Category: Swarovski News 2011

Swarovski Crystal Worlds welcomes visitor #10M

The famous landmark, Swarovski Crystal Worlds, in Wattens Austria, celebrated its 10,000,000th visitor May 27, 2011!

Swarovski Kristallwelten The Giant

Crystal Worlds, also known as Kristallwelten, was founded in 1995 on the 100th anniversary of the Swarovski family owned enterprise.  Crystal Worlds is an underground park, designed to stimulate all the senses, using Swarovski crystal of course.  It features designs that utilize many colors and forms.  At Crystal Worlds, visitors can also view the world’s largest Centenar (chaton) that is 300,000 carats and weighs over 136 lbs.

Kristallwelten 10Mth Visitor!
Pictured in front of The Giant landmark face are, left to right, Markus Langes-Swarovski, the 10thM visitor Silvia Henkelmann, and Dr Andreas Braun.
Crystal Worlds has an amazing web site. Swarovski SCS members also have some privileges at Kristallwelten, which includes complimentary admission to some areas and special benefits in other areas.  More information on the SCS member benefits are available at the Swarovski web site.
Swarovski also produces some Swarovski Kristallwelten items that are only available at the gift shop there.  Crystal Exchange America has a few of those items listed on their web site if you’re not able to make a personal visit or find that the items you want have become discontinued Swarovski crystal items.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Sunshine Mo, Limited Edition Lovlots Cow, Officially Launched!

The Swarovski Sunshine Mo is now available for purchase at the Swarovski web site. This Limited Edition Lovlots Cow retails for $65.  Sunshine Mo is another one of those Swarovski Limited Editions that ‘is available ‘while supplies last’….no total production quantity mentioned and only a cutoff order date of 2011.

The Sunshine Mo crystal cow looks delightful.  According to Swarovski’s description, she is vibrant jonquil  figurine with peridot crystal horns and light smoked topaz crystal ears wearing beautiful necklace in a stunning gradation of tropical crystal colors.

The Swarovski Mo family is expanding and starting to become a small Swarovski LE herd. I can just imagine all the Swarovski Mo figurine family planning a little party inside my crystal cabinet with some nice party music, frozen daiquiris, all having a good time.  Pinky Mo (Swarovski LE 2007), Alabaster Mo (Swarovski LE 2007), Soccer Mo (Swarovski LE 2008), Flower Mo (Swarovski LE 2009), Halloween Mo (Swarovski LE 2009), Country Mos (Swarovski LE 2010, Glamour Mos (Swarovski LE 2010), and Charming Mo (Swarovski LE 2011) will all be in attendance.

Crystal Exchange America has listings for many of the Swarovski Mo Cows and Swarovski Lovlots special editions.  Just visit http://www.crystalexchange.com/ and navigate to the Limited Edition Swarovski category in the menu on the left side of the web site.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski to Debut Hello Kitty Collection

Today I happened upon another article which had more information about the Hello Kitty and Swarovski collaboration I’ve been writing about.

Hello Kitty 5301579
Swarovski Pointiage Hello Kitty

The article does indeed confirm that the Swarovski Hello Kitty collection will be available in select Swarovski stores beginning in August.  It did not specify if the stores are Swarovski Boutiques, authorized Swarovski dealers, or a combination of both.

The article elaborated on the items in the collection: necklaces, pendants, bracelets, rings, Swarovski’s ‘power bag’, and several crystal figurines.

The exclusive Swarovski Limited Edition Hello Kitty was also mentioned.  The Swarovski LE will be decorated with nearly 20,000 Swarovski pave stones using their signature pointiage technique.  There was no mention of where this kitty will be displayed or how it will be sold. Lottery? Online order? Available to a Hello Kitty group like the Swarovski SCS?

Hello Kitty seems to have a pretty big following. she’s been around for over 35 years now.  Hard to imagine that a cartoonish Hello Kitty cat has survived all the cultures and changes in technology to still remain popular.  I’m not saying that I like or dislike, just that many fads have ‘their time’, and Hello Kitty seems to be going strong.

