Category: Kristall Buzz

Crystal Fanatics share Rare Swarovski Canadian Olympic Plaques

In 1988 the International Winter Olympics were held in Calgary, Canada.  Swarovski Canada officially licensed at least 2 Swarovski crystal plaques to commemorate the event.  I have heard rumors about a plaque with bears and a flag being previously discovered, but there was no year on the plaque.  The Swarovski plaques are not marked with a Swarovski logo on the crystal, so finding a rare one with a Swarovski box was a real treat.

The Saddledome plaque was numbered 9503M2692, and officially referred to by Swarovski as Saddledome, Iceberg.  Unfortunately, the original box for the rare plaque featuring the bears hoisting the Canadian flag has been lost.  The Saddledome Iceburg can be found in Warners Blue Ribbon Books Beyond Silver Crystal as well as the plaque with bears using the Warner’s assigned product number of BSC201000007.  The bears plaque itself is very interesting, with Calgary, 1988, Winter Olympic Games, in English and French, engraved.  The same blank crystal plaque was used for both Olympic memorabilia.  It has physical size of 3 3/4″ wide and 3″ high.

Swarovski Olympic Iceburg Plaques
Swarovski Box for a Swarovski Crystal Olympic Plaque

These plaques indeed are rare Swarovski crystal plaques to find.  They may also be sought after by avid Swarovski crystal collectors, Canadians, or any participating Olympic athlete.

Thank you to our Swarovski fanatics friends for passing along the information for us to share with crystal collectors around the world!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Using his Rare Swarovski Violin, Ben Lee of FUSE breaks world record playing “Flight of the Bumblebee”

KristallBuzz has recently completed Swarovski Crystal Bees Video buzzing around to “Flight of the Bumblebee”.   I’m amazed by all the unique variations of this well-known classical piece and how different musicians can add their special touches to the music.

I was surprised when I found that the song is even used setting and breaking “Guinness World Records” for being the fastest violinist!

May, 2008 David Garrett – 1 minute and 6.56 seconds.  David Garrett on YouTube
December, 2008 David Garrett – 1 minute and 5.26 seconds. David Garrett on YouTube

Then, just shy of 2 years later, Ben Lee is successfully setting a new world record using the Rare Swarovski Violin.

November, 2010 Ben Lee of FUSE – 58.51 seconds

 

January, 2011 Ben Lee of FUSE – 56.07 seconds. Feeling ambitious, Ben Lee does it again!

Congratulations to Ben Lee and FUSE for such an terrific accomplishment keep up the great work!

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 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 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 Crystal Myriad Retirements at RetiredSwarovski.com

RetiredSwarovski.com is an established web site known for its up-to-date listings of Swarovski Crystal retirements.  Recently, the Crystal Myriad product line of Swarovski Limited Editions has been added to the site documenting those Swarovski sculptures that the crystal brand has retired.

The Swarovski Crystal Myriad sculptures are Swarovski Numbered Limited Editions, Swarovski NLE for short.  The Crystal Myriad sculptures range in price from $12,000 – $18,000, and each has a maximum production of 300 units.  The Crystal Myriad figurines are custom made shortly after an order is received according to the Swarovski web site.

In 2009, Swarovski introduced four Crystal Myriad sculptures: a dragon Swarovski Jinlong, an elephant Swarovski Matang, a falcon Swarovski Alsaqr Almalaki, and a stallion Swarovski Amurath.  According to the RetiredSwarovski.com web site, two of these four items are now retired.

Swarovski used their own signature pointiage technique to apply 32,000 – 63,000 hand-set crystals.  This same technique is also being used on the Swarovski Limited Edition Hello Kitty figurine which is to launch near August, 2011.  The Swarovski Hello Kitty sculpture will be limited to 88 pieces world-wide and will have approximately 20K hand-set crystals.

