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.

Swarovski Disney Crystal Retirements at RetiredSwarovski.com

Swarovski introduced its first line of Swarovski Disney figurines in 2005.  Its first collaboration with Disney, Swarovski created the “Disney Showcase Collection” of crystal figurines.

The Disney Showcase crystal collection, released in 2005, consisted of the following Disney characters:  Swarovski Daisy Duck, Swarovski Donald Duck, Swarovski Goofy, Swarovski Mickey Mouse, Swarovski Minnie Mouse, and Swarovski Pluto.

The next Disney collection series was for the Winnie the Pooh characters in 2007: Swarovski Eeyore, Swarovski Piglet, Swarovski Tigger, and Swarovski Winnie the Pooh.

Following the Winnie the Pooh series was the Bambi group in 2008: Swarovski Bambi, Swarovski Flower (Skunk), Swarovski Friend Owl, and Swarovski Thumper.

After the Bambi series, Swarovski and Disney introduced the Snow White characters in 2009: Swarovski Dwarf Bashful, Swarovski Dwarf Doc, Swarovski Dwarf Dopey, Swarovski Dwarf Grumpy, Swarovski Dwarf Happy, Swarovski Dwarf Sleepy, Swarovski Dwarf Sneezy, and Swarovski Snow White.

Following the Snow White series was the Lion King group in 2010: Swarovski Mufasa, Swarovski Pumbaa,  Swarovski Simba, and Swarovski Timon.

Swarovski Disney Limited Edition Crystal Figurines

 

Following the Lion King group is the Peter Pan series in 2011: Swarovski Peter Pan and Swarovski Tinker Bell.

 

Swarovski also features limited edition Swarovski Disney releases:

  • Swarovski Tinkerbell – Swarovski LE 2008
  • Swarovski Sorcerer (Small) – Swarovski LE 2009
  • Swarovski Sorcerer (Large) – Swarovski LE 2009
  • Swarovski Pinocchio – Swarovski LE 2010
  • Swarovski Dumbo – Swarovski LE 2011

In addition to the Peter Pan series in 2011, Swarovski has launched the Swarovski Adventurous Pirates in their jewelry line.  Some of the jewelry is worn in the Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides movie!

There is a web site with the crystal figurines Swarovski Disney Retirements in a free and easy-to-use format.  RetiredSwarovski.com has a series of web pages with Swarovski Disney Retirements, 2008 through 2011.  If you want to know what year a Swarovski Disney figurine retired, use the ‘search’ box of the site, and the results list will indicate a list of possibilities for a collector to select from to make getting the retirement year (answer) successful.

At RetiredSwarovski.com, it is also possible to print out the fact sheet for all the Swarovski Disney retirements, 2008 to 2011.  The fact sheets are very handy in knowing which figurines retired in which years.  The fact sheets include small photos, official Swarovski Product Name, Swarovski Part Number, Swarovski System Number, Swarovski Designer, Year Introduced, and Year Retired.
The printable fact sheets at RetiredSwarovski.com are created by the Swarovski expert authors of Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.  They produced books on Swarovski Crystal, and republish annually.

Crystal Exchange America has a selection of Retired Swarovski Disney figurines in their online store.  If there is a Swarovski Disney crystal figurine absent from your display, visit the web site now, or if it is something that they can locate for you.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Boutique Finder on the Swarovski Web Site

Most Swarovski crystal collectors already have their favorite Swarovski dealer that they go to first when there are new Swarovski crystal figurines released.  Or perhaps for convenience sake, a collector always purchased their crystal on the Swarovski web site.

But sometimes, there is a need to seek out a new place to purchase Swarovski figurines.  Maybe you will be traveling and want to know if there is a dealer at your destination.  Or possibly you want a Swarovski crystal figurine of another product line that is not carried by your favorite dealer.

Well the Swarovski Boutique finder, at the Swarovski web site, can help you find that dealer you are looking for. The Swarovski Boutique finder .  It is simple to use:
1. Select your preferred country or region
2. Next, choose the state or province
3. Lastly, pick the city.

