Category: Kristall Buzz

Swarovski Siku Polar Bear and Cubs: Coke or Pepsi?

The Coca Cola – Pepsi wars have been raging for years.  In 1993, Coke launched its Coca Cola Northern Lights commercial.  It was a parody of bears going to a drive in theatre, viewing the Northern lights.  All the polar bears were enjoying their Coca Cola.

I recently decided to check in with Swarovski Siku and her Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs.  My question.do these Swarovski polar bears prefer Coke or Pepsi

 

 

 

Here’s their reaction to Pepsi.

While the Swarovski Polar Bear may be a bit interested in Pepsi, it is clear that Siku and her Cubs are not interested.  All appear to have shrugged their shoulders and are walking away from Pepsi.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Here’s their reaction to Coke.

The Coca Cola Bear to the right is sharing his Coke with Siku and her Cubs.  They all seem quite interested to quench their thirst with Coke.

It seems obvious enough to me. Swarovski Siku and her Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs prefer Coke.

 

 

 

Information about the Swarovski Polar Bears participating in the Coke and Pepsi photos:

  • Swarovski Siku Polar Bear for SCS members in 2011.  Retails for $350
  • Swarovski SCS Polar Bear Cubs, White Opal Polar Bear Cubs to display with Siku.  For SCS members only in 2011.  Retails for $350
  • Swarovski SCS Polar Bear Cubs, Crystal Moonlight Polar Bear Cubs to display with Siku.  For SCS members only in 2011.  Retails for $350
  • Swarovski Polar Bear (Pepsi photo only) Silver Crystal figurine produced from 1986 to 1997.  Secondary market pricing is $150 – $275.

The crystal brand also produced the Swarovski Nanuc Polar Bear from 2005 to 2008.  Secondary market pricing is $425 to $500.  The Nanuc Polar Bear is not included in the photos.

There are LOTs of Coke and Pepsi commercials on YouTube if you want to walk down memory lane viewing them.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Thimbles, Crystal Figurines with Frosted Birds Atop

Some less commonly seen Swarovski crystal figurines are the frosted birds perched on top of clear thimbles.  These figurines are better known as Swarovski Thimbles.

The Swarovski Thimble figurines were available with 5 different birds on 2 different thimble bases.  The 5 different Swarovski birds are:

Swarovski Thimbles
  1. Swarovski Owl on Thimble
  2. Swarovski Parrot on Thimble
  3. Swarovski Eagle on Thimble
  4. Swarovski Cockatoo on Thimble
  5. Swarovski Toucan on Thimble

The thimble bases are clear, but have different shapes, and are known under various names.  One base is often referred to as the pinecone base or barrel base.  It is difficult to describe, other than saying that is resembles a pinecone smaller at the bottom and top, wider near the middle.  The other base has a straight-line design, larger at the bottom and smaller at the top.  This straighter design has also been called the panel-base.  In the Swarovski thimbles photo, the Parrot and Toucan are shown on the pinecone/barrel base.  The Owl, Eagle and Cockatoo are shown on the panel/straight base.

The Swarovski Thimbles were produced under the Crystal Colors name in the European market.  The crystal thimbles were about 2.25″ tall.  While I am uncertain as to the approximate retail price while they were available in the 1990’s, they are estimated to be valued at $100 – $200 each on the secondary market.  It is difficult to find the bird thimbles these days, but they are oftentimes sold as a set of 5 birds (with the same base) or a set of all 10.

I generally confirm details for my articles using the well-respected Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski. While I was closing the Swarovski book, the pages flipped to the Zales Cockatoo on Stand figurine.  I turned back to the thimbles pages.  Back and forth to the Zales pages. Know what?  I believe that the same frosted birds are used on the Zales figurines, which were produced in the 1980’s in USA for the Zales Jewelers stores! I have never heard this theory anywhere else and I don’t have any of the figurines for a visual comparison, so this may very well be a new discovery!