If you prefer less expensive, but still exclusive Swarovski Limited Editions, many can be had from Crystal Exchange America web site.  Just look in the ‘Limited Editions’ and ‘SCS Annual and Limited Editions’ categories of the store web site www.CrystalExchange.com

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Bosch Screwdriver

It’s early June with Father’s Day just around the corner.  Is your husband, father, or grandfather among the Swarovski crystal fanatics collectors?  If so, this screwdriver may be a terrific gift for him!

This Swarovski-studded cordless screwdriver is a limited edition, Swarovski embellished machine designed to celebrate the Bosch IXO model rising to the top of the power tool world.  According to several web site sources, there have been over 10M sold since 2003.

Only 2000 of this limited edition screwdriver were made, each one decorated with 470 Swarovski crystal stones.  Retail price?  Only $470 USD!

I’m not sure that this screwdriver is available in the USA or not.  I was able to find it only at the Amazon UK site, with a small quantity available there.

If a Swarovski embellished power tool is not the gift you were considering for that crystal-collecting dad, check out Crystal Exchange America’s web site for plenty of other Swarovski crystal ideas.  Be sure to order soon as order fulfillment generally takes about 10 business days.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Happy Memorial Day to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics!

Memorial Day, formerly known as Decoration Day, is a USA holiday celebrated on the last Monday of May.  It commemorates our military personnel who died in service.  On this holiday, Americans proudly display their USA flags and spend time with families.

Swarovski crystal fanatics can show their spirit and pride wearing Swarovski jewelry featuring flag decorations:

Swarovski Gear Flag Pin (Left), retails for $65 and Swarovski Gear Heart Pin (Right), retails for $65.

Both Swarovski pins and other new release Swarovski crystal figurines can be found on the Crystal Fox Gallery web site, and appear to be in stock.  Of course you can’t have it to wear today, but you can be ready for July 4th if you order now!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Lovlots Retirements at RetiredSwarovski.com

Swarovski introduced the Swarovski Lovlots figurines in 2006.  The Swarovski Lovlots were not just crystal figurines.they were animal caricatures vibrant in color, each with a personality of its own.

Swarovski Lovlots Limited Editions Swarovski Shady (2006), Swarovski Theo (2009), Swarovski Violetta (2008), Swarovski Ziggy (2010), and Swarovski Jade (2011)

The initial group of Swarovski Lovlots is known as the Swarovski Lovlots Pioneers. There were 8 animals in the Lovlots Pioneers.  These Swarovski crystal figurines were all clear in color.

In 2008, the next group launch of Swarovski Lovlots was the Swarovski Gang of Dogs.  The Gang of Dogs consisted of 4 dogs, plus a Swarovski Limited Edition Dog (Violetta) that was only available in 2008.  Find out more in our Kristall Buzz News with Gang of Dogs Video.

In 2009, the Swarovski House of Cats group was introduced.  The House of Cats was comprised of 5 cats, a cat pair, and a Swarovski Limited Edition Cat (Theo) that was only available in 2009. More information is available in our Kristall Buzz News with House of Cats Video.

In 2010, the Swarovski City Park group was released.  The Swarovski City Park included 8 critters that may be found in the park, a bird pair, and a Swarovski Limited Edition Woodpecker (Ziggy) that was only available in 2010.  See our Kristall Buzz News with City Park Video for more about this series.

In 2011, the Swarovski Circus group was announced.  The Swarovski Circus encompasses many favorites found at a circus.6 animals, a 7th animal that is available for a limited time only, and a Swarovski Limited Edition Horse (Jade) that is only to be available in 2011.  See our Kristall Buzz News on the Swarovski Circus about the official launch.

Now, after the short background introduction, you will be pleased to know that there is a web site with the Swarovski Lovlots Retirements in a free and easy-to-use format.  RetiredSwarovski.com has a series of web pages with Swarovski Lovlots Retirements, 2006 through 2011.  If you want to know what year a Swarovski Lovlots figurine retired, type it in 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 listings by year of Swarovski Lovlots retirements, 2006 to 2011.  The fact sheets are very useful 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.

Crystal Exchange America has a selection of Retired Swarovski Lovlots figurines in their online store. If there is a Swarovski Lovlots 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