In the past few years, Swarovski has done some online only jewelry exclusives just weeks prior to the Christmas holiday season. Yesterday, the crystal giant sent out emails about the Swarovski Rice Siam Set, stating that this is a limited edition jewelry set of just 500 pieces and available this weekend only.
Swarovski Limited Edition Rice Siam Set
The Swarovski Rice Siam Set consists of a necklace and matching pierced earrings. This limited edition is available online only December 2nd and 3rd at their web site shoppe. The retail price of the Rice Siam Set (identification # 1193976) is $125.
The Rice Siam Set is rhodium plated with a pave cross shape suspending a red siam crystal stone. It looks like a nice addition to any holiday outfit for the upcoming holiday parties!
If you like the Limited Edition Swarovski design, but are unsure about the ‘red’, Swarovski does have this same design in other colors! There one with a light purple feature stone: Swarovski Rice Provence Lavendar Set Limited Online Edition, one with a light blue feature stone: Swarovski Rice Aquamarine Rice Set, and lastly one with a light pink feature stone: Swarovski Rice Vintage Rose Rice Set. All four ‘Rice Sets’ have a sticker price of $125 each.
Although I don’t recall seeing any official news about Swarovski’s weekend special in advance of yesterday, I believe they there were 3-4 of them in 2010 and 2011, so be sure to watch your email for more Swarovski Limited Edition opportunities in the upcoming weeks!
Last year, Swarovski launched 2 Skull figurines as a part of the Soulmates group. They are unique, and the crystal fanatics that have talked to us, don’t seem to want the Swarovski Skulls in their crystal cabinet.
After release of the Skull figurines, Swarovski began releasing men’s jewelry with the Skull motif: pendants, cufflinks, keyrings, and more. I found a total of 21 product offerings in the online Swarovski Shoppe when I queried ‘Skull’.
Recently, I found another Skull item in their store with some integrated technology. And it’s an Online Limited Edition! As the title of our article reveals, it is an iPhone 4 and 4S Swarovski N the Skull Docking Station.
Here’s a summary of the product taken directly from the Swarovski web site:
Limited to just 199 pieces, this unique fashion accessory makes a very special gift for modern men. Perfect for charging or transferring data to your phone, it comes with a USB cable and is compatible with the iPhone® 4 and 4S (iPhone® is a trademark of Apple Inc). The skull shines darkly in Jet Hematite crystal with a ruthenium finish metal face. It is engraved with the individual Limited Edition number.
It’s a good thing that Swarovski didn’t make too many of these…when the iPhone 5 was released in September, Apple changed the charging port from a 30-pin adapter to a ‘lightning’ adapter. That means that the Swarovski iPhone Skull will not work with the newest iPhone 5 models.
If you have the older iPhone 4 or 4S and are considering the purchase of a Swarovski charging station, the Swarovski Skull charger will set you back a mere $1100. But act quickly as less than 200 N the Skull Docking Station, Swarovski Limited Online Edition are available at their web site!
I recently heard that Swarovski was changing the contents of the Silver Crystal formula to be ‘lead free’. So if it might become virtually lead free, does that mean that it contain(ed) lead? Well, yes, it contained lead, more than 30%! If you look on some older labels of Swarovski figurines, it can be clearly seen > 30% Pbo.
Swarovski Label showing Lead Content
Hearing of a possible formula change, I sought the crystal giant for official answers about a lead free Swarovski crystal, and here is the information received…
We are pleased to confirm that Swarovski has developed a new formula for crystals, which we call ‘Advanced Crystal’. These cryse crystals continue to have the radiance, joy and sparkling abundance that Swarovski is famous for throughout the World. They are made using the same high quality standards that we always use.
Whilst the precise details of the change are proprietary, we are pleased to confirm that this is a natural development for Swarovski. It continues our long term commitment to innovation, to the environment and to developing sustainable products.
Advanced crystals can be used and adapted for use in exactly the same way as any of the crystals that we have previously produced. We believe that this is an exciting development for Swarovski and reinforces our reputation as the market leader for product innovation, product development and for manufacturing the highest quality crystals. This also applies to all figurine products, such as Silver Crystal.