These steps will assist any Swarovski collector in locating a store or boutique in the desired area.  The less information entered on the Boutique Finder form, the more stores will be displayed in the search results.
The boutique results contain a lot of information:  Store Name and Type (Authorized Retailer or Swarovski Boutique), phone number, city, state, zip code (USA search results), small icons indicating product lines carried at that location, and some have a ‘view map’ button.

If you are looking for a particular item, the “Assortments” will be of interest to you.  On the Swarovski site, “Assortments” means product lines.  There are nine check boxes that a collector can select, depending on what is being searched:  Swarovski Jewelry, Swarovski Fashion Accessories, Swarovski Sunglasses, Swarovski Watches, Swarovski Member Products (SCS), Swarovski Fragrances-Beauty, Swarovski Figurines, Swarovski Home Accessories, and Swarovski Gift Cards.

I am wondering where the new Swarovski Aura Perfume can be purchased in the USA.  So for country / region, I select USA.  I leave the rest of the location options blank because I don’t care where in the USA, as hopefully the store will ship to me.  Under assortments, I select Fragrances-Beauty.  And then I click on ‘search’.  Unfortunately, the results indicate that no stores in the USA carry the new Swarovski Aura Perfume at this time.  Nonetheless, I’ll check back soon to see if it becomes available.

If you are a new collector, perhaps this was a web site feature you had not yet found.  If you are a long-time collector, possibly this was a feature you were not familiar with.  In any case, it just might be a feature that you find yourself using with some of the newer lines, like the perfume, in locating the figurines you want to add to your collection.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski to Debut Hello Kitty Collection

Today I happened upon another article which had more information about the Hello Kitty and Swarovski collaboration I’ve been writing about.

Hello Kitty 5301579
Swarovski Pointiage Hello Kitty

The article does indeed confirm that the Swarovski Hello Kitty collection will be available in select Swarovski stores beginning in August.  It did not specify if the stores are Swarovski Boutiques, authorized Swarovski dealers, or a combination of both.

The article elaborated on the items in the collection: necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, Swarovski’s ‘power bag’, and several crystal figurines.

The exclusive Swarovski Limited Edition Hello Kitty was also mentioned.  The Swarovski LE will be decorated with nearly 20,000 Swarovski pave stones using their signature pointiage technique.  There was no mention of where this kitty will be displayed or how it will be sold. Lottery? Online order? Available to a Hello Kitty group like the Swarovski SCS?

Hello Kitty seems to have a pretty big following. she’s been around for over 35 years now.  Hard to imagine that a cartoonish Hello Kitty cat has survived all the cultures and changes in technology to still remain popular.  I’m not saying that I like or dislike, just that many fads have ‘their time’, and Hello Kitty seems to be going strong.

After learning that the Swarovski Hello Kitty line will be available in select stores, I have to think that it will be available at the online store of Swarovski.com.  This Sanrio Swarovski collaboration is great news for Swarovski crystal and Hello Kitty fanatics.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Super Hello Kitty, celebrating 35 Years

In my last Swarovski Hello Kitty article, I wrote about the joint venture where the 2 companies, Sanrio (Hello Kitty) and Swarovski, are producing jewelry, Swarovski crystal figurines, and a Swarovski jeweled mascot of Hello Kitty to be available later in 2011.  There are about nine Swarovski Hello Kitty products mentioned along with some photos of the upcoming releases.

Shortly after I completed that article on the collaboration between Sanrio and Swarovski, I found more interesting information.  As it turns out, in 2009 Sanrio and Swarovski came together  to produce a ‘Super Hello Kitty’ doll to commemorate 35 years of the popular feline’s success.

The Super Hello Kitty jeweled doll is literally one of a kind.  The Super Hello kitty was approximately 4 inches tall, and 1.25 lbs.  It was decorated with over 232 carats of 2300 real gemstones. diamonds, topazes and naturally pink sapphires.  The value at that time?  $153,000!
Swarovski Super Hello Kitty, cebrating 35 years!
There is more on this Swarovski Super Hello Kitty on the Swarovski Gems web site.  Their article is entitled ‘Enlightened Swarovski Elements joins Sanrio in celebrating the 35th anniversary of Hello Kitty with a one-of-a-kind, Super Hello Kitty Doll.
So, it looks like we’ve uncovered 2 Kitty Crystal Miriads to go along with all the ones that are presently available from the Swarovski crystal brand.  But with Super Hello Kitty being made with real gemstones, it certainly takes the cake!
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Hello Kitty (by Sanrio) Collaboration