Swarovski Zales Birds

Good luck finding the Swarovski birds crystal thimbles finding them is becoming a real challenge!  If I should obtain confirmation as to the question of the Swarovski bird components being used for both the thimbles and Zales figurines, an updated post will certainly be in order!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Tiger Video by the Kristall Buzz

The Kristall Buzz, a blog on Swarovski Crystal, has launched its fourth video on YouTube!  This video highlights Swarovski Tiger crystal figurines along with some beautiful and exotic wild cats. Take a look!

Swarovski SCS Tiger – This Swarovski Tiger was the Annual Edition crystal figurine available exclusively to SCS members in 2010.  It was the third crystal figurine in the series “Endangered Wildlife”.  The Swarovski identification numbers are 9100000145 / 1003148.  The Swarovski SCS Tiger retailed for $450 in 2010.  The primary color used for the figurine was ‘golden shine’.  The Swarovski SCS Tiger measures approximately 7.25″ in length.

Swarovski SCS Tiger Cub, Sitting – This Swarovski tiger cub was available to SCS members in 2010 and was a very complimentary figurine to the SCS tiger.  The Swarovski identification numbers are 9100000166 / 1016678.  It retailed for $180 in 2010.  Like the SCS tiger, the color is ‘golden shine’.  The Swarovski SCS Tiger cub measures approximately 3.12″ in length.

Swarovski SCS Tiger Cub, Standing  – This Swarovski tiger cub was available to SCS members in 2010 and is a gorgeous addition to display with the  SCS tiger.  The Swarovski identification numbers are 9100000166 / 1016678 AND  9100000165 / 1016677 depending on whether it was purchased or provided as a loyalty gift by the crystal brand for purchasing the entire “Endangered Wildlife” trilogy using the same SCS number for all three pieces.  The non-gift figurine retailed for $180 in 2010.  Like the SCS tiger, the color is ‘golden shine’.  The Swarovski SCS Tiger cub measures nearly 3.5″ in length.

Swarovski Chinese Zodiac Tiger – This Swarovski tiger is part of the crystal brand’s “Chinese Zodiac” series.  The identification numbers are 9100000135 / 1002980.  The official color is silver shade crystal.  It is about 3.25″ long.  This is the only tiger in the video that is presently available on the Swarovski web site, and it retails for $300.

Swarovski Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger – This Swarovski  tiger is identical to the zodiac tiger described above, except that the color is in golden shine.   The identification numbers for this Swarovski limited edition figurine are 9200000269 / 1016810.  It was only available in China from 2009 – 2010.

Swarovski Tiger Paperweight – This Swarovski Tiger is silver in color, resting upon a crystal ball.  This tiger was in the Swarovski Trimlite group “Crystal Sculptures”.  Swarovski used unique product identification numbers to represent the metal color of the tiger .72116 is the number for the gold tiger and 72117 is the number for the pewter tiger This figurine was available 1983 through 1986 at a retail price of $95.  This Swarovski tiger is very difficult to find and will likely command prices of $800 – $1200 dollars. No Trimlite mark was found on the figurine shown in the video.

Elizabeth Adamer was credited with the design for all the Swarovski SCS tigers.   They truly look like a nice feline family.

Both the Swarovski Zodiac tiger figurines have a clear crystal base that is engraved matte finish name in English and Chinese seal script.

If you are a feline fanatic or collect Swarovski wild cats, many of these Swarovski tiger figurines can be found in the Crystal Exchange America store:   www.CrystalExchange.com .  Use the search box in the store and type in “tiger” (singular form, not plural) to  view the crystal figurines presently available with pricing.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Bald Eagle NLE 2011 is available at CrystalExchange.com

The Swarovski Bald Eagle (Numbered Limited Edition in 2011) is a spectacular statuette by Heinz Tabertshofer .  These Bald Eagle figurines have a unique number engraved on the crystal base, and a matching special Swarovski Certificate stating the edition number.  The Swarovski Bald Eagle exceeds 11″ in height.  Its accessories include gloves, brochure, and a locking blue storage case.

This crystal Bald Eagle is a Swarovski NLE, limited to 10,000 units.  It was initially available to SCS members only, but beginning in July, 2011, any Swarovski collector can purchase it in a store or online at the Swarovski site.

