Category: Swarovski News 2012

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 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 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

Swarovski Hello Kitty 2012 Crystal Figurine Size Update

Last week I posted about the 2012 Releases in the Swarovski Hello Kitty product line.  In the post, I included size information taken directly from the crystal brand’s own web site, but included my own questions about the accuracy of the Hello Kitty dimensions as the price seemed incredibly low for such big crystal figurines.

It is a great compliment to know that Swarovski does read our blog!  A few days after the blog article posted, I received an email from Swarovski with the correct size dimensions for each of the 2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty releases:

2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty Figurines
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition 2012 (in Pointiage) – 7 inches high x 4.8 wide x 4.4 deep.  This one is the Hello Kitty figurine with the highest price tag!
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Hearts, Limited Edition 2012 – 4 1/4 inches high and 2 15/16 wide.  This one is the largest Hello Kitty crystal figurine.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Gold Bow – 2 3/16 inches high and 1 9/16 wide.  This Hello Kitty figurine is the one not made from mostly clear crystal
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Santa – 2 inches high and 1 13/16 wide.  This one is the smallest Hello Kitty crystal figurine, not likely available until closer to Christmas.  (I think the hat and candy cane are so cute!)

The email did not state when the web site would be updated with correct dimensions, so make a mental note of these sizes before placing your final order at the Swarovski Shoppe to avoid size-disappointment.

All Hello Kitty Swarovski fanatics can head on over to the Swarovski site for more information about the figurines and place their orders!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Hello Kitty 2012 Crystal Figurine and Jewelry News

It was 13-14 months ago when we posted Swarovski Hello Kitty News that a Hello Kitty product line was launching from the crystal brand’s web site.

In its first launch, there were about 3 crystal figurines, a 2011 Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition, and lots of jewelry and accessories.

  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Red Apple
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Bear
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Pink Bow

Here we are, one year later, and the crystal giant has added more Swarovski crystal figurines, limited editions, and accessories to the Swarovski Hello Kitty product line.  The 2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty releases mostly have a ‘rock inspired’ design.  As you look at each of the new introductions, you will see that Hello Kitty is connecting with her wilder side and she is less about cute and innocent.

Swarovski Hello Kitty: LE 88, LE 2012, Hello Kitty Gold Bow, & Hello Kitty Santa
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition 2012 – This Hello Kitty figurine is limited to just 88 units world-wide, with a retail price tag of $8000.  It very much resembles the Hello Kitty Gold Bow, but this one is using the glittering crystal Pointiage® technique.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Hearts, Limited Edition 2012 – This Hello Kitty figurine is clear and she is wearing a pretty pink dress and lovely rose-colored Pointiage® bow consisting of 600 crystals.  The Swarovski shoppe indicates that she is over 8″ tall and has a retail price tag of $600.  It appears that this figurine should be available for most of 2012.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Gold Bow – This Hello Kitty figurine is crystal satin (gray) instead of clear and she sports a black jacket and yellow bow (instead of red or pink).  While the Swarovski shoppe indicates that she is over 8″ tall, I have a hard time thinking this is true with a retail price of $140.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Santa – This Hello Kitty figurine is clear naturally wearing a Santa-red jacket, a Santa hat, and a Santa-red bow.  The candy cane she is holding appears to be Santa red (siam) and crystal moonlight (one of the colors that the 2011 AE polar bear cubs wars available in). While the Swarovski shoppe indicates that she is over 8″ tall, I have a hard time thinking this is true with a retail price of $140.  While I did not find an official launch date for this figurine, I’m assuming that it is October since that is when most of the holiday figurines will be available from Swarovski.

(See Swarovski Hello Kitty Size Update post from August 4 for correct figurine dimensions.)

Other Swarovski Hello Kitty Accessories include:

  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Charms – The 2 new charms are the Hello Kitty Rock Charm and Hello Kitty Guitar Charm.  The Hello Kitty Candy Charm is on sale at 50% off if you are looking for a deal!
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Fashion Accessories  – Of the 12 items in this category, there are 3 new items and 5 items that are 50% off.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Jewelry –  There are a few new items and plenty of sale items. In this category, there are plenty of Hello Kitty Pendants, Hello Kitty Bracelets, Hello Kitty Necklaces, Hello Kitty Pierced Earrings, and Hello Kitty Rings.

