Category: Kristall Buzz

Swarovski Unicorn – SCS 1996 Annual Edition

Swarovski’s fourth SCS trilogy is the ‘Fabulous Creatures’ series, which was in the late 1990’s era.  The initial Fabulous Creatures crystal figurine is the Swarovski.  All the crystal figurines in the ‘Fabulous Creatures’ series are mythical creatures, making this series unique based on human interpretation, existing sculptures, or drawings, and not based on nature itself.

Swarovski Fabulous Creatures Unicorn, 1996 SCS AE

The Swarovski Unicorn was available for purchase only in 1996 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  The Swarovski Unicorn measures about 4 1/4″ long. It is a clear figurine with a long frosted spiraling horn, frosted goat’s beard, frosted mane, and frosted tail.  The SCS Unicorn is lying on its stomach.

The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn was known using the Swarovski identification numbers DO1X961 and 191 727.  This SCS Unicorn contains what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Since Martin Zendron was the designer, it is his initials “MZ” and the year “96” can be seen on the underside of the Unicorn .

Having such a long and fragile protrusion, the Unicorn horn is the most common form of damage or breakage.  We have seen or heard stories from a large number of clients who report the horn has come unglued, or a simple tap to it during cleaning has caused it to break off.  Sadly, this is an expensive component for Swarovski restoration experts to replace.  Oftentimes, the cost is close to that of purchasing a replacement Swarovski Unicorn in mint condition.

The crystal brand has produced one other Unicorn other than the 1996 SCS Unicorn.  This other Swarovski Unicorn was part of their Silver Crystal product line.  This Unicorn is standing on all 4 legs and has a short horn.  The identification # for this Swarovski Unicorn are 7550 000 013 / 630 119.  It was produced 2004 through 2009 at a retail price of $300.

The SCS Swarovski Unicorn retailed for $325 USD in 1996.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While the resale price of the Swarovski Unicorn  surpassed to nearly $700 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for original MSRP, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

The third crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS ‘Mother and Child’ trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Care For Me’ Whales.  The Whales were an enchanting figurine demonstrating a new mother and her young whale calf over an ocean wave.  The purpose of the Swarovski Whales Box is for protection and storage of crystal figurine.

The SCS Whales Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  It is similar to the Turtledoves Box and Dolphins Box, and Seals Box at a glimpse.  On the Whales cylinder, collectors can read the text “Annual Edition 1992 ‘Care For Me’ ” the Whales in English and in 5 other languages on the cylinder container. The Swarovski Whales Box can be found using reference # DO1X921B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  The factory-assigned identification number cannot be found on the cylinder.

Swarovski SCS Whales Box

The foam in the cylinder is designed exclusively for the Swarovski SCS Whales figurine. This particular setup employs a single piece of hinged foam with cutouts to perfectly fit the Whales.  The Whales Certificate is simply placed on the top foam prior to placing the lid covering.

The SCS Whales Box can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Empty Boxes category.  One is available at this time for $125.  The Care For Me Whales box includes the original foam insert.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – the Swarovski COA

When the Whales were introduced as the 1992 SCS Annual Edition, SCS membership was steadily increasing in numbers.  More Swarovski fanatics were becoming members in this exciting Swarovski Club.

The authentic Swarovski Whales Certificate was the second certificate to be like a stapled pamphlet, with each page featuring a different language:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Chinese.  The certificate has a mostly-white cover and measures 5.5″high and 3.5″ wide.  The first page of the Whales Certificate features a picture of the Annual Edition, which can be matched up with the picture on the Swarovski Whales Box.


Swarovski SCS Whales Certificate for the 1992 ‘Care For Me’ Whales

The reference number for the Whales certificate, assigned by Swarovski, is located on the reverse side of the certificate in a tiny font.  Officially, the Swarovski Whales certificate is DO4MM92XX.  The Whales ‘Care For Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference #DO1X921C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

With respect to availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Whales Certificate is not presently available at reputable broker site or auction sites in the USA.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the range of $50 – $100.  Crystal Exchange America recommends buying Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a complete package with original box and original certificate.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – SCS 1992 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Whales is the third crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were designed by Michael Stamey, and to date, is the only trilogy by a single designer.

