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.

Happy Easter to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics from the Kristall Buzz

Happy Easter to Swarovski collecting crystal fanatics around the world!  May all remember the true meaning of Easter … that Jesus Christ died on the cross to save us.

My friend Mary’s favorite piece of is the Swarovski crystal Cross of Light.  It has a special place in her heart representing her strong faith.

Retired Swarovski Cross of Light

The Swarovski Cross of Light is a retired Swarovski crystal figurine.  The Cross of Light was produced from 2001 to 2004.  The Swarovski designer of the Cross of Light was Stephano Ricci.  It is about 7″ tall and originally retailed for $385.

The Swarovski Cross of Light is not always easy to find.  Crystal Exchange America does not presently have this item available.  However, if you like the online auctions, here are ebay listings for the Swarovski Cross of Light. I checked the average selling price over the last 3 months, and it ranges $175 – $300.

Swarovski has created some jewelry designs featuring crosses, and Crystal Exchange America does have some available: Swarovski Cross Necklace and a Swarovski Cross Pave Charm.  Visit their web site at CrystalExchange.com and look in the jewelry category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Royal Wedding Mini Cooper

Swarovski has gone from crystallizing the FUSE Violins, used by Ben Lee and Linzi Stoppard, to crystallizing a Mini Cooper!  The Mini Cooper has been crystallized Swarovski  to celebrate the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton at the end of April.

The crystal brand has teamed up with a radio station in London, Magic 105.4 to show off this blinged up Swarovski Mini Cooper, complete with look-alike bride and grooms representing the future royal couple.  The car and couple were making their appearance April 23rd at the Westfield shopping centre (and I guess if you are in London, you may know where this is).

During this one-day event, Swarovski will be giving away the limited edition Swarovski Wedding Pen (more information about the Swarovski Pen in our blog post dated April 9) AND having a contest in conjunction with the radio station to give away £20,000 to an engaged couple.

I was not able to find any pictures of the Swarovski crystallized Mini Cooper.  Since there was a photo op for people, including the car and look-alike couple, I may be able to find some pictures in the next few days.  As of now, the crystal giant has not indicated its future plans for the Swarovski crystal Mini Cooper.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Royal Wedding Prince and Princess Ducks

I recently did an article about a Swarovski Limited Edition Pen, a UK exclusive, to commemorate the royal wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.  Since then, I have found more Swarovski Limited Edition memorabilia.

This discovery is for the Swarovski Royal Wedding Prince and Princess Ducks. The Swarovski system # is 1117976.  This pair of Swarovski Royal Ducks is a limited edition set with only 3000 pairs produced.  They are packaged in a single box and retail for approximately $115 USD.

Swarovski Limited Edition Royal Wedding Ducks

 

Royal Duck Packaging
Royal Duck Packaging Sticker

The Swarovski Royal Wedding ducks are essentially the Swarovski Happy Prince and Swarovski Happy Princess figurines, but wait!  These Swarovski ducks come in a single box.  The Swarovski Happy Prince duck of this pair has the royal wedding date (April 29, 2011) etched on the back of the duck.  The Swarovski Happy Princess duck of this pair has two wedding rings etched on the back of the duck.  This is interesting in that Prince William will not be wearing a wedding ring.

The Swarovski Limited Edition Royal Wedding Ducks can be found in select stores in the UK, including Clifton Collectibles.

Due to the similarities of the Swarovski Royal Wedding Ducks to the Happy Prince Duck and Happy Princess Duck, use caution purchasing these items from private sellers or in online auctions.  Here are the things to look for to ensure you are getting accurately-described Swarovski Crystal Royal Wedding figurines:
  • Royal Wedding Ducks – 2 duck figurines in a single box
  • Royal Wedding Prince Duck – has wedding date etched on his back
  • Royal Wedding Princess Duck – has 2 wedding rings etched on her back

Separate boxes and missing ‘special’ marks are indications that items are being mis-represented as the Swarovski Royal Wedding Ducks.