So, if you are a Hello Kitty fanatic, check out the new rock-inspired figurines and jewelry at the Swarovski shoppe now!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski News: Lovlots Emotis are Available at the Swarovski Shoppe!

Almost one month ago exactly, I wrote a post about the newest Lovlots clould community that was soon to be released… Swarovski Emotis.  Today, I got an email from Swarovski, (in German!) that the crystal giant has them available in their online store!

Swarovski Emotis: Hope, Energy, Anger, Love, Curiosity, & Burning Desire
  • Swarovski Emoti Love
    Official Swarovski description: Love is in the air! With a heart filled with love, this little pig spreads love throughout Lovlots City. Crafted in Kakadured crystal with Fuchsia pants and clear crystal feet, this cute design is finished with a heart in fuchsia-toned metal.
  • Swarovski Emoti Hope
    Official Swarovski description: Look on the bright side! Always seeing the sunny side of life, this Emoti brings optimism to Lovlots City. The body in Violet Moonlight crystal and head in Crystal Moonlight accentuate the colorful rainbow in synthetic material.
  • Swarovski Emoti Energy
    Official Swarovski description: It’s electrifying! With a playful lightning bolt, this Emoti energizes the Lovlots. Crafted in Crystal Moonlight, Rosaline Moonlight, and Light Siam crystal, this character sports a cloud in silver-tone synthetic material with a silicon rubber lightning bolt.
  • Swarovski Emoti Curiosity
    Official Swarovski description: What’s up? With its curious nature, this little rabbit is always asking why? One ear shines in Crystal Moonlight, while the other sparkles in Peridot Aurore Boreale crystal in the shape of a question mark.
  • Swarovski Emoti Burning Desire
    Official Swarovski description: I’ve got to have this! Everyone will want to have this little bear with flaming red hair burning with desire. With an Aquamarine Aurore Boreale crystal body and red silicon hair.
  • Swarovski Emoti Anger
    Official Swarovski description:I’m about to explode! Resembling a volcano, this Emoti is steaming with anger. Sparkling details in Fireopal Silver Shade and Crystal Moonlight crystal are highlighted by clouds of steam in matte white synthetic material.

All the Lovlots Emotis have an MSRP of $90 each. Personally, I’m not too fond of these, but who knows…there may be a segment of the Swarovski-collecting population that does.  And we may find a whole new world of emotions that we never even knew existed, that is…. until the Swarovski Lovlots Emotis came along!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo – the Postoned Release Date for USA

In June, our favorite crystal brand announced that the Swarovski Lovlots Angel Mo would be released July 9, 2012 joining a series of other Lovlots Mo cows.

Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo, Limited Edition 2012
Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo, Limited Edition 2012

Well, they did make the Swarovski Angel Mo available online, but with some limitations as to who can purchase it.  While I (in the USA) was not able to add it to my shopping cart, if you are in any other country, you can add it to you cart!  Check out the product availability based on country of residence:

  • Angel Mo in USA
  • Angel Mo in Canada

I find this interesting in that according to the Swarovski members’ only announcement which has since been removed from their website, Lovlots Angel Mo is a limited edition available only in 2012.  I know the hype…I am a secondary market dealer that specializes in Swarovski.  It means that some collectors will purchase a hoard of figurines, then sell them on eBay at inflated prices or list them on our site at above retail price as the owner themselves wants to get in on the action of making some money.  While it can be perceived as a win-win for me (the dealer) and the owner (the seller), it is certainly a losing situation for the buying collector who simply does not want to take a chance that it could be sold out prior to it being available here in the USA.

Honestly, I don’t like how commercial Christmas has become….with artificial Christmas trees out mid-summer, decorations hitting stores after Labor Day, and so forth.  All this before the Halloween trick or treating event or the Thanksgiving turkey is even cooked.

While I can certainly appreciate the crystal giant putting on the brakes to ensure that Swarovski Christmas Ornaments and merchandise release dates are appropriate for the figurines, I think that delaying the Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo only for the USA collectors was an incredulous decision.