Swarovski ‘Care For Me’ Whales, 1992 SCS AE

In 1992, the Swarovski Whales could be purchased by SCS crystal collectors who possessed membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Whales measures about just over  4″ in height.  This crystal figurine features a clear mother whale and a clear baby whale, with a gentle wave under them.

The SCS Whales contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity. It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “92” on the bottom side of the wave.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Care For Me’ Whales can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X921 or system number 164 614.

In addition to the 1992 SCS Whales, Swarovski has released a number of crystal whale figurines:

  • Swarovski Whale – 7628 080 000 / 014 483.  This Swarovski Whale was available 1987 through 1991.  It can be found with either the Block SC Logo or the Swan logo.
  • Swarovski Walter the Whale – 9460 200 023 / 680 508.  This small blue whale was in the Swarovski Crystal Moments line, and was available in 2005 and 2006 only.
  • Swarovski Paikea Humpback Whale – 9100 000 337 / 1 095 228.  This is the 2012 SCS Annual Edition designed by Stefanie Nederegger
  • Swarovski Young Whale, SCS – 9100 000 338 / 1 096 741.  This is the companion whale to the 2012 Swarovski Annual Edition Whale designed by Stefanie Nederegger.

A quick comparison of the 1992 Swarovski Whales to the 2012 Swarovski Whale reveals these primary differences:

  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales is a SINGLE figurine.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are 2 separate figurines purchased individually.
  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales are completely clear figurines. Paikea Whale and Young Whale are Shadow crystal with Crystal Moonlight accents.

The SCS Swarovski Whales retailed for $265 USD in 1992.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a white cylinder with fitted- foam specific to the Whales, and a Swarovski  Certificate of Authenticity (Swarovski COA).    Presently, the Swarovski Whales, in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $305 – $345 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

The second crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS ‘Mother and Child’ trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Save Me’ Seals.  The Seals were a charming figurine illustrating a new mom and her young seal pup resting on an iceberg.  The Swarovski Seals Box is designed to protect and store the crystal figurine.

The SCS Seals Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  It is much like the Turtledoves Box and Dolphins Box at a quick glance.  On the Seals cylinder, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1991 ‘Save Me’ – the Seals.  This same text is repeated in 5 other languages on the cylinder container. The Swarovski Seals Box can be found using reference # DO1X911B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  There is no number on the Seals Box to indicate a factory-assigned identification number.

Swarovski SCS Seals Box

The custom foam in the cylinder is specific for the Swarovski SCS Seals figurine. This packaging for the Seals is the first to use two completely separate pieces of foam vs a single foam utilizing a (foam) hinge.  The Swarovski Seals Certificate is simply placed on the top foam before putting the gray cap on it as it is small enough that bending does not occur.  Proper placement of the Save Me Seals in the box is fairly simple.  The Seals tail should be placed over the ’round’ holes / bubbles in the foam and the figurine will easily fit into the foam.  The top foam has similar bubbles / holes that also go over top the tails.  Then aligning the notches along the foam sided allow for the Swarovski-designed fit.  (Hint… When I put the top foam in, I gently twist / untwist the top foam, with a slight downward pressure, to ensure that the foam is pressed down as much as it is supposed to be.)  When in proper position, there is about a ½” of the cylinder showing above the foam for the lid to fit on.

The SCS Seals Box can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Empty Boxes category.  A number of them are available in the $90 – $110 price range at this time.  All the Save Me Seals boxes include original foam inserts.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – the Swarovski COA

SCS membership was continuing to grow across more countries when the Seals were introduced as the 1991 SCS Annual Edition.  Whereas the Swarovski Dolphins Certificate included 7 different language translations, the Swarovski Seals was the earliest certificate to include yet one more language.