After learning that the Swarovski Hello Kitty line will be available in select stores, I have to think that it will be available at the online store of Swarovski.com.  This Sanrio Swarovski collaboration is great news for Swarovski crystal and Hello Kitty fanatics.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Hello Kitty (by Sanrio) Collaboration

I recently learned that Sanrio, the maker of Hello Kitty, has collaborated with Swarovski again, to produce about 10 items in the fall/winter 2011/2012.  Included in the list of items to be launched are ….
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Minaudiere (Purse)
    • Hello Kitty Coin Purse
    • Hello Kitty Card Holder
    • Hello Kitty Bag Charm
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Earrings
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Charm Bracelets
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Necklaces
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Rings
    • Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal encrusted hand mirror.  Production max of 100, retailing for $350
    • Limited Edition molded Hello Kitty body-shaped case with brush set.  Production max of 100, retailing for $495

 

To no surprise, there is a Swarovski Limited Edition 2011 Hello Kitty Mascot!  There are 88 LE Swarovski Kitties decorated using the pointiage technique.  The mascot has approximately 19,600 Swarovski stones.  This Swarovski Hello Kitty statue will retail for approximately $12,000 USD!

Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition

Natalie Cohen (from Swarovski) states, “As a fan from day one, I saw an obvious connection between the magical, sparkle of crystal and the bright, playful world of Hello Kitty.”

One source indicated that this special Swarovski Hello Kitty collection will be available in the Sanrio’s 1900 stores starting in August.  They cite 7 necklaces and pendants, 3 bracelets, 2 rings, a range of leather goods and 3 figurines.

I’m wondering what the packaging for the crystal figurines will look like.  Will it be the traditional Swarovski box in navy?  Or does Hello Kitty have their own packaging style?  Will the crystal figurines bear the Swarovski logo?  Or does Hello Kitty have a special mark they use for figurines?

As the Swarovski stores do carry the Swarovski Disney figurines (a joint venture with Disney) and it appears they will be carrying the Swarovski Aura perfume (a joint venture with Clarins), I wonder if the Swarovski crystal Hello Kitty figurines will be there too?

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Boutique opens on a German Cruise Ship

Swarovski has opened its first boutique onboard Germany’s TUI Cruises’ vessel Mein Schiff 2.  Gebr Heinemann will own and operate this stand-alone Swarovski boutique, which is located at the Neuer Wall on deck 7 of the vessel.  I would imagine this boutique will be selling an expansive line of Swarovski jewelry and Swarovski crystal figurines.

Swarovski Boutique on the Mein Schiff 2
According to Daniel Swarovski Corp Vice President Travel Retail spokesperson Peter Zotti, the crystal brand has plans to open its next Swarovski boutique on a well-known English cruise ship.

The architecture and decor of this boutique is “Crystal Forest” concept.  I found mention of other boutiques using the Crystal Forest concept, one of which is a flagship store on Oxford Street in the UK, one of Europe’s busiest shopping streets.  The idea of the “Crystal Forest” is to highlight the infinite possibilities of crystal and illustrates the company’s deep affinity with nature.

Being the owner of that Swarovski crystal boutique on a cruise ship sounds like a dream job to me!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Swanflower – Swarovski Logo Becomes More Prominent

When I wrote the articles about the Swarovski Mini Cooper and found pictures of it, I recall the the design being called the Swarovski Swanflower.  It consisted of four different sized Swarovski swans, sort of connected at the base of the neck, to create a flower like illusion.

Swarovski Swanflower decorations on the Swarovski Mini Cooper

Little did I know at the time, the Swarovski Swanflower was a design that the crystal brand trademarked in 2008.  On the Swarovski web site, the crystal giant announced that the Swanflower would be the new Swarovski logo in a 2008 article.

Swarovski Sunflower design on the Swarovski Monogram Cuff

While Swarovski continues to use the familiar swan on Swarovski crystal figurines, the Swarovski Swanflower can be found in various retired jewelry designs.