The Swarovski Bald Eagle has come with some criticism by Swarovski crystal fanatics.  Many are not sure that they like the colored figurines.  And some are quite skeptical since the last couple of NLEs were not near-immediate sell-outs, instead taking nearly a year to close out inventory (some speculate that they never sold out).  At the MSRP of $3800, my opinion is that you should REALLY like it before making the purchase.

Other SCS Number Limited Edition figurines include:

  • Swarovski Eagle, NLE 1995
  • Swarovski Peacock, NLE 1998
  • Swarovski Wild Horses, NLE 2001
  • Swarovski Bull, NLE 2004
  • Swarovski Elephant, NLE 2006
  • Swarovski Rhinoceros, NLE 2008

If you are wanting to add the Swarovski Bald Eagle to your crystal collection, go to CrystalExchange.com and view the  category Collector Society / SCS, then sub-category Annual and Limited Editions.  The Bald Eagles on the Crystal Exchange America web site are priced under the MSRP of $3800.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovki Steiff Bear Candy, 2011 Limited Edition Teddy Bear

About a week ago, I discovered another limited edition Swarovski – Steiff  Bear that will be on the shelves this fall.  This limited edition teddy bear is the Swarovski Steiff Bear ‘Candy’.

2011 Limited Edition Swarovski Steiff Bear with Candy Cane Pendant
Swarovski Steiff Limited Edition Bear Candy

From the description I found, Swarovski Steiff Candy is a pale green mohair teddy bear. Also called the Sparkle Teddy Bear, Candy’s pendant necklace is the Swarovski Candy Cane ornament. Steiff Bear Candy is a Limited Edition Bear with a maximum production of 1500 units. The Steiff USA web site and some stores in North America are accepting pre-orders for this fuzzy teddy bear. The suggested retail price on the Steiff Swarovski Candy bear is $260.

 

Other 2011 introductions for Limited Edition Swarovski Steiff Bears include:

  • Steiff Sapphire  Limited Edition.
    • Swarovski feature decoration: “Sparkling choker and paws made from Swarovski Elements”
    • Color: Sapphire Blue
    • Identification Number: 036 934
    • Limited Edition of 2000
    • Sold out in the USA (as of 8/2011)
    • Kristall Buzz article on Swarovski Steiff Sapphire Bear
  • Steiff Krystina Limited Edition.
    • Swarovski feature decoration: Sparkling heart choker made from Swarovski Elements
    • Color: Black
    • Identification Number: 663 741
    • Limited Edition for purchase during 2011
    • Available for purchase (as of 8/2011) from the Danbury Mint UK site
    • Kristall Buzz article on Swarovski Steiff Krystina Bear

Check out the Crystal Exchange America web site www.CrystalExchange.com if you are interested to purchase any Swarovski Steiff Bear figurines that are retired. Simply use the search bar and type in “Steiff” for current availability and pricing!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Trimlite Crystal Champions

Some of the older crystal figurines by Swarovski were produced in the Trimlite product line.  The Swarovski Trimlite product line existed in the 1980’s.  These figurines were usually on the smaller side (under 4″) and included significant gold metal accents.  IF there was any type of Swarovski logo on them, it was the Trimlite “T”, and it was stamped into the metal.

One of the Swarovski Trimlite groups was the “Crystal Champions”.  There were six athlete (some leisure athletes!) crystal figurines in the Crystal Champions.

Swarovski Trimlite Crystal Champions
  1. Trimlite Baseball Player – 52729.  The Baseball Player was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
  2. Trimlite Fisherman – 52730.  The Fisherman was produced from 1985 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
  3. Trimlite Golfer –  52727. The Golfer was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
  4. Trimlite Basketball Player – 52725. The Basketball Player was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
  5. Trimlite Skier – 52726. The Skier was produced from 1985 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
  6. Trimlite Hockey Player – 52728. The Hockey Player was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.

