovski Porsche Jubilaumsmodell 40 Jahre 911 – WAP05012614 (2002)
  • Swarovski Porsche 356 Limited Edition – WAP05040015 (2004)
  • Swarovski Porsche 911 Carrera Black Diamond – WAP05040115 (2004)
  • Swarovski Porsche Carrera GT – WAP05040416 (2005)
  • Swarovski Porsche Model Cayman S – WAP05040016 (2005)
  • Swarovski Porsche 911 Metallic – WAP05041017 (2006)
  • Swarovski Porsche Cayman S Metallic – WAP05043017 (2006)
  • Swarovski Porsche GT Carrera Masterpiece – BSC2007005 (2007)

The original MSRP of the Swarovski Porsche cars was $270 – $650 depending on the exact car model.  All are considered limited editions.  Some are numbered.  Some have a production maximum.  Some were produced or sold for just a year or two.  I did not find any new Swarovski Porsche cars after 2007.

 

Swarovski Car - Porsche
Swarovski Porsche Carrera GT, Limited Edition of 1500

If you are are looking for a Swarovski Crystal Porsche, Crystal Exchange America does have a big selection of them available.  Interested Swarovski collectors can visit the Crystal Exchange America web site at www.CrystalExchange.com and view the ‘Transportation’ category or search for the term ‘Porsche’ in the search box.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Satin Stallion Soulmates Horse coming July 11, 2011!

Swarovski has announced to its SCS members about a new Soulmates Horse introduction, the Swarovski Satin Stallion.

Swarovski Soulmates Satin Stallion

This Swarovski crystal horse was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer.  It is made of satin crystal (like the limited edition Swarovski Satin Hare), and attached to a granite base, similar to the other Soulmates figurines.  There is no mention of price, but many Soulmates figurines retail $800 – $1500 depending on the crystal figurine.  Information obtained from a web site of an authorized retailer indicates that the price may be approximately $1025 USD.

The crystal brand has produced a number of Swarovski horses since 2000:

  • Swarovski The Horse by Mario Dilitz – 7685 000 009 / 660 218
  • Swarovski Arabian Stallion by Martin Zendron – 7612 000 002 / 221 609
  • Swarovski White Stallion by Martin Zendron –  7612 000 001 / 174 958
  • Swarovski Mare by Stefanie Nederegger – 9100 000 045 / 860 864
  • 2 different Swarovski Zodiac Horse figurines – 7693 000 005 / 289 908 and 9100 000 133 / 995 744
  • 3 Swarovski Lovlots Horses – Jade, Limited Edition (Dancing Horse) – 9100 000 294 / 1 073 338, Rosalie (Dancing Horse) – 1 073 336, and Jasmine (Dancing Horse) – 1 079 474

All the Swarovski Horse figurines are retired or retiring in 2011 except for one of the Zodiac Horses and the 3 Lovlots Horses, which were just released in March 2011.

One of the largest horse figurines was the Swarovski Wild Horses, which was a limited edition figurine available in 2001.  Only 10,000 were produced.  Designed by Martin Zendron, it had a retail price of $4000 in 2001.

If you are a horse lover, check out the Crystal Exchange America web site at www.CrystalExchange.com  and look in the ‘Animals’ category of the store for availability on any of the horse figurines.   The Wild Horses figurine would be found in the Limited Editions category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski releases Santa Mo Christmas figurine July 11, 2011

Just a few days ago, I wrote about the impending release of the Swarovski Santa Mo figurine.

I found out today that the official launch date of this ‘ho ho ho’ Christmas Mo is July 11, 2011 in the online Swarovski shoppe. The article on the Swarovski site did not mention when it would be available at the official Swarovski retailers or Swarovski boutiques.

Swarovski Santa Mo, Limited Edition for 2011

This adorable Swarovski Lovlots limited edition cow (Swarovski system number 1096024) has a light siam (red) body and hat. It is accented with white alabaster balls on the hat and down the front of the cow’s Santa suit. Santa Mo’s face, ears and horn are in clear crystal. This Swarovski figurine will be available only in 2011 ‘while stocks last’.

The Swarovski article does not mention price, however, it is believed that it will retail near $65 – $70 per crystal figurine, which is a similar range to other limited edition Mo figurines.

When the Lovlots cow Santa Mo is sold out or retired by Swarovski, crystal collectors will have to acquire the limited edition crystal cow from online auctions or the secondary market. Crystal Exchange America will advertise any listings for the Swarovski Santa Mo figurine in the ‘Lovlots and Zodiacs’ category of the online store: www.CrystalExchange.com . That being said, it will likely be will be least expensive for any Swarovski collector to secure this figurine while it can be purchased as a current product.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Flight of the Bees Video

The Kristall Buzz, a Blog on Swarovski Crystal, has launched a brief YouTube video starring two Swarovski crystal figurines, both Swarovski Bee crystal figurines! Take a look!

