Category: Kristall Buzz

Swarovski Database of Crystal Figurines on the iPad

Recently, I learned that you can view the Swarovski Database of Crystal by Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on the iPad!

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Crystal has been publishing books on Swarovski figurines since 1994.  In 2000, they put their Swarovski Database online at http://www.wbrbonline.com/  and incorporated it into a subscription-based service that allows Swarovski Crystal collector users to run queries to access the same information as their printed books at virtually half the cost.  Subscribers can view Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number, Swarovski System Number, Swarovski Designer, MSRP, ERV (better known as the Swarovski Value for insurance purposes), dimensions, Swarovski Introduction Date, Status (year retired or current), which Swarovski Logos are on the figurine, and a paragraph of information on the crystal piece.

Within the past month, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books has put their online subscription services to the test on one of the newest computing platforms available.the Apple iPad.  The web site passed with flying colors. Users found the WBRBOnline subscription service to the Swarovski database to be easy to use and easy to view.  Using the iPad to view the database of 2800+ Swarovski figurines was just like using the computer, but the benefits of having the iPad meant that the Swarovski database is available for use anywhere there is an internet connection!  I would imagine that the same may hold true for ‘smart phones’, but do think that the smaller screens on phones could provide challenges with reading the smaller text.

Swarovski Database
Swarovski Database available at www.wbrbonline.com

 

This is great news for Swarovski crystal fanatics who may have gotten the Apple iPad for Christmas.  If not, perhaps this new information is enough to justify purchasing a new Apple iPad.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Myriad – Alsaqr Almalaki

A newer Swarovski Crystal Myriad has been found on the Swarovski web site..it is the Alsaqr Almalaki.  So what exactly is it?  It is the newest numbered limited edition in the Swarovski Myriad series.  The myriad figurine is a Swarovski falcon, in flight, gliding past a natural rock formation.  It features over 43,000 hand set crystals of six different colors.

The designer of this limited Swarovski myriad masterpiece is Elisabeth Adamer.  This magnificent Swarovski falcon is nearly 12 inches by 16 inches by 21 inches.  It has a retail price in the Swarovski online store of $15,500.  It is not clear from the Swarovski site the maximum production number, only that it is a numbered limited edition.  The official product page for the Swarovski Alsaqr Almalaki contains additional details from those mentioned here.

The company has retired Swarovski falcon head figurines. The Optik division also sold a promotional set of Swarovski falcon heads years ago.

There are other Swarovski figurines in the Myriad collection: Swarovski Amurath (stallion), Swarovski Jinlong (dragon), and Swarovski Matang (elephant).  Swarovski Crystal Myriad collection announcements are very interesting.

If you are interested in lower-priced Swarovski Limited Editions, many are available on the Crystal Exchange America web site.  The limited edition Swarovski figurines can be found in the ‘Limited Editions’ and ‘SCS Annual and Limited Editions’ categories of the store web site.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Holiday Etchings 1986 Christmas Ornaments

Swarovski has produced holiday ornaments dating back to 1981.  The 1981 Snowflake ornament was designed to be either a Christmas ornament or a Christmas pendant since it was attached to a long chain.  Because of the timing a branding at the time, it is the only Swarovski ornament to bear the block SC logo.

Swarovski continued releasing ornaments in 1984, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 before settling in to the Swarovski Star / Swarovski Snowflake tradition.  During the years of 1984 -1990, the Swarovski ornaments were issued by their Giftware Suite division and did not contain any type of Swarovski logo.

In 1986, the Swarovski Ornaments were referred to by the company as “Holiday Etchings”.  There were 11 different shapes and sizes of the Swarovski Holiday Etchings.  From the literature I have seen, there were 4 angels, 3 bells, a dove, a peace, a holly, and a snowflake design on various shapes.   The single most important feature of knowing that these were limited editions to the year of 1986, is that the year is etched on these ornaments.  All these 1986 ornaments that I have seen are all in white velvet-like bags and have white Giftware Suite boxes.   All part numbers on the boxes are 5 digit numbers, beginning with “9”.

Swarovski Holiday Etchings Holly Ornament

 

Swarovski Holiday Etchings Peace Ornament

 

Swarovski Holiday Etchings Angel Ornament

 

Swarovski Holiday Etchings Bell Ornament

It is worthwhile to mention that these ornaments do have look-alikes, even made by Swarovski.  Many were made with the same design and shape, but do NOT include the etched 1986 on them, so they were not limited editions.  It has been documented that they were sometimes packaged in red, blue, or green vinyl-like boxes.

Being a few weeks before Christmas, there are countless Swarovski Ornaments listed for sale in the online auctions.  I have a few out there, on behalf of our clients, that have just ended or are ending in the next week.