Far-reaching developments are afoot at Swarovski, with the announcement of a dramatic change to the DNA of its crystal. By September 2012, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will have its entire assortment switched to the new ADVANCED CRYSTAL standard a patented, lead-free** formula that is much more than merely compliant with the strictest laws on the planet. Hassle-free, rigorously tested and completely reliable, it is quite simply the most advanced crystal composition on the market today, providing perfect peace of mind.
* Crystal glass and all other materials containing 0.009% lead or less.
Please note that for our figurines you will still find both variations in the markets and that our new innovative crystal recipe results in a lighter weight, there is however no optical or visual difference
Please note, that the brilliance, the light dispersion etc. are not solely defined through the crystal composition but also determined by precision cutting, polishing and purity of raw materials all areas in which Swarovski takes a leading position in the industry.
I found out that the recipe change applies to both clear and colored components used in assembling figurines.
Since the modification took place this year (2012), that means that old-stock figurines may be purchased with the original leaded content, and that new nearly lead-free identical figurines can be purchased. The only difference is that the ‘Advanced Crystal’ figurines may weigh slightly less. The famous Frauenhofer institute in Germany tested and confirmed that old recipe figurines and ‘Advanced Crystal’ figurines have the same visual and optical resemblance.
It would be interesting to set two identical Swarovski crystal figurines, one with leaded content and one with nearly lead free content, side by side to see if any of us thought we could tell any differences!
The free web site www.RetiredSwarovski.com shows a list of Swarovski Lovlots that are scheduled to retire by the end of 2012. The list contains just over 30 Swarovski Lovlotsfigurines that will not be offered at Swarovski.com or boutiques in 2013.
Swarovski Lovlots Bo Bear So Brilliant Retiring in 2012
Included in the Swarovski Lovlots Retirements list are:
7 Happy Ducks
7 Kris Bears
3 Limited Edition Mos
More!
To me, the biggest surprise was to see the Swarovski Lovlots Bo Bear So Brilliant in the list of retirements. Why? Because the Bo Bear community was just launched in July, 2012. This means that Swarovski is offering this figurine for less than 6 months. While the crystal brand has never advertised this Lovlots as a Limited Edition figurine, I think it certainly could have been! My curiosity is now a bit peaked about the actual quantity produced given its brief availability.
For a more complete list of 2012 Swarovski Lovlots retirements, RetiredSwarovski.com is the place to go. To purchase retired or Limited Edition Swarovski Lovlots, check out the Lovlots and Zodiac category at Crystal Exchange America’s web site.
Just within the past month, Swarovski launched a colorful series of the Disney favorites Winnie the Pooh series. This full-color series consists of:
Swarovski Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore
Swarovski Eeyore – 9100 000 390 / 1 142 842. Eeyore was designed by Dominic Schöpf and retails for $290.
Swarovski Piglet – 9100 000 387 / 1 142 841. Piglet was designed by Elisabeth Adamer and retails for $120.
Swarovski Tigger – 9100 000 389 / 1 142 841. Tigger was designed by Anton Hirzinger and retails for $300.
Swarovski Winnie the Pooh – 9100 000 385 / 1 142 889. Winnie the Pooh was designed by Anton Hirzinger and retails for $230.
The 2012 Swarovski Disney figurines are quite lively with their new coloring and will certainly allow for Disney fanatics to get in on the Swarovski Crystal-collecting action!
In 2007, Swarovski and Disney collaborated to launch a (mostly) clear series for these same four Pooh friends. All the Swarovski Disney crystal caricatures in the clear series were designed by Mario Dilitz. The figurines with identification numbers and retirement dates are:
Swarovski also produced a title plaque for the clear Swarovski Disney Pooh friends: Winnie the Pooh Title Plaque – 9100 000 083 / 905 772. The plaque was also designed by Mario Dilitz and retired in 2010.
If you like the new colored figurines, place your order with Swarovski.com or any authorized retailer. If you prefer the clear Swarovski Disney figurines, those would have to be purchased from a secondary market dealer like Crystal Exchange America.