The first Swarovski Bee in the video is the Crystal In Flight Rhodium Bee. This rare Swarovski Rhodium Bee was introduced in 1985 and retired in 1986. This Swarovski Bee was available only in the North American market: USA only (not in Canada like the Gold Bee). During its 2 year production time, it retailed for $200. On the secondary market, a Swarovski MIB Rhodium Bee presently sells in the range of $1500 – $2000.

The second Swarovski bee in the video is the Crystal In Flight Gold Bee . The Gold Bee was introduced in 1985 and retired in 1988. This Swarovski Bee was available only in the North American market : USA and Canada only. During its 4 year production time, it retailed for $230. On the secondary market, in MINT condition with original box (Swarovski MIB), it presently sells $650 – $850.

Both Swarovski Bees were produced with the old Swarovski logo, the Block SC logo. Both have been noticed to have different types of supporting feet underneath the flat disk holding the flower petals in place. The feet may be smooth, faceted, or molded. The different feet do not seem to impact the selling prices of these crystal figurines on the secondary market.

Both these Swarovski crystal bees are getting harder to find, but can be found on the Crystal Exchange America web site in the “Insects” category!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Santa Mo, Limited Edition Cow, coming in 2011

It has been rumored for some time now that a Swarovski Santa Mo, a new Lovlots figurine would be released this year.  Over the weekend, I have found web site product pages at three different authorized retailers.

This Swarovski Lovlots cow has a light siam (red) body and hat.  It will be decorated with white alabaster balls on the hat and down the front of the Santa suit.  Santa Mo’s face, ears and horn are in clear crystal. The Swarovski system number is 1096024.

Swarovski Santa Mo in 2011

The consensus is that the Lovlots Santa Mo should be available for purchase in July / August 2011.  The marketing on this item is different than Swarovski Sunshine Mo.  Sunshine Mo is an online limited edition and available only at the Swarovski web site, not from authorized retailers.  The Swarovski Santa Mo will be available at authorized retailers in addition to being available for purchase at the online shoppe.

It appears that the retail price of the Lovlots Santa Mo will be similar to Sunshine Mo, perhaps $65 – $70 per crystal figurine.

Once the Lovlots figurine is retired by Swarovski, crystal collectors will turn to online auctions or the secondary market to purchase the crystal cow.   As soon as Crystal Exchange America, web site located at www.CrystalExchange.com, has any listings for the figurine, the Swarovski Santa Mo will be found in the  ‘Limited Edition Swarovski’ category of the store.  That being said, it will be least expensive for any collector to secure their figurine while it can be purchased as a current product, not once it has officially been discontinued.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lady and the Tramp Coming this Fall!

An authorized Swarovski retailer in Europe recently notified their customers that they are taking pre-orders for the newest Swarovski Disney collaboration. Lady and the Tramp.

In the Lady and the Tramp series, there are four characters, a title plaque, and a display to present the five crystal figurines in this collection.  The four characters (followed by Swarovski system numbers) include:

  • Swarovski Lady – 1089113
  • Swarovski Tramp – 1090823
  • Swarovski Danielle – 1089222
  • Swarovski Scamp – 1091119

The anticipated release date of the Swarovski Lady and the Tramp collection is August / September 2011.  It appears that the price range of these four crystal figurines is $90 to $190, depending on the figurine.

The Disney production Lady and the Tramp was produced by Walt Disney and released to theaters in 1955.  Wikipedia has more information on the history, plot and storyline of Lady and the Tramp.

Swarovski Lady and the Tramp is the 7th Swarovski Disney collection produced by the crystal brand.  The first six collections include:

  • Swarovski Disney Showcase Collection, 2005
  • Swarovski Winnie the Pooh Collection, 2007
  • Swarovski Bambi Collection, 2008
  • Swarovski Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Collection, 2009
  • Swarovski Lion King Collection, 2010
  • Swarovski Tinkerbell and Peter Pan Collection, 2011

For information on which Swarovski Disney figurines are retired, check out the www.RetiredSwarovski.com site.  If you are looking for some of the older or discontinued Swarovski Disney figurines, Crystal Exchange America has a large selection available.  Simply go to the web site www.CrystalExchange.com and look in the “Disney and Arribas” category of the store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Voucher issued for 10 year celebration!

This morning I received a Swarovski voucher code to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Swarovski online shoppe.  The voucher is good only June 10 to June 20, 2011.  This Swarovski discount can be redeemed for a 10% credit toward a Swarovski crystal purchase exceeding $145.

I would imagine that the voucher was sent to all those crystal fanatics that are Swarovski SCS members as well as those who are simply signed up to receive the Swarovski newsletter, but I cannot say for sure.