Swarovski Seals Certificate for the 1991 ‘Save Me’ Seals

 

The genuine Swarovski Seals Certificate was the first certificate to be like a stapled pamphlet, with each page featuring a different  languages  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Chinese.

The Swarovski-assigned reference number is located on the back side of the certificate in tiny print.  Officially, the Swarovski Seals certificate is DO4MM91XX.  The Seals ‘Save Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X911C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Seals Certificate easy to find at the moment.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the neighborhood of $50 – $150, there are not a high number of transactions on them for a consistently reliable replacement value.  We recommend purchasing Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a total package with original box and original certificate.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – SCS 1991 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Seals is the second crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were constructed of completely clear crystal components, which is a unique characteristic of all the Swarovski SCS figurines.

Swarovski ‘Save Me’ Seals, 1991 SCS AE

 

The Swarovski Seals could be purchased only in 1991 by SCS collectors with membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Seals measures about 4″ long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear seals, a mother seal and a baby seal, resting upon a clear iceberg.

The SCS Seals contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “91” on the underside of the iceberg.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Save Me’ Seals can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X911 or system number 158 872.

In addition to the 1991 SCS Seals, the crystal giant has produced other crystal seal figurines, all of which are retired:

  • Swarovski Large Seal – 7646 085 000 / 012 261.  The Swarovski Large Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Large Seal, in some variation, was available 1985 – 1995.
  • Swarovski Baby Seal – 7663 046 000 / 012 530.  The Swarovski Baby Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Baby Seal, in some variation, was available 1986 – 2005.
  • Swarovski Playing Seal – 7661 000 006 / 622 526, 2003 – 2007

The SCS Swarovski Seals retailed for $225 USD in 1991.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a cylinder with custom foam for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    At this time, Swarovski Seals , in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $350 – $400 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Pointiage Swan from the Swarovski Crystal Journey has sold!

Last week, we were receiving information from crystal fanatics on board the Swarovski Crystal Journey about their travels and experiences during the week.  One item of notice was the Swarovski Pointiage Swan that would be auctioned off at the gala following the cruise.
Swarovski Pointiage Swan
The text that follows was available to all participants:

 

THE SWAN

 

Unique chance to acquire one of only 25 pieces worldwide of the stunning SWAN at the SCS Crystal Journey Gala dinner on the 25th of August 2012 in Wattens.

 

This stunning Swan is one of only 25 pieces created in exclusive PointiageTM to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the SCS. It has been designed solely for auction purposes in order to raise funds for charitable causes close to the heart of the Swarovski Company. This object of superb craftsmanship has been created by Swarovski artists, using 33.351 crystals.

This very special masterpiece weighs 1.215 g and measures 16.6 cm in length and 10.6 cm in height. Gifted artisans dedicated more than 140 man-hours to individually hand set each crystal – displaying the Swarovski family tradition of excellence.

 

Exclusively for the guests of the Crystal Journey 2012 we reserved one of the desirable SWANS. Only 25 pieces exist worldwide, assigned to the Swarovski sales offices according to strict rules.

 

CRYSTAL HERITAGE

In 1988 a gracious swan replaced the edelweiss as the Swarovski logo in order to express the beauty, purity, adaptability and strengths of Swarovski crystal. The swan – pure, white, noble and elegant in appearance, is a symbol of metamorphosis which is appropriate to Swarovski’s transformation of crystal throughout the company’s 117 years of existence.

 

Design and creativity aligned with technological virtuosity has enabled Swarovski to position crystal as one of the most exciting, versatile  and modern mediums of our age. For Swarovski and the SCS, THE SWAN, expresses all these values and sentiments and we hope this Special Edition will add sparkle to the life of the proud owner of this unique masterpiece.

 

The starting price for the auction of this stunning SWAN is EURO 4’000.