So all you Swarovski crystal fanatics if 1986 Swarovski Ornaments are on your wish list this Christmas, make sure that the 1986 is visible on the auction image to ensure that it is truly a limited edition ornament.

Happy Sparkling Holidays from the Kristall Buzz!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Retired Swarovski Crystal Inventory Updated at Crystal Exchange America site

December 7 was the final Swarovski Crystal inventory update for the year.  This last update includes new Swarovski crystal listings and price reductions incorporated for the holiday shopping season.  The majority of the store inventory is retired Swarovski and limited edition Swarovski figurines.

Among the most exciting news are price reductions for the Arribas Jeweled Mickey Mouse.  This Mickey Mouse figurine is a limited edition collectible, with only 10,000 produced in 1997.  He’s a very cute item liked by both Swarovski crystal collectors and Disney collectors.

We also have a listing for the Swarovski Limited Edition Pink Duck.  This pink duck is part of the Happy Ducks series and was a limited edition for the breast cancer awareness foundation.

Additionally, we have Swarovski Ornaments 2010  as well as the SCS Swarovski Ornament 2010.  We have a lot of Swarovski ornament listings for crystal ornaments, Swarovski Stars, and Swarovski Snowflakes.  We have them from 1981 through 2010.  We also have Crystal Memories Angels, Kris Bear Annual Editions, Trimlite Ornaments, and some other holiday issues that are Swarovski Crystal.

Happy Holidays to our Swarovski fanatics friends from Crystal Exchange America and the Kristall Buzz!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Voucher Coupon issued December 7th

Today, I received a discount Swarovski voucher via email.  The Swarovski coupon is valid for 20% off a purchase of $160 or more and is valid for most countries that offer Swarovski shopping online.  Act quickly with your purchas the Swarovski coupon is good only thru December 16.  While the voucher does appear to have some exclusions (SCS crystal items in particular), it does appear to be valid on Swarovski Silver Crystal, Swarovski Crystal Moments, and Swarovski Jewelry. So be sure to check your email before doing your shopping at the Swarovski web site.

Happy Holidays to our Swarovski fanatics friends from Crystal Exchange America!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Rare Swarovski Cadillac Ornament on eBay

This is the time of year when Swarovski Ornaments are most popular on the secondary market and eBay auctions.  The current Swarovski 2010 ornament is available as well as very old, hard-to-find, and rare ornaments.

Presently, there is a rare Swarovski Ornament on eBay:  the 1996 Cadillac Ornament.  The 1996 Cadillac Ornament is a teardrop-shaped Swarovski crystal, customized for the Cadillac company.  It has a Christmas tree etching in the middle.  Below the etching is the word “Cadillac”, and the feature year 1996.  This ornament is in a green box, with a velvet-like lining on the inside.

1996 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament
1996 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament Packaging and Paperwork

I did find other Cadillac ornaments in addition to the 1996 Swarovski Cadillac ornament on eBay.  1998 and 1999 Cadillac ornaments were listed, but closed at ‘unsold’.  From my research, I found even more:  1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.  All the Cadillac ornaments I found utilize the teardrop crystal.  The 1997 Swarovski Cadillac ornament features a snowman in the etching. The 1998 Swarovski Cadillac ornament features bells in the etching.  The 1999 Swarovski Cadillac ornament features a wreath etching.  Lastly, the 2000 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament features a penguin in the etching.  All ornaments contain the word Cadillac, with the issue year below.  All are packaged in similar green boxes, with red interior.

The same Swarovski Crystal teardrop component was used for the 1984 Swarovski Ornament, 1987 Swarovski Ornament, 1989 Swarovski Ornament, and some 1986 Swarovski Holiday Etchings.  The 1987 ornament displays at candle.  The 1989 Ornament displays a dove and the teardrop crystal is framed by gold-tone metal in the shape of Christmas tree.  The 1986 Holiday Etchings display bells, angels, holly, mistletoe, and other designs.  These 11 Holiday Etchings are among the rarest of Swarovski Ornaments.

All these Swarovski ornaments mentioned here (from the 1980’s) have the year etched below the feature design.  They were all released by Swarovski by their “Giftware Suite” division, so they were only available in the USA at the time of production.

Some of these Swarovski Ornaments can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site.  If you have one of these and wish to sell, now is the time to do it with Swarovski crystal fanatics collectors naturally looking at this time of year.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Good Luck Crystal Gifts

Swarovski has provided its SCS members a sneak preview into a “Good Luck” series that will soon launch.  Swarovski’s delightful figurines, “Lucky Gifts”, should have a global appeal, embracing many cultures and their symbols for “good luck”.