While I have not seen or heard any news from Swarovski, I have been seeing a Tinker Bell in Red on various authorized retailer web sites and on eBay too.
Here are my conclusions about the Swarovski 2012 Tinker Bell…
Swarovski Red Tinkerbell is a Limited Edition in 2012. It is not clear if there is a maximum quantity of production or if distribution is limited in some way to geographic area.
Swarovski Limited Edition Tinkerbell will retail for $315.
Swarovski Christmas Tinkerbell is about 5″ tall.
Swarovski Tinkerbell introduced in 2011 (left) and 2012 Limited Edition Tinkerbell (right)
The 2012 Swarovski Tinker Bell looks similar to the Swarovski Tinker Bell that the crystal brand introduced in 2011, but there are differences (other than simply replacing a green outfit with a red one):
Swarovski Green Tinker Bell has a more curvy base than Swarovski Red Tinker Bell.
Swarovski Green Tinker Bell has green poms on her shoes. Swarovski Red Tinker Bell has white poms on her shoes.
Swarovski Green Tinker Bell has a clear bun on her head. Swarovski Red Tinker Bell has a red bun on her head.
Both Swarovski Tinkerbell crystal figurines appear to have a silver toned wand and have Aurore Boreale wings that shimmer.
The 2012 Swarovski Christmas Tinker Bell can be identified with the part number of 9100 000 409 and system number 1143621. At this point in time, it appears to be a pre-order item. I would imagine that the release date will be similar to the Christmas merchandise in USA, which is early October. (Nothing official found on launch date.)
This video, posted by an authorized retailer in the USA, shows The 2012 Swarovski Christmas Tinker Bell rotating in 360 degrees for a total view of this limited edition figurine.
In 2008, the crystal giant also produced another Limited Edition Swarovski Tinker Bell which has commands an unusually high price of $700-$900 following retirement.
The newest Swarovski Limited Edition Tinker Bell (Christmas Tinker Bell) looks like a real beauty the Disney fanatics and Swarovski crystal fanatics will certainly want to purchase!
Swarovski is presently running a Kingdom of Jewels contest in September for a chance to win the global prize: a weekend trip for two to Paris, a private styling session with Swarovski’s Creative Director, Nathalie Colin and tickets to an unforgettable Brisa Roché concert.
Swarovski Cupcake
As a part of this month-long journey, Swarovski has planned some inspirational experiences in 15 cities from around the world, one of which is New York City. Many of these experiences / events require a special ‘Swarovski Jewel’ for admission, which could be picked up from select Swarovski boutiques on September 1.
From September 6 – 9, Swarovski Jewel Holders can get a sweet treat…. a Swarovski Cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery at Bloomingdales. Swarovski cupcakes may be available for purchase September 10 – September 16, while supplies last. The cupcake cost is about $3.50, of which some of the proceeds go toward charities.
The Swarovski Cupcakes look sparkly and yummy. Hopefully all the participants are getting the royal treatment that is Swarovski’s ambition!
Get ready to spend some big dollars if you want to purchase the newest Swarovski Limited Edition. Swarovski has released another Swarovski Crystal Myriad, Ji Xiang!
Swarovski Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang, LE of 300 units
Swarovski Ji Xiang is just over 14.5 inches high and about 9.25 inches wide. The subject of this Swarovski masterpiece is two red carps, atop blue foaming waves. Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang is embellished using more than 48,600 hand-set crystals, which are utilized in the pointiage technique. The carps symbolize prosperity and good luck in China. This Crystal Myriad will retail for $18,000 USD at product launch.
Swarovski Ji Xiang is the 6th Crystal Myriad that the crystal giant has released since 2009. Other Swarovski Crystal Myriads include:
Swarovski Matang – Asian Elephant, Limited Edition of 300, 2009 – current
The Myriad of Carps was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer. Hopefully he does not have to remain on the assembly line during production, which takes over 390 man-hours to assemble! The pair of red carps, Swarovski Ji Xiang, is a Limited Edition, with only 300 units planned for production.
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.
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.
