Category: Kristall Gems

Cheers to the Kristall Buzz Swarovski Blog – 2 Years Online and Going Strong!

We are excited to be celebrating 2 years of blogging on the Kristall Buzz.  This Swarovski Blog was the first of its kind solely posting Swarovski news, events, and articles for Swarovski collectors. The Kristall Buzz launched on the web in October, 2010.

 

Today, I took a quick photo of the Swarovski SCS Anniversary Cake for a quick picture posting to @CrystalExchange Instagram to use with our anniversary announcement.  Also known as the Swarovski Birthday Cake, this figurine was created to commemorate the 5 year anniversary of the Swarovski Collectors Society in 1992.  This Swarovski cake is about 2″ tall, and originally retailed for $85.  It came in a special white cylinder with its own certificate featuring a picture of the cake on it. (It is not generic product booklet.)  At present, the 5th Anniversary Birthday cake sells around $175 on the secondary market.

Shortly after the Instagram post, one of our loyal customers emailed me an edited version of the Instagram photo reflecting our special occasion.  This picture of the cake was digitally edited to show 2 lit candles on our cake!

Our appreciation goes out to our readers for the compliments on our Swarovski Blog.  And a special thanks for our yummy crystal cake with the pair of burning candles!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo Friendship #4

The crystal critters have made another public appearance  Missy Mo and Kris Bear have finalized their costume choice to wear Trick or Treating on Halloween night.  And of course, the paparazzi was there for the big announcement!

Swarovski Lovlots Missy Mo and Swarovski Kris Bear

The shot below shows Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo dressed and ready to go. The Swarovski crystal figurines revealed that they will be going out as Santa and his Elf Kris.  Missy Mo is decked out in a red Santa suit.  Kris will be carrying a Christmas tree, just as every good elf would do.

Swarovski Santa Mo and Swarovski Christmas Kris Bear 2011

The Swarovski Santa Mo is a limited edition figurine available only in 2011.  This Lovlots limited edition figurine and can be purchased in the Swarovski store at a cost of $65.   It can be identified as Swarovski article numbers # 9100 000 336 / 1096024.

The Swarovski Christmas Kris Bear (2011) limited edition figurine available only in 2011.  Christmas Kris Bear is a delightful bear figurine carrying a traditional holiday tree.  This limited edition Kris Bear figurine and can be purchased in the Swarovski store at a cost of $100.  It can be identified as Swarovski article numbers # 9400 000 315 and # 1091815.

Swarovski Santa Mo can be found at Crystal Exchange America website: www.CrystalExchange.com .  Look in the ‘Limited Edition Swarovski’ category of the store to find it and other limited edition Swarovski Mo Cows.

Swarovski crystal fanatics should stay tuned to the Kristall Buzz to see what mischief Kris and Missy will be into after they collect and munch on all their candy!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo Friendship #3

Well, my petite crystal friends have slipped out once again.  My Swarovski figurines, Missy Mo and Kris Bear have been back in action, and the paparazzi have captured more photographs!

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Lovlots Missy Mo

Mum is the word, but the Swarovski crystal figurines told us they are getting ready for a job interview!  A job?  It appears this is a package deal they both want to work together going on a joint interview.  I can hardly believe that my little Swarovski figurines want to do more than stand pretty in my crystal cabinet?

Swarovski Crystal Moments Kris Bear and Swarovski Lovlots Flower Mo

This photo shows Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo dressed and ready to go.  It’s obvious where they are headed to the local florist.  Missy Mo showing off her green outfit decorated with flowers things, just like guess who?  Of course Swarovski Flower Mo!  Kris Bear is making an impression with his green thumb.

The Swarovski Flower Mo was a limited edition figurine available only in 2009.  This Lovlots crystal figurine can be identified as Swarovski part # 9100 000 174 and system # 1 027 911.  While it originally retailed for $55, it now commands prices of $250 to $350 in the online auctions and in the secondary market.  Our Kristall Buzz article on Swarovski Flower Mo in March, 2011, documents how the prices on this Lovlots figurine have been on the rise.

