Category: Kristall Buzz

Swarovski Pointiage Swan, A Stowaway on the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey

It has been reported that there is a crystal stowaway on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!  Fortunately, the stowaway is a Swarovski Masterpiece, and not something unpleasant.

So, what exactly is the stowaway?  It is a Swarovski Pointiage Swan.  This swan is approximately 16.5 cm in length, 10.5 cm high, and weights about 1.215 grams.

 

Swarovski Pointiage Swan, LE of 25

Besides the size, and roaming locations of the Pointiage Swan, here are some other facts we have on it.  The Swarovski Pointiage Swan is a Limited Edition of 25 units.  More than 33,350 stones were used to assemble it, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Swarovski SCS Club.  The designer of this Masterpiece Swan is Anton Hirzinger.

This Swarovski Swan is being auctioned off at the end of the Swarovski Crystal Journey.  The minimum bid is 4,000 Euro, which is approximately $5,025 USD.

It will be interesting to find out the winning bid (if it sells).  Hopefully we will get that information at the conclusion of the trip.  Best of luck to all Swarovski crystal fanatics who participate in the bidding!

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

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of what is happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – the Swarovski COA

Swarovski offered the SCS membership in many countries when the Dolphins were revealed as the 1990 SCS Annual Edition.  The multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Dolphins was necessary to avoid the need for language-specific certificates like the Swarovski Lovebirds certificate.

Swarovski Dolphins Certificate for the 1990 ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins

The authentic Swarovski Dolphins Certificate is an accordion style document with the certificate verbiage in seven different languages:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Flemish.

The Swarovski-assigned reference number is located on the back side of the certificate in a very small font. The Swarovski Dolphins certificate is DO4MM90XX.  The Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X901C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalog.

The Swarovski Dolphins COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and has the familiar Swarovski Swan logo on it and below that the letters SCS on the front side.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Dolphins Certificate article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Dolphins Certificate is not readily available.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the neighborhood of $100 – $125, but that was in 2007.  It is nearly always best to purchase the Swarovski SCS AE figurine complete with box and certificate, as it may not always be easy to find a replacement box or replacement certificate at what a collector deems a reasonable price to pay for it.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Another Digest Update from Fanatics on the 2012 Crystal Journey

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 group continued on the cruise and tours.  On August 22, some crystal fanatics visited the Swarovski flagship store in Vienna.  The store is a massive 3 floors!

One well-known display at this location is the collection of 45 Eclectic Panthers.


Swarovski Eclectic Panther Display in Vienna
Swarovski Eclectic Panther – Ceralun
Swarovski Eclectic Panther – Concrete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Experts with Chaton in Vienna Flagship Store

 

 

The Kristall Buzz has a number of articles about the Swarovski Eclectic Panthers:

Another interesting display at the flagship store is a truly giant Chaton.  This chaton measures about 11″ in diameter.  If you look at the zoomed in embedded photo, a smaller chaton can be seen inside of the giant chaton!

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of die-hard collectors are enjoying on the 2012 Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Digest Update from Fanatics on the Journey

Swarovski fanatics on board the Tui Melodia continue their Crystal Journey with Swarovski representatives and fellow die-hard Swarovski collectors.  The estimate we heard was that there are about 120 people on this Swarovksi Crystal Journey celebration cruise.

On August 19, some cruisers toured Bratislava on an old timer mini bus.  Some of the stores seen include:  a Swarovski Boutique, and another store displaying very glittery (Swarovski?) formal wear.

Swarovski Experts Touring Bratislava
Swarovski Store in Bratislava

The afternoon activity that day, Crystal Tinker Workshop, sounded REALLY cool!  Attendees received a small silver-colored box (silver representing 25 years of the SCS), adhesive, and small crystal cal stones to decorate the box with.  The box was about 4″ square and 2″ deep, perhaps nice to put jewelry items in.  This could be fun if Swarovski could offer workshops in conjunction with a store event! (Hint to Swarovski!)

Swarovski Fanatics from Delaware at the Crystal Tinker Workshop

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently this week for a brief digest of the fun things happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – SCS 1990 Annual Edition

The second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’ series, all designed by Michael Stamey.  The first crystal figurine of the series is the Swarovski Dolphins, which are the feature figure of this article.

The Swarovski Dolphins were available for purchase only in 1990 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  These ‘Mother and Child” Dolphins measures about 4 3/4″ long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear dolphins, a mother dolphin and a baby dolphin, swimming atop a clear wave.

Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins, 1990 SCS AE

The SCS Dolphins contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is fairly easy to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “90” can be seen.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schreck (Swarovski SCS Lovebirds ‘Togetherness in 1987)

The ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X901, and years later the system number 153 850 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.

It is not unusual for the non-collector owner (i.e. someone has inherited a collection but is not knowledgeable about Swarovski) to refer to the figurine as a ‘Swarovski Porpoise’ pair.  In doing some research, I found that there are distinct differences between dolphins and porpoises.  The crystal brand has not released any Swarovski porpoise figurines.

Since the 1990 SCS Dolphins, the crystal giant has produced other clear crystal dolphin figurines:

The SCS Swarovski Dolphins retailed for $225 USD in 1990.  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 Dolphins  surpassed to over $900 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $450 – $475, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – a Digest from Fanatics on the Journey

Swarovski has organized cruises several times for Swarovski collectors world-wide to come together buzzing about their common interest in Swarovski crystal.   In 2012, Swarovski planned another commemorative cruise, celebrating 25 years of the SCS.

This Swarovski Crystal Journey began August 17.  We know a couple of dedicated Swarovski fanatics, lucky enough to be on the cruise, who are providing us with cruise updates to share with our Kristall Buzz readers!

On Friday, guests were welcomed on board the TUI Melodia by Swarovski representatives Karin and Christine.  Gifts for the cruise attendees include:  a Medium Swan, USB Writing Pen, a small crystal on a ribbon, and the 2012 Baby Whale, signed by the designer.

Swarovski Reps Christine and Karin Greeting Guests

Saturday, some of cruise attendees selected to go on an optional side tour to Budapest.  Tourists stopped at Heroes’ Square and learned more about this historic location.

Swarovski Experts at Heroes’ Square

 

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz Swarovski Blog frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of what is happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

What is the Dot by the Swarovski Swan Logo on Crystal Figurines?

When collectors and crystal fanatics are considering the purchase of a crystal figurine, they most certainly want to see a Swarovski logo on that figurine to feel confident the item IS Swarovski.  Collectors naturally expect to see the Block SC logo or Swan logo on the Silver Crystal figurines.

Quite often, the Swan logo is underneath the figurine and is not visible unless the figurine is turned upside down.  But sometimes, the logo is strategically placed elsewhere on the figurine.  The Grand Piano with Stool is an excellent example of the Swan logo being placed above the ivories.

And it is not unusual for the Swan logo to be difficult to see.  When the base of the figurine is frosted, like the birds in the ‘Up in a Tree’ series, the Swarovski Swan can be very hard to find since there is such little contrast between the logo and background.

Sometimes the Swarovski Swan is very crisp and defined, and other times, it is a bit fuzzy, with the swan appearing a bit ‘thicker’.  Just a handful of times, we have seen figurines with the Swarovski swan facing right, instead of left.

However, just recently, we had a client ask a question about a ‘dot’ near the swan.  I knew the figurine had been inspected 2 times before it shipped, so I was confident that the ‘dot’ that I did not specifically recall seeing, was not a chip.  Nonetheless, I did not have a definite answer.  I did offer the possibility that something ‘occurred’ when the Swarovski Swan was applied to the figurine, but did not have an accurate answer to the client’s question…that is until I checked with some other Swarovski experts.

Dot Near Swarovski Swan Logo

So, what did the Swarovski experts have to say?  Here is what I have learned about the dot near the Swarovski Swan logo.  The dot indicates that the product was finished or glued in the central warehouse in Leichtenstein.  The absence of a dot means that the product was finished in Wattens, Austria. Additionally, it is suggested that the location of the dot on the product is unimportant.

So the next time you clean your crystal figurines, or purchase a new one, have a look at the Swan logo and see if you have Swarovski crystal figurines finished in Leichtenstein or Wattens!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque

The first trilogy created exclusively for Swarovski SCS members was the ‘Caring and Sharing’ trilogy.  The series of 3 figurines consisted of the Swarovski Lovebirds, Swarovski Woodpeckers, and Swarovski Turtledoves.  These figurines were available for a single year only, the Lovebirds in 1987, the Woodpeckers in 1988, and the Turtledoves in 1989.

Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque

It was not until 4 years later, in 1993 that the crystal giant created the Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque.  Why the 4-year delay?  Let’s jump forward a bit!  Following the Caring and Sharing crystal figurines, Swarovski created the ‘Mother and Child’ series.  The Mother and Child trilogy consisted of the Swarovski Dolphins in 1990, Swarovski Seals in 1991, and Swarovski Whales in 1992.  Upon completion of that series, the Mother and Child Plaque was created, which would have been 1993.  Once SCS members purchased this trilogy and plaque, collectors insisted on a matching crystal plaque for the ‘Caring and Sharing’ trilogy.  (Swarovski also used the same blank component for the Inspiration Africa series 1993 – 1995 as well as the Fabulous Creatures series 1996 – 1998.)

The Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque is approximately 2.75″ long and 1″ high.  The plaque is smooth on the front side, and the back side comes to a point to allow it to stand independently on an angle.  The front side has a white Swarovski swan along with text in white.  The text says:

S C S
“Caring and Sharing”
First Series

 

 

 

Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque Box

The Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque was available in four different languages.  This list includes the language, followed by the Swarovski system # for the plaque:

  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – English, 002 804
  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – French, 002 805
  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – German, 002 803
  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – Italian, 002 807

The Caring and Sharing Plaque (with no reference to language) is known by SCPCSNR1 in the popular Swarovski book Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.

 

The Swarovski Caring and Sharing plaque originally retailed for just $28.  It was packaged in a white cylinder.  Today, this plaque generally sells $140 – $250 on the secondary market.  If you have the Caring and Sharing series and desire to have the plaque to display with your crystal figurines, the plaque can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site in the SCS category, sub-category Plaques and Stands.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Turtledoves Stand for the 1989 AE Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves

The final crystal figurine in the Swarovski ‘Caring and Sharing’ trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves.  These Turtledoves were a lovely crystal figurine, for the SCS member to add to the Swarovski colletcion.  In addition to the figurine, Swarovski provided collectors the opportunity to buy an optional display stand made specifically for the 1989 SCS annual edition.

Swarovski SCS Turtledoves Stand

The Swarovski Turtledoves Stand is primarily thin plastic with a cardboard base underneath.  The SCS Turtledoves  Stand is blue with soft flocking on the top.  The underside is black cardboard.  The indentations on the top are an exact complement to the frosted Turtledoves branch.

The Stand for the Swarovski Turtledoves Amour can be found using reference # DO1X891S, which is used by Crystal Exchange America.  The Swarovski Turtledoves Stand is not shown in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Using information shared from our clients as well as transactions completed, it seems that the Swarovski Turtledoves Stand and Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque were sometimes sold as a pair.  Crystal Exchange America has seen just a couple of them that come together, in a little Swarovski box that matches the silver / blue design of the SCS Swarovski Caring and Sharing boxes used for the Lovebirds and Woodpeckers (Remember, the Turtledoves box is a white cylinder).

The SCS Swarovski Turtledoves Stand is not effortless to find in good condition.  It is not uncommon to see the outer edges fraying / cracking, so this is something to be aware of when purchasing. Crystal Exchange America has a single listing for the Turtledoves Stand at $135.  However, it would appear that this price may be more than most crystal collectors are willing to pay for such a fragile stand that does not really add anything to the overall appeal of displaying the Swarovski Turtledoves.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque for the 1989 AE Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves

The Swarovski Turtledoves ‘Amour’ was the third and final Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the ‘Caring and Sharing’  trilogy.  The Swarovski Turtledoves were another spectacular piece of art.  A title plaque for the 1989 SCS annual edition was available to SCS members for the AE Turtledoves, but was a separate purchase.

 

The Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque is an oblong square, with curved corners.  It measures about 1.5″ high and 3″ long.  It is identical in design to the Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque and Swarovski Woodpeckers Plaque.   Like the other Caring and Sharing individual title plaques, the SCS Turtledoves plaque is cobalt on the back with self-standing moveable hinge.  The front is grayish and has a simulated  brushed finish.  The frame is dark blue just like the imprinted design and text on the Turtledoves plaque.  The text below the SCS logo reads:

Annual Edition 1989

‘Amour’ – the Turtledoves

The Turtledoves Plaque is identified using reference # SCMRP89, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovskii Catalog of recommended insurance values.

We wish to extend a thank you to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque article.

The SCS Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque can be hard to locate to determine approximate replacement cost.  Crystal Exchange America, presently has a single listing for Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque that is over $200 with their commission, but being a new listing, it does not yet appear in their store inventory.  No completed auctions were found within the past 9 months there or in the online auctions to determine actual resale prices.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America