I’m still watching for additional collectibles that use Swarovski components.  However, as the date is soon approaching, I can imagine that the window of opportunity for manufacturers is quickly coming to an end.

Thank you Phil at Clifton Collectibles for your contributions to this article!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Events – Swarovski Crystal Designers signing their creations

Our favorite crystal giant is hosting several Swarovski Events, with Swarovski designers in attendance to sign their creations.  Swarovski designers scheduled to attend are Anton Hirzinger and Elisabeth Adamer.

Anton Hirzinger has created over 120 Swarovski figurines.  This Swarovski designer is credited for the following 2010 and 2011 Swarovski crystal releases:  Swarovski Arctic Hare 2011 SCS, Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs White Opal SCS, Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs Crystal Moonlight SCS, Swarovski Arctic Flower Ornament, Swarovski Siku Polar Bear 2011 SCS, Swarovski Soulmates Bear, Swarovski Lovlots Nick (Hedgehog), Swarovski Lovlots Spike (Hedgehog), Swarovski Lovlots Romeo (Frog), Swarovski Lovlots Ted (Bear), and Swarovski Soulmates Swan.  A longer list of the Swarovski Anton Hirzinger designs can be found at the Swarovski site (but does not include the Crystal Moments figurines).

Elisabeth Adamer is credited with about 25 designs from 2006 to 2011. This Swarovski designer is credited
for the following 2010 and 2011 Swarovski crystal releases: Swarovski Sea Goldies Topaz, Swarovski Surgeonfish Scuba Blue, Swarovski Batfish Smoky Quartz, Swarovski Myriad Alsaqr Alamake (Limited Edition), Swarovski Tiger 2010 SCS, Swarovski Tiger Kiran, Swarovski Fire Ornament, Swarovski Tiger Cub Standing SCS, Tiger Cub Sitting SCS, and Swarovski Bee-eaters.  A complete list of the Swarovski Elisabeth Adamer designs can be found at the Swarovski site.

I was able to confirm the following events being held in Florida in April, 2011:

  • Friday, April 22, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
  • Saturday, April 23, 2011 3:00 – 5:00pm
1067 S Clark Rd
Ocoee, FL  34761
  • Monday, April 25, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
Independent Retailers: Euraisa, The Pewter Place, Best Wishes of Boca
Location: Mariott North
6650 North Andrews Ave
Ft Lauderdale, FL  33308
  • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
2394 A East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
I don’t know what all the rules are about having Swarovski figurines signed, so it is recommended that you contact the stores directly regarding them.   Questions to ask could include:
  • Can you bring your own Swarovski figurines, or do they need to be purchased the day of the event from the hosting store?
  • Will the Swarovski designers sign retired Swarovski crystal?  If not, then only 2011 introductions will be signed.  Often, it must be a current design.
  • Is there a maximum quantity that you can have signed?  Often, it is limited to two figurines per customer.
  • Are any special purchases required, or can you attend simply to meet the designer and have a piece signed?

Swarovski figurines bearing the designer’s signature do typically command higher prices on the Swarovski secondary market.  Crystal Exchange America presently has over 100 items available that feature Swarovski designer signatures.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal – A Swarovski Elements Dancer Video

Yesterday, I mentioned that I used to spend weekends stoning dance costumes with Swarovski crystal stones.  Today, I happened upon a video made by Swarovski that shows the rhinestones on dance costumes.


While this is completely different from the dance competition scene, use your imagination to see how a simple costume can be transformed into an extraordinary costume using the finest Swarovski Crystal components for amazing, sparkling stage presence in a highly charged environment of dancers!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal – Decorating a Bald Head

My daughter used to be a competitive dancer, and I remember those weekends we’d spend, just before competition season started, stoning the dance costumes with Swarovski crystal flatback stones.  We used a strong bonding material to ensure that those $30 – $50 of Swarovski crystal stones would stay on the costumes until the conclusion of Dance Nationals.