As I mentioned in a previous Trimlite article, the production quality of crystal figurines has vastly changed in the past 3 decades.  It is not unusual to see rough edges or other imperfections on the older crystal because that was likely acceptable standards at the time.  Many serious crystal collectors will not accept damaged crystal figurines, but should be mindful that one considered ‘mint’ at that time will not likely as pure as figures that are produced and sold present day.  And, due to the age of the Trimlite figurines, the gold metal finish has possibly dulled, tarnished, or even chipped off.  Collectors should keep these things in mind when setting their own personal standards of acceptability into their own crystal collection;  do not require quality standards higher than what Swarovski themselves expected in the 1980’s.

Crystal Exchange America presently has 3 of the 6 Trimlite Crystal Champions figurines offered on their site at www.CrystalExchange.com, ranging in price $215 – $325. They can be found in “Vintage Swarovski” category, “Trimlite and Zales” sub-category of the store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Pen, a Crystalline Ballpoint Pink Hope Pearl Pen for Breast Cancer Awareness

Today I received a product brochure from an authorized Swarovski retailer.  Among the many offerings in it, I noticed the Swarovski Crystalline Ballpoint Pink Hope Pearl Pen for Breast Cancer Awareness.  In the pen description, it states that a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Lilly Ross Breast Cancer Foundation.  The Swarovski system number for this pen is 1079443 and the retail price is $30.  It was originally launched in during Breast Cancer Awareness month (October), 2010.  If you are interested to purchase the Swarovski Breast Cancer Awareness Pen, check out the Crystal Classics web site for availability on this pen.

Our favorite crystal brand presently has 19 different Swarovski ballpoint pens available in the online shoppe.  They also have 5 different Swarovski USB pen issues available.  The Swarovski Pen collection can be viewed in the ‘Stationery’ category of Swarovski’s site.

Among them are some specialty offerings:

  • Swarovski Arctic Ballpoint Pen – available to SCS members only
  • Swarovski Crystalline Ballpoint Pen, Blue Pearl Light Azore –  online exclusive
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Pen, Kitty Head – new in the Hello Kitty series
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Pen, Pink Bow – new in the Hello Kitty series

Yet another limited edition Swarovski pen was produced in April, 2011 to commemorate the Royal Wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton.  With only 2000 produced, it was only available in select retail stores in the UK. We have an article here on the Kristall Buzz about the Swarovski Royal Wedding Pen  The Swarovski Limited Edition Royal Wedding Pen is available at the Crystal Exchange America web site:  www.CrystalExchange.com

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Designer Dominic Schöpf – an artist profile by the Kristall Buzz

The Swarovski brand has employed over 60 designers for their famous crystal figurines.  Of course there are talented people who contribute to these incredible crystal creations, but for the most part, only one person is credited for the bulk of the figurines.

Swarovski Designer Dominic Schöpf
Dominic Schöpf

 

Dominic Schöpf  joined the Swarovski design team in 2005.  He believes “inspiration can be found everywhere” and accordingly, loves to walk enjoying nature, and visiting animals at the zoo.

 

 

 

Swarovski Frech Angelfish by Dominic Schopf
Swarovski French Angelfish

Dominic Schöpf has been credited with seven Swarovski crystal figurines which are found in the Silver Crystal, Lovlots, and Crystal Paradise product lines. The list of designs below is ordered by launch date includes the Swarovski product name, the system number, and launch year.  All these designs are still current and can be found in the online Swarovski shoppe.

  • Swarovski Rabbit Sitting – 905777, 2008
    Product Line: Silver Crystal
  • Swarovski Rabbit Lying – 905778, 2008
    Product Line: Silver Crystal
  • Swarovski Gracy – 1041377, 2010
    Product Line and Group:  Lovlots ‘City Park’
  • Swarovski Sea Horses, Light Topaz – 1033926, 2010
    Product Line: Crystal Paradise
  • Swarovski Butterflyfish, Light Siam – 1040347, 2010
    Product Line: Crystal Paradise
  • Swarovski Emperor Angelfish, Jonquil – 1072590, 2011
    Product Line: Crystal Paradise
  • Swarovski French Angelfish, Jonquil Moroda – 1083776, 2011
    Product Line: Crystal Paradise

Of all the Dominic Schöpf figurines, I like the Swarovski French Angelfish (pictured above) the best. I think the contrast of black and gold on the tropical fish is attractive. Terrific creations Dominic  what designs might we see on the horizon?