Straight to the point, this is going to upset crystal fanatics in the USA.  What could this mean to the crystal brand and its followers?

  • Disappointed collectors.  Collectors who ‘want it now’ will likely be forced to pay ‘above market prices’ to ensure they have the Lovlots Angel Mo in their crystal collection now.
  • Reduced Lovlots Angel Mo profits.  Dedicated Swarovski crystal collectors are not going to wait nearly 3 more months to get it online, instead, they will probably turn to the online auctions to buy it now and will not buy later from authorized source(s).
  • Reliance on other distribution channels.  Collectors will build bonds with new channels: secondary market brokers, gray market dealers, and eBay dealers.

This is not about ‘fairness’… it is about the loyal following of Swarovski crystal collectors and the reality of what goes on post-sale of limited edition Swarovski figurines.  I really hope that when it comes to limited edition releases, that Swarovski will settle on a world-wide launch date to eliminate the mini-frenzy that could be bearing down upon the collectors in the USA.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski News: Swarovski Gouldian Finches, Peridot Available Online!

We have terrific news for bird fanatics and Swarovski crystal collectors…the Swarovski Gouldian Finches are available for purchase in the Swarovski online shoppe!

Gouldian Finch

 

 

I can’t say that I have previously heard of this particular breed of bird.  But oh my…they are so beautiful!  The male Gouldian Finch’s colors are so vibrant.  It’s not a wonder that these birds are also known as the Rainbow Finch.

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Gouldian Finches

 

The Swarovski Gouldian Finches are 2 brightly colored birds, perched on a silver-colored metal stand.  The bird pair stands about 4 ½ inches tall.  The Gouldian Finches are in the Swarovski Paradise product line, which is where the same product line that includes many of the other colored-bird crystal figurines.  The article number for the Swarovski Gouldian Finches is 1141675. The crystal brand gives Dominic Schöpf credit for the stunning design of these newest rainbow birds.  While the Swarovski Peridot Gouldian Finches retail for $690,  something tells me that they are completely worth it looking at the image in the online shoppe!

 

The Swarovski Gouldian Finches would look great displayed with other Swarovski Birds.  If you are a bird lover and crystal collector, check out the discount and retired Swarovski birds available at Crystal Exchange America!

 

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Chinese Ornaments – Fu, Shou, Coin Branch, and Coin Flower

According to a press release from Swarovski, the crystal brand will be offering Swarovski Chinese Ornaments in July, 2012.  There are four small ornaments that are a part of the Chinese Window Ornament collection.

All four of the Swarovski Chinese Ornaments utilize the newest Crystal Pixel technology, which allows the crystal to sparkle from both sides.  The ornaments are decorated with a red silk tassel and retail for $55 each.

Left to Right, Swarovski Chinese Ornaments: Fu, Shou, Coin Flower, and Coin Branch

The Swarovski Fu Ornament is a Chinese character symbolizing prosperity, well-being, and luck.  The Swarovski System is 117350.  The overall length of the Swarovski Fu Ornament, including the tassel, is over 7 .75″ long.

The Swarovski Shou Ornament is a Chinese character that translates as longevity.  The Swarovski System is 117351. The overall length of the Swarovski Shou Ornament, including the tassel, is over 7 .75″ long.

The Swarovski Chinese Coin Ornaments stand for money and wealth.  There are two Swarovski Coin Ornaments in the collection.

Swarovski Coin Flower Ornament – Swarovski System # 1175346.  The overall length of the Coin Flower Ornament, including the tassel, is over 7 .75″ long.

Swarovski Coin Branch Ornament – Swarovski System # 1175348.  The overall length of the Coin Branch Ornament, including the tassel, is over 8.5″ long.

Swarovski’s news indicates that the new Window Ornaments could be hung in the home, car, or any other small place.

Great news…these new Chinese Window Ornaments do not look nearly as fragile as the Annual Edition Swarovski Ornaments that Swarovski fanatics typically purchase.  That should make them substantially easier and more fun to display!  The new technology used in the Chinese Ornaments is a terrific idea to the innovations by the crystal giant.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America