Apparently, there are more uses for those Swarovski flatback stones than clothing, accessories, and dance costumes.  Philip Levine uses them on his head!  At the age of 29, he’s now a ‘head artist’.  In the picture, he can be seen with his bald head covered in 1,000 Swarovski crystal stones.

Bald Head

The stones appear to be Crystal CAL, perhaps 30mm in size.  It would be interesting to see him add designs and pictures integrating some of the other Swarovski crystal flatback stones using different colors and sizes of the crystal giant’s offerings.

The web site AmazingOnly.com shows some of the other creations that Philip Levine has worn.  One source indicated that most head designs only last a day or two, so some of these designs would be quite expensive.  Another source indicated that this head artist has a dream to some day open a salon for ‘head styles’ rather than ‘hair styles’.

It is wonderful to see Philip Levine embrace his baldness in such a unique way.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Hare Crystal Rabbit now available online only

Effective April 11, 2011 the Swarovski Limited Edition Hare in now available online for purchase.

The Swarovski Limited Edition Hare appears to be made of smokey quartz crystal.  The official color, per the Swarovski site, is ‘satin’.  The smokey gray hare figurine is about 1.5″ by 1.25″.  The Swarovski system number of this rabbit is 1089977.  The retail price of the Swarovski Hare is $60.

Swarovski Limited Edition Hare in Satin Crystal

This cute bunny rabbit is an online exclusive and will not be stocked in Swarovski stores or Swarovski Boutiques and is not likely available for special order.  The Swarovski Hare is a one-time production run.  No mention as to the quantity produced (Swarovski keeps this information secret), but when it is sold out, it will likely be found at the online auctions or at retired Swarovski dealers, perhaps at higher prices.

There are other Swarovski crystal hare, rabbit, and  bunny figurines at the  Swarovski shop online if you want your new bunny displayed among friends:

  • Swarovski Hare – This one is identical the the Limited Edition, but is in golden shadow crystal instead of the ‘satin’ crystal.
  • Swarovski Benny (Lovlots Rabbit from the Circus series).  This item is also marketed to be available for a limited time.
  • Swarovski Bella (Lovlots Rabbit)
  • Swarovski Lying Rabbit (clear crystal figurine)
  • Swarovski Sitting Rabbit (clear crystal figurine)
So, don’t forget to get your Swarovski Hare ordered soon if this item is on your list for 2011 Swarovski crystal must-haves!
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (COA) changes in 2011

Since 1976, Swarovski has generally included a Swarovski Certificate inside the packaging for the majority of crystal figurines. While the paperwork does indeed state certificate on the front side, it served a purpose of advertising other Swarovski crystal figurines in production at that time.  When Swarovski moved away from the octagonal-shaped literature, the ‘certificate’ no longer featured product photos.  All along, these Swarovski certificates were very interchangeable among products, keeping in mind the production eras of the various figurines.

Swarovski Certificates / Generic Product Booklets 1976 to 2010

In 2011, Swarovski has made changes to the paperwork (Swarovski COA) included the crystal figurines. In the last couple of purchases, I have not found any blue certificate, red certificate, or white certificate.  Instead, I find a card labeled Certificate of Authenticity (in both English and French) on the front side, and on the backside, a reference number, date of purchase, and initials of order fulfillment person. I have found only a single card for a multiple unit purchase, not one card per item.  The card is about 3.25 inches long and is enclosed in a pearlized envelope with the word Swarovski in Silver foil on the front.  Plus, in the envelope is a ‘care advice’ booklet.  This booklet includes brief advice on caring for ‘fashion jewelry and watches’, ‘handbags and accessories’, and the ‘crystal living collection’.  This Care Advice booklet is printed in both English and French.