During the gala, the silent bid of 18’000 EURO (roughly $22,600 USD) was accepted from a collector residing in Australia.  Congratulations to the winning bidder!

We have learned that the other Pointiage Swans (not even yet completed) will be auctioned off in the next 12 months with proceeds going to various charity organizations.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Fanatics Chat with Swarovski Designers on the 2012 Crystal Journey

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 has concluded its trip, sad for the lucky crystal fanatics aboard.  It would have been the experience of a lifetime to be part of the trip!

On Wednesday, some of our favorite designers were on the boat, for a brief question and answer session.  In this small get-together, the artists in attendance were:

  • Swarovski Designer Martin Zendron (far left)
  • Swarovski Designer Adi Stocker (center)
  • Swarovski Designer Gabriele Stamey (right)

Swarovski Designers: Martin Zendron, Adi Stocker, & Gabriele Stamey

Martin Zendron is credited with over 70 designs, including the Swarovski NLE Wild Horses and 5 Swarovski AE figurines:  Swarovski Elephant, Swarovski Unicorn, Swarovski Antonio, and Swarovski Harmony (clear and colored).

Adi Stocker is credited with over 100 designs, including 3 Swarovski NLE: Swarovski Eagle, Swarovski Peacock, and Swarovski Bull; and 6 Swarovski AE:  Swarovski Woodpeckers, Swarovski Turtledoves, Swarovski Lion, Swarovski Pegasus, Swarovski Pierrot, and Swarovski Isadora.

Gabriele Stamey is credited with over 70 designs, including 2 Swarovski AE: Swarovski Dragon and  Swarovski Columbine, as well as 2 Swarovski SCS Commemorative Editions:  Swarovski 5th Anniversary Birthday Cake and Swarovski Vase of Roses.

During this gathering, it was hinted that Swarovski may cease to try reviving older designs by adding color as this concept is not all that popular with collectors.  I, for one, completely agree.  To me, it’s like taking plaid bell bottoms from the 70’s and changing the plaid to polka dots and wanting people to wear them again!

Hopefully, we can get a few more pictures and information from the final hours of the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

The first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the ‘Mother and Child’ series was the Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins.  The Dolphins were a beautiful figurine depicting the nurturing relationship between a mom and her calf.  The protective box is important to safely store the crystal figurine.

Swarovski SCS Dolphins Box

The Swarovski Dolphins Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  On the Dolphins cylinder, collectors can read the text Annual Edition 1990 ‘Lead Me’ – the Dolphins.  This same text is repeated in 5 other languages in the silver stripe on the container. The Swarovski-assigned reference number can be found near the bottom edge in a very small type.  The Swarovski Dolphins Box reference number is DO3MM90XX. The Dolphins Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X901B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalogue.

Proper placement of the SCS Dolphins in the Foam

The foam was specially formed to securely store or ship the SCS Dolphins figurine and certificate.  The dolphins foam contains a slot to be used for keeping the certificate unbent or wrinkled.  The SCS Dolphins have been the most difficult figurine to correctly place into the foam.  Good news though…this article contains proper placement instructions for correctly putting the crystal figurine into the Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins Box.  The dolphins foam should opened and placed such that the certificate will be underneath the crystal.  In your hands, hold the Swarovski Dolphins, so that the dolphin’s nose is facing right (3:00) and the base is toward the foam.  Press the Dolphins downward into the foam so that the tails are in the largest oval slot.  Note: If the SCS Dolphins have been on display (not stored in the foam and box), the fit may feel firm and incorrect, but this is normal.  Since putting the Dolphins in the foam may feel erroneous, many collectors have taken scissors or knives to the foam cutting it and eliminating placement confusion. This could potentially devalue the SCS Dolphins which is complete with box and certificate to a Swarovski fanatic who demands a ‘top-notch’ package since technically the foam has now been altered.

A special thanks to Swarovski expert Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins Box article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Dolphins Box is not readily available.  The last one that sold was over 5 years ago, and those prices are too out of date to even mention.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America