The Swarovski Kris Bear Especially for You is an adorable bear figurine proudly holding a giant sunflower.  It was introduced in 2005 and can be purchased in the Swarovski store at a cost of $100.  This crystal figurine can be identified as Swarovski part # 9400 000 062 and system # 842 934.

Swarovski Lovlots Flower Mo can be found at Crystal Exchange America website: www.CrystalExchange.com .  Look in the Limited Edition Swarovski category of the store to find it and other limited edition Lovlots Swarovski Mo Cows.

I completely believe in privacy, so I’m not real big on the paparazzi activity.  However, I love these photos of Kris Bear and Missy Mo that they have been providing to us!  Swarovski crystal fanatics should stay tuned to the Kristall Buzz to see what interesting photos may surface next!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo Friendship #2

Apparently, my little Swarovski figurines are still sneaking away when I’m not paying attention to them.  My crystal friends, Missy Mo and Kris Bear have been spotted by the paparazzi again.


Swarovski Kris Bear (right) and Swarovski Missy Mo (left)

The Swarovski crystal figurines quietly told us they are still checking out Halloween costumes.  It seems clear that the two are looking for the perfect outfits for the trick or treat occasion.

Swarovski Johnny Kris Bear (right) and Swarovski Country Mo Cow (left)

In this photo, Kris Bear and Missy Mo are complimenting each other in their traditional western farming attire:  Missy Mo dressed up like a cow of all things, and Kris Bear sporting a cowboy outfit, complete with a ten-gallon, old-fashioned blue handkerchief, hat and lasso.

Crystal Exchange America has a virtual inventory of most of these Swarovski figurines:

The Swarovski Johnny Kris Bear is not available at the moment, but would be found in the category Crystal Moments.  This crystal figurine, Swarovski part # 9400 000 111 and system # 883 413, was not available for long from Swarovski, it was introduced and retired in 2007.

While only one of the Country Mos cows was pictured, they were actually sold as a set of two.  These Swarovski cows (Swarovski part #  9100 000 269  and system # 1 056 681) were only available in 2010 for a retail price of $105.  This Swarovski Limited Edition set is part of the Swarovski Lovlots family.

Now, where will Kris Bear and Missy Mo be spotted at next!  Stay tuned to the Kristall Buzz Swarovski Blog for further updates on this unlikely couple!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo Friendship

Who would have thought that my little Swarovski figurines were chit-chatting away in my crystal cabinet while I was sleeping, or perhaps, even sneaking out when I’m not home?  Apparently, Swarovski Missy Mo and Swarovski Kris Bear are friends I’m glad they are happy!

Swarovski Missy Mo (left) and Swarovski Kris Bear (right)

And our little crystal friends are not exempt from the paparazzi either.   Kris Bear and Missy Mo were recently spotted at a secret location, of all things, trying on costumes to go trick or treating!  Missy Mo was trying on an orange outfit, sporting a black cow bell.  Kris Bear put on devilish orange horns and is carrying his jack-o-lantern bucket for candy.

Swarovski Halloween Mo (left) and Swarovski Halloween Kris Bear (right)

Swarovski Missy Mo is a member of the Swarovski Lovlots Pioneers group.  This crystal figurine introduced in 2005 and remains in the current product offerings.  Swarovski Kris Bear was a part of the Silver Crystal product line.  It was produced from 1993 to 2001.  Swarovski Halloween Mo is also a member of the Swarovski Lovlots group, however, it is a limited edition available only in 2009.  Swarovski Halloween Kris Bear is a brand new 2011 introduction, and a Swarovski limited edition 2011 figurine as well in the Crystal Moments product line.

Crystal Exchange America has a virtual inventory of Swarovski Kris Bear, and Swarovski Halloween Mo. The Swarovski shoppe has the Swarovski Missy Mo and Swarovski Halloween Kris Bear available.  Swarovski Limited Edition Halloween Kris Bear now as it just went online about a week ago.  It is a limited edition for 2011, so. get yours quickly as supplies are limited.