I recently learned that Sanrio, the maker of Hello Kitty, has collaborated with Swarovski again, to produce about 10 items in the fall/winter 2011/2012.  Included in the list of items to be launched are ….
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Minaudiere (Purse)
    • Hello Kitty Coin Purse
    • Hello Kitty Card Holder
    • Hello Kitty Bag Charm
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Earrings
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Charm Bracelets
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Necklaces
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Rings
    • Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal encrusted hand mirror.  Production max of 100, retailing for $350
    • Limited Edition molded Hello Kitty body-shaped case with brush set.  Production max of 100, retailing for $495

 

To no surprise, there is a Swarovski Limited Edition 2011 Hello Kitty Mascot!  There are 88 LE Swarovski Kitties decorated using the pointiage technique.  The mascot has approximately 19,600 Swarovski stones.  This Swarovski Hello Kitty statue will retail for approximately $12,000 USD!

Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition

Natalie Cohen (from Swarovski) states, “As a fan from day one, I saw an obvious connection between the magical, sparkle of crystal and the bright, playful world of Hello Kitty.”

One source indicated that this special Swarovski Hello Kitty collection will be available in the Sanrio’s 1900 stores starting in August.  They cite 7 necklaces and pendants, 3 bracelets, 2 rings, a range of leather goods and 3 figurines.

I’m wondering what the packaging for the crystal figurines will look like.  Will it be the traditional Swarovski box in navy?  Or does Hello Kitty have their own packaging style?  Will the crystal figurines bear the Swarovski logo?  Or does Hello Kitty have a special mark they use for figurines?

As the Swarovski stores do carry the Swarovski Disney figurines (a joint venture with Disney) and it appears they will be carrying the Swarovski Aura perfume (a joint venture with Clarins), I wonder if the Swarovski crystal Hello Kitty figurines will be there too?

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Boutique opens on a German Cruise Ship

Swarovski has opened its first boutique onboard Germany’s TUI Cruises’ vessel Mein Schiff 2.  Gebr Heinemann will own and operate this stand-alone Swarovski boutique, which is located at the Neuer Wall on deck 7 of the vessel.  I would imagine this boutique will be selling an expansive line of Swarovski jewelry and Swarovski crystal figurines.

Swarovski Boutique on the Mein Schiff 2
According to Daniel Swarovski Corp Vice President Travel Retail spokesperson Peter Zotti, the crystal brand has plans to open its next Swarovski boutique on a well-known English cruise ship.

The architecture and decor of this boutique is “Crystal Forest” concept.  I found mention of other boutiques using the Crystal Forest concept, one of which is a flagship store on Oxford Street in the UK, one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets.  The idea of the “Crystal Forest” is to highlight the infinite possibilities of crystal and illustrates the company’s deep affinity with nature.

Being the owner of that Swarovski crystal boutique on a cruise ship sounds like a dream job to me!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Lucky Gifts for Friday the 13th

Superstitious?  Everyone has their special little ways of ensuring continued good luck or success when all is going well.  Or the quirky things people might do to ‘change their luck’ when things aren’t going as expected.
Today is Friday the 13th.  Some people may be staying away from black cats and avoiding of the ladders.  I won’t be cleaning out my Swarovski crystal cabinet .no need to take any unnecessary risks.

Swarovski Lucky Gifts
Perhaps one of the new Swarovski Lucky Gifts is just what we need to get through the day:
  • Swarovski Lucky Cat – this crystal gift represents Japanese tradition
  • Swarovski Lucky Clover – a world-wide symbol of good luck
  • Swarovski Lucky Dragon – this gift inspired by Chinese tradition
  • Swarovski Lucky Elephant – symbolizing good luck and longevity
  • Swarovski Lucky Lady Bird – a crystal ladybug that is also a multi-cultural symbol of luck

The Swarovski Lucky Gifts are new little crystal figurines that launched a couple months ago.  They retail for $25 – $45, depending on the figurine.

Be safe, be careful, be happy, and hope for a harmless and healthy day this Friday the 13th!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Books on Sale!