  • Swarovski Swanflower pendant
  • Swarovski Swanflower keyring
I was curious to see which feature Swarovski products included ‘Swanflower’ on their Swarovski corporate site.  41 items appeared in the search results.  Among the Swarovski Swanflower product designs, I found:

I’m wondering if this Swarovski Swanflower design will remain prominent in the jewelry and accessories lines or if perhaps we will ever see this Swarovski Logo on the crystal figurine products

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Disney – ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ Jewelry Collaboration

The Disney movie Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides is opening in theatres on May 20, 2011.
As Swarovski Disney is a longstanding relationship featuring Disney characters in Swarovski figurines, it is no surprise that the crystal giant is launching jewelry accessories for the Pirates of the Caribbean movie.

I found 22 jewelry accessories, for both men and women, on the Swarovski site, specifically launched for the Pirates of the Caribbean collection.   All the official Swarovski product names include the phrase ‘Adventurous Pirates’.  Adventurous Pirates jewelry includes:  13 necklaces / pendants, 4 bracelets, 3 Pierced Earrings, and 3 Rings. The price range is $85 to $250, depending on the item.  I was a bit intrigued to see that some of the Adventure Pirates jewelry are releasing ‘online limited editions exclusives’.

  • Adventurous Pirates – Angelica Set, Online Limited Edition
  • Adventurous Pirates – Black Pearl Necklace, Online Limited Edition
  • Adventurous Pirates – High Sea Chalice Pendant, Online Limited Edition
  • Adventurous Pirates – Skulls and Swords Pendant, Online Limited Edition
I came across a cool interactive site showing the various themes within the Adventurous Pirates: High Sea, Black Pearl, Angelica, and Skulls and Swords.
The Swarovski Pirates of the Caribbean press release is available for the complete story.
Prior to the Pirates of the Caribbean collection, the crystal brand had created the Swarovski Alice in Wonderland jewelry accessories in March, 2010.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovlots Sunshine Mo, Limited Edition Crystal Cow, ‘Moove’ Date is May 30!

Today, crystal fanatics all around the world (myself included) received an email from Swarovski announcing that the Swarovski Sunshine Mo will be available for purchase (in 23 countries) beginning  May 30, 2011!

The Sunshine Mo crystal cow looks adorable.  She is a very bright yellow crystal figurine wearing a red and pink flower necklace that resembles a Hawaiian lei.  I still think that Sunshine Mo might make a great sister or cousin for ‘Hula Mo’! (hint, hint Swarovski!)

Swarovski Sunshine Mo
Swarovski Sunshine Mo

According to the Swarovski web site, they say that this online limited edition is going to be a rare Swarovski figurine.  This then begs the question….does that mean that Swarovski is producing and releasing a much smaller quantity of Sunshine Mo figurines than her predecessors, sisters, and cousins on the Swarovski Lovlots West End?

Here’s for the introductions of the newbie Mo’s limited edition Lovlots relatives:
  • Swarovski Pinky Mo (LE 2007) – transparent pink cow with solid pink horns and bell
  • Swarovski Alabaster Mo (LE 2007.  production quantity limited to 300); solid pink cow with transparent pink horns and bell
  • Swarovski Soccer Mo (LE 2008) – red cow with white horns and ball (NO bell)
  • Swarovski Flower Mo (LE 2009) – green flowered cow with white horns and bell
  • Swarovski Halloween Mo (LE 2009) – orange cow with black horns and bell
  • Swarovski Country Mos (LE 2010) – spotted cows with matching horns and bell
  • Swarovski Glamour Mos (LE 2010) – golden cow and black cow with white horns (NO bell)
  • Swarovski Charming Mo (LE 2011) pink hearted cow with greyish horns (NO bell)

 

Rare Swarovski Alabaster Mo

Crystal Exchange America has listings for many of the Swarovski Mo Cows and Swarovski Lovlots special editions.  Just visit http://www.crystalexchange.com/ and navigate to the ‘Lovlots and Zodiac’ category in the menu on the left side of the web site.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Events – Swarovski Crystal Designers signing their creations

Our favorite crystal giant is hosting several Swarovski Events, with Swarovski designers in attendance to sign their creations.  Swarovski designers scheduled to attend are Anton Hirzinger and Elisabeth Adamer.