Congratulations to Swarovski for 10 years of success!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Wall of Fame – a Swarovski Crystal library of figurines

Ever wanted to know more about early Swarovski crystal released?  Seeking Swarovski pictures, release and retirement dates?  The Swarovski Wall of Fame, right on the Swarovski web site, may be insightful to any Swarovski crystal collector.

To begin with, the Swarovski Wall of Fame is organized by the ‘year of introduction’.  The first year of any Swarovski crystal figurine documented in the Wall of Fame is 1976, and naturally, all years through 2011 have an entry in the Wall of Fame.  In 1976, the inaugural year of the Silver Crystal product line, the majority of the Swarovski figurines were candleholders, mouse (2 sizes), hedgehog, (2 sizes), and several paperweights.

Swarovski crystal figurines included in the Wall of Fame detail:  Swarovski figurine name, year of introduction, year of retirement, Swarovski part number or system number (not both), and Swarovski Designer.  Product sizes / dimensions are not included.  Candleholder names (associating a particular candleholder to a Swarovski part number) are not included for early releases.

So what else should you know about the Swarovski Wall of Fame?  USA only issues will not be found here for example, the Gold Bee, or the King Hedgehog.  The various colors of Swarovski paperweights  are not found, only the shape.  Variations of figurines are also not documented, i.e. the different tail styles of the Large Cat.

Swarovski SCS members have 2 more added benefits to using the Wall of Fame.  SCS members can also keep a virtual inventory of their personal collection.  When using this feature, collectors may add pieces to any of 5 configurable collections.  The platform allows collectors to save the purchase price and 100-character note with the figurine information.  The platform does not allow for duplicates (i.e. you want to add 2 Swarovski Charming Mos), so that is something that could be included in the note field.  SCS members have the ability to print their collection(s).  The printed collection includes a figurine photo, name, years available, identification number, collection name assigned to it, acquisition price, and any personal note for the item.

The platform also allows SCS members to create a screensaver that features the Swarovski figurines saved to a collection.  (While this did indeed sound interesting to me, I did not wish to experiment with it, to then have to restore my desktop or screen saver to my present settings.)

Other internet resources that include Swarovski crystal figurine details include RetiredSwarovski.com and WBRBOnline.com.  RetiredSwarovski.com includes many products lines (not just the Silver Crystal and Christmas Ornament lines like the Wall of Fame).  The fact sheets on the site are FREE and printable.  Swarovski Crystal product information on the free fact sheet includes: Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number and System Number, Swarovski Designer, Year Introduced, Year Retired, and a small photo of the Swarovski figurine.  RetiredSwarovski.com does not feature current products only Swarovski crystal that is retiring soon or has retired. It also does not have any features to allow personal collections to be saved.

WBRBOnline.com has many products across all product lines, over 2800 as of May, 2011.  It includes current and retired products. It also includes USA only Swarovski figurines and variations of figurines.  The FREE data included in the Swarovski crystal product search are: Name, Part Number, System Number, Swarovski Designer, Status (Current or Retired), and Theme Group.  A subscription to the Swarovski Database is required in order to view the crystal dimensions, year introduced, year retired, original MSR price, Swarovski Value (ERV), Swarovski Logo, brief description, and Swarovski Photo.  It also does not have any features to allow personal collections to be saved.

All these resources will be helpful to Swarovski crystal collectors looking for information on figurines produced 1976 through present.  Happy Swarovski crystal collecting!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski TEN Limited Editions available at Swarovski Online Shop

Swarovski has posted to the SCS members area of the site about a couple limited edition Swarovski jewelry soon to be available.

The reason?  The Swarovski online shop is TEN years old! In celebration, the Swarovski shop is launching two special limited editions that are available beginning June TEN for TEN days.

One online limited edition piece is the Swarovski Black Pearl Nude set.  It includes a pendant and a pair of earrings.  (From the pictures I would imagine pierce earrings, but this is not specifically stated anywhere.)  The design is a black crystal pearl with two strands of clear crystal pave stones.

The other online limited edition piece is the Swarovski Medallion Pendant.  This necklace design is 2 circles, joined at the top encrusted with Swarovski pave crystals.  Inside each hollow loop are 5 crystal stones.  I wonder if this is symbolic of putting 10 candles on a birthday cake?

There is no mention of price on either item or total quantity of production.  The announcement only states that they are available June 10 through June 20 while supplies last.  And of course, since they are online editions, these Swarovski TEN releases won’t be found in any stores.

Swarovski released other online limited editions just prior to Christmas, 2010.  There are Kristall Buzz articles when they were released in November / December 2010, simply look in the archives.

So Swarovski crystal aficionados, mark your calendar if these items are items you want to add to your collection, either to display or to wear!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America