While the 2011 Swarovski Books by the Warner’s have been available for about 3 months now, some Swarovski collectors are satisfied to purchase older, like new, Swarovski books and save some money so that they can purchase more Swarovski crystal!

 

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Crystal Exchange America has some 2010 Swarovski book sets listed now on the eBay auction platform.  The Swarovski book sets are in new condition and are not pre-owned.  The Swarovski books are leftover inventory.   Since the information in them is based on 2010 research, the Swarovski ERVs are a bit out of date.  And of course any Swarovski Crystal release that occurred in 2010 will not be included in the book.

The Swarovski books: Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski Silver Crystal and Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book: Beyond Silver Crystal for 2011 can be purchased directly from the authors at wbrb.com .  Individual books start at $75 for black and white editions and $150 for color editions.  As an alternative, Swarovski collectors can purchase online subscriptions to the Swarovski database by the Warner’s at wbrbonline.com .  Annual subscriptions start at $40 / year.  Database subscriptions do require internet access, but can be used from any computer or ipad anywhere in the world.

So, any Swarovski enthusiast wanting a great book at a terrific price, should hustle on over to the eBay auction.  There are a limited number of Swarovski books sets and the auction is only running for about 10 days!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Surprise Pouch – Crystal Gift for Online Purchases

Have you noticed that when you place an online order at Swarovski.com that a “Surprise Gift” (Swarovski system # 1081872) is automatically added to your shopping bag?  From what I can tell, there is no minimum purchase for this Swarovski Surprise Pouch, just purchase anything and the Surprise Gift will be yours!

I recently placed an online order, possibly the first one since purchasing my Swarovski Black Panther, and my order and Surprise Pouch arrived this week.

Swarovski Surprise Pouch Gift of Colored Crystal Stones

 

 

 

The Surprise Pouch, a small see-through bag of tiny loose multi-color Swarovski crystals, has a Swarovski label with the system number identified in the shopping bag.  The bag of Swarovski crystal stones tied with a cream-colored ribbon, with the official Swarovski web site in gray letters.  A miniature “Thank You” card is also enclosed in the Swarovski zip-lock style plastic bag.

While the Swarovski Surprise Pouch may not seem like much, I do think it is a nice gesture that there are a few free offers still found in the online market today!  I’m not sure how long Swarovski will be offering this free gift, so if it interests you, place an order soon!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Aura Perfume in Swarovski SCS Magazine

My Swarovski magazine arrived about a week ago, and yesterday I found the time to open and read it.  This is the 2nd edition of 2011 with a picture of the Swarovski NLE Bald Eagle on the front of it.  About halfway thru the magazine was an article / 4 page ad about the “Aura by Swarovski” perfume.

The article is an interview with family member Markus Langes-Swarovski, who is a member of the Swarovski board.  He goes into some detail about ‘bringing the brand to life beyond crystal’ and how this was a vision that the original Swarovski generations would approve of.

Swarovski and the Clarins Fragrance Group entered into a relationship in 2003 that would ultimately allow the vision to become a reality.  In 2011, this magical launch would finally come to pass.  This introduction of Aura included Fragrance bottles filled with pink Aura perfume, a Make-Up Jewel containing lip gloss or balm, and shimmering body cream.

Of course, by now, Swarovski is hosting a web site specifically for this new product line.  The web site is www.SwarovskiBeauty.com. In addition to the above mentioned products, the web site also mentions perfumed shower gel and perfumed deodorant spray.

Curious about the Aura scent?  Great news for Swarovski crystal collectors, there is a sample inside the magazine!  If for some reason your magazine has not arrived, it appears that web site surfers (of SwarovskiBeauty.com) can request a free sample of the perfume (for certain countries).

The Swarovski magazine indicates that Aura will be available at selective perfumeries, department stores, and Swarovski Boutiques.  I’ve looked around on the internet and not found it available anywhere in the USA.  When I tried to find prices for the various product offerings, I did not find them listed in USD.

The Swarovski Aura bottles are made of glass and metal, topped with asymmetrical Swarovski crystal components attached to the bottle.  The Swarovski Aura perfume inside is pink in color.

I’ve written several other postings on the Kristall Buzz about this new perfume:

I’ll post an update with store names or boutiques once I can confirm that it can be purchased or shipped within the USA.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America