Anton Hirzinger has created over 120 Swarovski figurines.  This Swarovski designer is credited for the following 2010 and 2011 Swarovski crystal releases:  Swarovski Arctic Hare 2011 SCS, Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs White Opal SCS, Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs Crystal Moonlight SCS, Swarovski Arctic Flower Ornament, Swarovski Siku Polar Bear 2011 SCS, Swarovski Soulmates Bear, Swarovski Lovlots Nick (Hedgehog), Swarovski Lovlots Spike (Hedgehog), Swarovski Lovlots Romeo (Frog), Swarovski Lovlots Ted (Bear), and Swarovski Soulmates Swan.  A longer list of the Swarovski Anton Hirzinger designs can be found at the Swarovski site (but does not include the Crystal Moments figurines).

Elisabeth Adamer is credited with about 25 designs from 2006 to 2011. This Swarovski designer is credited
for the following 2010 and 2011 Swarovski crystal releases: Swarovski Sea Goldies Topaz, Swarovski Surgeonfish Scuba Blue, Swarovski Batfish Smoky Quartz, Swarovski Myriad Alsaqr Alamake (Limited Edition), Swarovski Tiger 2010 SCS, Swarovski Tiger Kiran, Swarovski Fire Ornament, Swarovski Tiger Cub Standing SCS, Tiger Cub Sitting SCS, and Swarovski Bee-eaters.  A complete list of the Swarovski Elisabeth Adamer designs can be found at the Swarovski site.

I was able to confirm the following events being held in Florida in April, 2011:

  • Friday, April 22, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
4200 Conroy Road
Orlando, FL 32839
  • Saturday, April 23, 2011 3:00 – 5:00pm
1067 S Clark Rd
Ocoee, FL  34761
  • Monday, April 25, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
Independent Retailers: Euraisa, The Pewter Place, Best Wishes of Boca
Location: Mariott North
6650 North Andrews Ave
Ft Lauderdale, FL  33308
  • Tuesday, April 26, 2011 5:00 – 8:00pm
2394 A East Sunrise Blvd
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33304
I don’t know what all the rules are about having Swarovski figurines signed, so it is recommended that you contact the stores directly regarding them.   Questions to ask could include:
  • Can you bring your own Swarovski figurines, or do they need to be purchased the day of the event from the hosting store?
  • Will the Swarovski designers sign retired Swarovski crystal?  If not, then only 2011 introductions will be signed.  Often, it must be a current design.
  • Is there a maximum quantity that you can have signed?  Often, it is limited to two figurines per customer.
  • Are any special purchases required, or can you attend simply to meet the designer and have a piece signed?

Swarovski figurines bearing the designer’s signature do typically command higher prices on the Swarovski secondary market.  Crystal Exchange America presently has over 100 items available that feature Swarovski designer signatures.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Hare Crystal Rabbit now available online only

Effective April 11, 2011 the Swarovski Limited Edition Hare in now available online for purchase.

The Swarovski Limited Edition Hare appears to be made of smokey quartz crystal.  The official color, per the Swarovski site, is ‘satin’.  The smokey gray hare figurine is about 1.5″ by 1.25″.  The Swarovski system number of this rabbit is 1089977.  The retail price of the Swarovski Hare is $60.

Swarovski Limited Edition Hare in Satin Crystal

This cute bunny rabbit is an online exclusive and will not be stocked in Swarovski stores or Swarovski Boutiques and is not likely available for special order.  The Swarovski Hare is a one-time production run.  No mention as to the quantity produced (Swarovski keeps this information secret), but when it is sold out, it will likely be found at the online auctions or at retired Swarovski dealers, perhaps at higher prices.

There are other Swarovski crystal hare, rabbit, and  bunny figurines at the  Swarovski shop online if you want your new bunny displayed among friends:

  • Swarovski Hare – This one is identical the the Limited Edition, but is in golden shadow crystal instead of the ‘satin’ crystal.
  • Swarovski Benny (Lovlots Rabbit from the Circus series).  This item is also marketed to be available for a limited time.
  • Swarovski Bella (Lovlots Rabbit)
  • Swarovski Lying Rabbit (clear crystal figurine)
  • Swarovski Sitting Rabbit (clear crystal figurine)
So, don’t forget to get your Swarovski Hare ordered soon if this item is on your list for 2011 Swarovski crystal must-haves!
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America