Per the sneak peek on the Swarovski site, I found five Swarovski Lucky Gifts:  Swarovski Lucky Cat – this crystal gift represents Japanese tradition; Swarovski Lucky Clover – a world-wide symbol of good luck; Swarovski Lucky Elephant;  Swarovski Lucky Dragon – this gift inspired by Chinese tradition; and Swarovski Lucky Lady Bird – a crystal ladybug that is also a multi-cultural symbol of luck.

The article did not make any obvious reference to the size or the Swarovski product line they will be a part of.  I was a bit surprised when I read that they will each come in a blue velvet pouch with a gift card.  I can’t help but wonder why the items would not be sold in the popular blue Swarovski box or cylinder with an accompanying Swarovski certificate.  A cost savings measure for Swarovski collectors?  Or perhaps the pouch and gift card are in addition to the standard packaging?

These Swarovski Lucky Gifts are quite cute!  They remind me of the colored figurines: Swarovski Lovlots.  Color pictures are on the company web site for Swarovski collectors who want more information about them.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Discount Swarovski Coupon Voucher Emailed for Cyber Monday Shopping at Swarovski’s Online Store

Overnight, Swarovski emailed Swarovski voucher codes to some people on their email list.  The voucher is good only on cyber-Monday.  This Swarovski discount can be redeemed for a $20 credit toward a Swarovski crystal purchase exceeding $150 on November 29, 2010.

I’m not sure who all received the discount Swarovski voucher.  I am an active Swarovski SCS member and I purchase a couple Swarovski crystal figurines online each year, yet I did not receive the voucher.  Another family member, with an expired Swarovski SCS membership, did receive the voucher coupon.  Additionally, another family member, with an expired Swarovski SCS membership, did not receive the voucher coupon.  To me, it does not matter how Swarovski determined the Swarovski coupon recipient list, I’m glad to have any coupon to be able to save $20 on shopping.

Keeping with the cyber-Monday spirit, Crystal Exchange America is also offering one-day shopping discounts.  At www.crystalexchange.com , Swarovski collectors who purchase $300+ in Swarovski crystal and checkout using the shopping cart system, can save money too!

The discount Swarovski codes are as follows: buy $300+ and save $20 using coupon code CYBRMON20 during the checkout process.  Buy $500+ and save $30 using coupon code CYBR30MON during the checkout process.  Swarovski discounts only apply to orders placed on November 29 with the appropriate coupon code entered during checkout.  It is are NOT valid on fax or phone orders.  Vouchers are limited to the first ten redemptions for the day.

Happy Holidays and good luck shopping cyber-Monday to all Swarovski Crystal collectors!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Swan Float for Toronto Santa Claus Parade

Many Swarovski collectors have either seen, heard of, or own the Swarovski Maxi Swan.  It is a massive piece of crystal, measuring 6.5″ high and weighing in at nearly 6.5 lbs.

But the Swarovski crystal Maxi Swan would look like a cygnet in comparison to the creation for the Toronto Santa Claus parade, which was held November 21, 2010 in Toronto, Canada.

Swarovski commissioned a truly gigantic swan float for the event.  It is over 8′ tall and adorned with hundreds of thousands of tiny Swarovski stones.  The Swarovski float decorator states that she spent 41 hours applying the 22 litres of stones to the float. She would pat handfuls of the Swarovski stone glitter as a time to the swan structure.  It must have been a very shimmery swan and had an over-the-top WOW factor in it!

Swarovski Swan ready for the Toronto Santa Claus Parade

I’ll be on the lookout to see if Swarovski does more floats in holiday parades.  This piece would be very unique for Swarovski crystal fanatics to have in their collection!  By the way….where would you park this thing????

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Mozart Limited Edition Necklace Pendant

Swarovski has begun a series of online weekend events running for four weekends.  Today is the last day of the first weekend Swarovski event.  The online limited edition is the ‘Mozart Limited Edition Pendant’.  This necklace is a gold tone heart-shaped cutout handing on a gold-plated chain.  The heart is embellished with Swarovski Golden Shadow crystals.

Based on the original advertisements, the quantity was supposed to be a limited edition of 500 units which are only available in the Swarovski site.  When I visited the Swarovski store page for the necklace, I was still able to add the item to my Swarovski cart, so I concluded that these Swarovski Limited Editions has not yet sold out.  This is good news for all Swarovski collectors who wish to purchase, but have not yet done so.

If anyone misses the opportunity to purchase, either because the Swarovski Mozart Limited Edition Pendant becomes sold out, or the deadline is missed, Swarovski does make a very similar pendant.  The pendant design is identical, the differences are that the standard  Swarovski Mozart Pendant is silver-tone in color and has clear crystals inset.

Crystal Exchange America does have a selection of retired Swarovski pendant, Swarovski necklaces, Swarovski bracelets, Swarovski brooches, and Swarovski pins.  As Swarovski jewelry is not ‘collected’ like figurines are, these items have a much slower turnover.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America