Now, I can’t help but wonder who else are friends and what else is going on in my crystal cabinet!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

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 Sunny Steve and Sunny Sam Crystal Happy Ducks

Swarovski produces and markets a group of crystal duck figurines in the Crystal Moments product line.  This group is called the Swarovski Happy Ducks.  Presently, there are just over 15 Happy Ducks in the Swarovski crystal badelynge.

Two of my favorites are Swarovski Sunny Steve and Swarovski Sunny Sam.  These Happy Ducks love the sun and ocean, and are enjoying their party on the beach.

Swarovski Sunny Steve (left) and Swarovski Sunny Sam (right)

Swarovski Sunny Sam was a limited edition.  The crystal brand did a one-time production run to manufacture their supply.  It was released in 2010, and as of July, 2011, it no longer appears on the Swarovski web site.  Sunny Sam’s accessories include silver ‘shades’ and a red-and-white life preserver.  The designer for Sunny Sam is Verena Castelein.  The Swarovski crystal identification numbers for Sunny Sam are 9400 000 262 / 1041295.

Swarovski Sunny Steve is a new release in 2011.  It is not presently advertised with any wording of limitations, so I assume it is a normal product release.  Sunny Steve’s accessories include a faux shark-tooth necklace, black ‘shades’, and a surfboard decorated with pastel flowers.  The surfboard includes the catchy phrase: ‘Be faster than the shark’.  The designer for Sunny Steve is Verena Castelein.  The Swarovski crystal identification numbers for Sunny Steve are 9400 000 347 / 1096743.

Both Sunny Steve and Sunny Sam retail(ed) for $120 USD.  They are both yellow (officially light topaz) in color.  Both Happy Ducks are approximately 2.25″ in length.

I think that Sunny Steve and Sunny Sam need girlfriends.  My suggestions are:

  • Sunny Sophie for Sunny Steve.  Sunny Sophie should have a beach umbrella to avoid sunburn.
  • Sunny Sirena for Sunny Sam.  Sunny Sirena should have a beach ball for more ‘fun in the sun’.

Stay cool this summer like these Swarovski Happy Ducks.I’m melting here in southwest Ohio…something like 12 consecutive days of 90 degrees Fahrenheight with a heat index over 100 degrees every day.

Check out the official Swarovski brand web site if you are looking to add Swarovski Sunny Steve to your crystal collection.  Check out the Crystal Exchange America web site in the ‘Limited Edition Swarovski’ category to find the Sunny Sam figurines available for purchase.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski HTF Crystal Acronym

Here is another acronym used in advertising Swarovski crystal that is offered for sale.  While the many experienced Swarovski Crystal collectors understand the frequently used acronyms, there are still a lot of people buying and selling Swarovski who do not have knowledge of the acronyms or can be mislead by improper use of the acronym.  So, I thought I’d do my best to cover another acronym and offer cautions on the use of it.

Swarovski HTF – Swarovski Hard-To-Find.  This acronym has potential…that is when it is not mis-used.  ‘Rare’ would be the most difficult among Swarovski crystal items to locate.  ‘Hard to Find’ would be next in line.  Rare and Hard-To-Find figurines would be the most sought after Swarovski pieces, and likely command the highest prices.

The issue with Swarovski HTF is that many times auction sellers use it to get traffic to their auction items or pump up the price, even when the item is not Hard-To-Find.  Take a look at the auctions using this link:

Swarovski HTF crystal figurines in an online auction

As of the posting of this article, there are 68 items in the search results.  I think only 5 or 6 of Swarovski figurines could really be classified as Hard-To-Find, and that is if you are generous with the term.  Over 40 of the items in the search results are from the same seller who uses both Rare and Hard-To-Find in the auction titles.  And honestly, many of his items are ETF easy-to-find.  So here is a prime example of the term Swarovski HTF being used to hopefully generate leads to his auction as the items are indeed not rare or hard to find.

If a Swarovski collector is wondering about the accuracy on the rarity of the item, a google search can be performed on the item name.  If there are a lot of hits with stores that have it in stock, it is certainly not rare or hard to find.  An auction search could be performed as well to see how many are available for sale at the moment and do a price comparison at the same time.

In conclusion, do some of your own investigation before leaping to bid or buy it now because you see Swarovski HTF used in an auction title or description.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America