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovlots – Gang of Dogs in the East End

Swarovski’s colorful and adorable lovlots all live with the ‘Lovlots city’.  The Lovlots city is a friendly and growing community, with districts being added with new Lovlots groups moving in.

One of the popular groups is the Swarovski Gang of Dogs.  The Gang of Dogs quickly took up residency in the ‘East End’.  Referring to the East End, Swarovski

states, “With its narrow urban canyons, this melting pot of different cultures is exactly the right place for creative individuals from all walks of life.”

Swarovski Gang of Dogs in the Lovlots collection

The Swarovski Gang of Dogs was launched in 2008 with 5 crystal dog figurines in the group:

  • (6) Swarovski Peppino.  Peppino is a Bassett Hound designed by Edith Mair.  The Swarovski system number is 935720 and it retails for $75.
  • (2) Swarovski Salvatore.  Salvatore is a Great Dane designed by Edith Mair.  The Swarovski system number is 935721 and it retails for $75.  Salvatore is scheduled to retire in 2011.
  • (3) Swarovski Tomaso.  Tomaso is also a bulldog designed by Stefanie Nederegger.  The Swarovski system number is 935722.  This bulldog retails for $325.  Tomaso is scheduled to retire in 2011.
  • (1) Swarovski Tomasino.  Tomasino is a bulldog designed by Stefanie Nederegger.  The Swarovski system number is 935718.  This bulldog retails for $75.  Tomasino is scheduled to retire in 2011.
  • (4) Swarovski Violetta, limited edition 2008.  Violetta is a lavender poodle designed by Edith Mair.  The Swarovski system number is 935719.  Violetta, being a Swarovski limited edition, was only available in 2008.

In 2011, two new figurines joined the Gang of Dogs:

  • (5) Swarovski Coco. Coco is a little light blue Chiwawa / Chihuahua designed by Edith Mair. The Swarovski system number is 1089200 and it retails for $60.
  • (7) Swarovski Scottie.  Scottie is a Terrier, dark green in color and wears a red collar designed by Edith Mair.  The Swarovski system number is and it retails for $110.

The Swarovski Lovlots East End residents create a charming East End family.  The newest members can definitely be found on the crystal brand’s web site.  The Swarovski Gang of Dogs that are retiring in 2011 or have already retired may be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site www.CrystalExchange.com  in the category of Lovlots & Zodiacs.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lion Fish – Pretty Crystal vs Poison Critter

Last week, I saw an article on Good Morning America about lionfish that made me think about the Swarovski Lion Fish.

Swarovski Lionfish

 

 

The Swarovski Lion fish I’m accustomed to seeing is a retired crystal figurine.  It was designed by the well-known Martin Zendron.  The Swarovski Lion fish was released in 2002 and retired in 2005.  Swarovski placed the crystal lion fish in the “South Sea” theme group.  The attractive lion fish figurine featured light salmon shiny crystal fins.  The overall size is about 2.5″ in length.  The Swarovski Lion Fish originally retailed for $185 USD and is presently found in online auctions and in the secondary market for $150 – $200.

 

 

 

Natural Lionfish
Natural Lionfish

The poison critter that I am less familiar with is the live and venomous lionfish.  I had no idea they got so big! National Geographic states they are normally about 12″ long!  They have red and white zebra fins and elongated, flashy pectoral fins.  The poison is in the lionfish’s dorsal fins.  The lionfish sting is generally not fatal, but is extremely painful.  Also known as the turkey fish, dragon fish, or scorpion fish, their native area is the central and western Pacific oceans.  As reported on Good Morning America, these are making their way to US waters, and may potentially become “good eats”.

 

 

Hoping that this little bit of information about the poison critter behind the pretty crystal design has been as interesting to the many crystal fanatics as it was to me.  If you are looking have lionfish in  your aquarium (another popular use for the lionfish), check in a tropical fish store.  If you are looking to add the retired  Swarovski Lionfish to your crystal collection, visit the Crystal Exchange America web site in the “Sea Life” category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America