Swarovski COA 2011

Swarovski does continue to include unique certificates for Swarovski AE figurines. The Swarovski Siku Polar Bear has a certificate specific to the 2011 SCS crystal figurine.  It does not use the newer Swarovski COA and care advice unit described above.

It is possible that the Swarovski certificate may be a cost-savings (every penny counts these days).  It could be that this personally-dated card is used to validate a warranty period.  It may be speculated that this may be a technique to close the loop on grey-market purchases…no card…no warranty support.  In any case, it is becoming more important to purchase current products online or from an authorized Swarovski dealer to ensure your full warranty is honored.  Collectors will have to quickly give up the notion that their new Swarovski crystal figurines will have a certificate of authenticity if multiple items are combined into a single order.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Steiff Sapphire – Limited Edition Teddy Bear in 2011

Steiff fanatics may be interested in a recently released Steiff Bear decorated with sparkling Swarovski stones.  This new teddy bear is named Sapphire.  The bear features a deep blue coat of silk material.  The bear has paws encrusted with Swarovski crystal Elements stones reflecting a rainbow of colors accenting the sapphire blue color of the bear.

Swarovski Steiff Teddy Bear Sapphire
Steiff Bear Sapphire decorated with Swarovski

Sapphire is also decorated with a strand of Swarovski Elements to create a choker around her neck.  And of course, she has a white label with the famous Steiff button in the ear. Sapphire is 10″ tall and retails for $280.

Steiff Sapphire is a limited edition bear.   There are only 2000 available.  Each Steiff Sapphire bear includes a numbered certificate of authenticity and is packaged in a special Steiff gift box.  The Sapphire Steiff Bear can be purchased from the Steiff USA site.

Other Steiff Swarovski bears have been produced.  The retired Swarovski / Steiff bears below featured a Swarovski ornament necklace:
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Daniel’ – 2004
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Crystal’ – 2005
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Orian’ – 2006
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Jewels’ – 2007
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Poinsettia’ – 2007
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Flurrie’ – 2008
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Kringle’ – 2009
  • Steiff Swarovski Bear ‘Twinkle’ – 2010

Remember, Sapphire is a Steiff / Swarovski Limited Edition piece, so make your decision soon if Sapphire is going to be a part of your bear collection or Swarovski collection.

Crystal Exchange America has a few retired Steiff Swarovski bears if you are looking for an older bear.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovlots Benny Bunny Rabbit – Swarovski Limited Edition figurine???

The latest Lovlots series was launched last month, the Swarovski Lovlots circus. Swarovski Benny is among the figurines in this Lovlots series.  Accompanying Swarovski Benny Bunny are Swarovski Jade Dancing Horse, Swarovski Jasmine Dancing Horse, Swarovski Leo Lion, Swarovski Rolly Monkey, Swarovski Rosalie Dancing Horse, Swarovski Toby Elephant, and Swarovski Tony Elephant.

The crystal giant has certainly advertised Jade as a limited edition Swarovski figurine in the Circus series.  The site states that Swarovski Jade is a ‘Limited Edition horse available only available in 2011’.

There is another figurine in the Swarovski Circus collection that the Swarovski site implies may be a limited edition.Swarovski Benny.  Taken directly from the Swarovski Benny product description on the site:  ‘This shy Prince Charming makes a very cute couple with Bella the rabbit! Benny is only available for a limited time while stocks last.’

Swarovski Circus Benny Bunny

I have asked several Swarovski retailers about whether or not Benny is a limited edition, and they seem unaware of the possibility that it could be limited.  I did some searching on the web, and found at least five stores online stating that it is available for a limited time only.  Two store sources told me that it does not have the year on it (like other Limited Edition Lovlots).

The Lovlots Circus Swarovski crystal figurines are all available for purchase on the Swarovski web site.  Simply go to the web site, and do a search on ‘circus’.  The search results will show the eight figurines from the series.

If I should get a Swarovski company confirmation regarding the marketing of Swarovski Benny, I’ll post an update.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America