Category: Swarovski Box / COA

Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – the Swarovski Certificate COA

As the Swarovski SCS memberships were being offered worldwide in 1988, the need to support multiple languages was a growing concern.  Back then, you simply did not find shelved products, instruction booklets, etc with multiple languages on.  What was purchased in the USA was English, and what was purchased in Spain was in Spanish.  It is MUCH different in today’s world.  So when Swarovski offered the SCS membership more regions, it was becoming increasingly necessary to have Swarovski COA documents available for the Swarovski Woodpeckers in multiple languages.

At Crystal Exchange America, we have seen a variety of genuine certificates packaged with the Swarovski Woodpeckers:

The English and English-French variations of the Swarovski Woodpeckers COA are indistinguishable on the front, and include the same picture of the crystal figurine on the inside.  The differentiation between the two is whether or not there is the authenticity information in French on the inside left side of the COA.  However, the Multi-Language Woodpeckers COA is significantly different.  It is more of an accordion-style with a single photo and 5 different languages on the mini-foldouts.

The Swarovski Woodpeckers COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  However, most of the time, an envelope for the certificate is not presently included with the Swarovski Woodpeckers.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and bears the official Swarovski logo on the front side.

The Swarovski-assigned part numbers are generally found on the back panel in a very small font.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers Multi-Language certificate is DO4M991.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers English certificate is DO4E871. I was unable to locate the Swarovski Woodpeckers English and French certificate number.  The Woodpeckers Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X861C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

It is important to remember that the Swarovski Woodpeckers, like all other Swarovski AE figurines, does have a COA that is specific to it.  Less knowledgeable collectors and eBay traders have posted online auctions selling their figurine to include the original box and certificate, but the auction picture revealed Woodpeckers with a generic product booklet instead.

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

If the language of the certificate is important to a client, then I would recommend that this be taken into account when determining a value for the Woodpeckers certificate.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers English and French Certificate recently sold on Ebay Canada for under $15.  And the Swarovski Woodpeckers Multi-Language Certificate may be more readily available in the Euro community, so checking with a professional brokerage service or eBay sites there would be the best venues for determining a replacement value or obtaining them as they are harder to find here in the USA.  The SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers Certificate (English version) can normally be found in the $75 to $150 price range.  Crystal Exchange America does have the English version of the Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers Certificate  at their store website.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – the Swarovski Box

The second Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the Caring and Sharing trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Sharing’ Woodpeckers. These Swarovski Woodpeckers would have a special presentation and package that would be very similar to its predecessor, the Lovebirds.

1988 Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers Box

The SCS Woodpeckers had a custom box, which would be so unique, no other figurine would fit in it.  The box was primarily silver and royal blue in color.  Since the SCS was growing its distribution channels, the packaging would also be available in other languages.

The English Woodpeckers Box that we most frequently see in the USA features a blue top.  On all 4 sides, collectors can read the text Annual Edition 1988 ‘Sharing’ – the Woodpeckers.

The multi-lingual Woodpeckers Box is a box that we only occasionally see.  This box has the text for ‘Sharing’ – the Woodpeckers in four different languages, depending on the side:

  • “Donare” – I Picchi (Italian)
  • “Compartiend” -o los Carpinteros (Spanish)
  • “Partnershaft” – die Spechte (German)
  • “Partager” – les Pics (French)

The Swarovski assigned part numbers can be found on the rear side in a very small type.  The English Swarovski Woodpeckers Box reference number is DO3E871.  The multi-languange Swarovski Woodpeckers Box reference number is DO3M881. The Woodpeckers Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X881B (same reference number regardless of the language), which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

The foam was specially made to especially protect the SCS figurine.  As can be seen in the image, the trunk rests in the largest indentation on  the left side.   The egg-shaped indentation on the right fits over the mother woodpecker wing and head.  There is also a slot in the foam below from the crystal for the mirror.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Woodpeckers Box

article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers Box is becoming harder to find.  One reason is that collectors simply did not keep the packaging.  Even for collectors keep it, the Woodpeckers boxes was thin and would easily tear.  I did not find packaging boxes for the SCS Woodpeckers in the online auctions, nor at Crystal Exchange America.  However, in their last completed transactions,  Swarovski Woodpeckers Box in good condition sold in the range of $350 – $500!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds.  These Lovebirds were a remarkable work of art. Swarovski as efforts on the overall presentation and package would not be overlooked.

The SCS Lovebirds were the first figurines to have a custom box, which would be suitable for use with no other figurine.  This Swarovski SCS box was primarily silver and royal blue in color.  On all 4 sides, collectors can read the text Annual Edition 1987 Togetherness the Lovebirds. The Swarovski-assigned part numbers can be found on bottom in tiny type.  The Swarovski Lovebirds Box reference number is DO3E861. The Lovebirds Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X861B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Swarovski SCS Lovebirds Box

The foam was specially made to securely package and transport the Swarovski SCS Lovebirds.  As can be viewed in the image, the back side of the Lovebirds rests in the largest indentation.  The smaller indentation in the foam closes over the base keeping the figurine firmly in proper position when the foam-enclosed figurine is placed into the box.

Lovebirds Box

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

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Box is becoming harder and harder to find.  For one, early on, collectors were unaware of how important it would become to save the original boxes.  Even for collectors who did save them, the Lovebirds boxes did not tolerate frequent usage..the cardboard was thin and would easily tear.  Opening and closing them even a few times could result in tears on several sides of the box.  While the picture shows a box in excellent condition, for the most part, collectors should not expect boxes to look this clean.  I did not find any in the online auctions. In the last completed transaction at Crystal Exchange America, Swarovski Lovebirds Box  sold in excess of  $700 with their commission!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – the Swarovski COA

The Swarovski Lovebirds crystal figurine included a special Lovebirds Togetherness Certificate and custom Swarovski Togetherness Box. The crystal giant only offered the SCS membership to five English-speaking countries when it came about in 1987.  For this reason, it was not necessary to have a multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Lovebirds.

However, at Crystal Exchange America, we have seen a variety of authentic Swarovski COA documents for the Swarovski Lovebirds:

Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate for the 1987 Togetherness Lovebirds

Both variations of the Swarovski Lovebirds COA is identical on the front, and includes the same picture of the crystal figurine on the inside.  The only difference is whether or not there is the authenticity information in French on the left side of the interior of the Togetherness COA.

The Swarovski-assigned part numbers can be found on the back side in a very small font.  The Swarovski Lovebirds English certificate is DO4E861. The Swarovski Lovebirds English and French certificate is DO4E86.  The Lovebirds Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X861C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds Certificate, Envelope on left, Certificate Front on Right

The Swarovski Lovebirds COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  However, we do not commonly see the envelope when there is a sales transaction pending on the Swarovski Lovebirds.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and bears the Swarovski Collectors Society logo on the front side.

It is important to remember that the Swarovski Lovebirds does have a COA that is specific to this figurine.  Less knowledgeable collectors have posted online auctions selling their figurine to include the original box and certificate, yet posted a picture of the Lovebirds with a generic product booklet instead.

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

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate is on the more-difficult side to find.  I was able to locate on ebay for $139 with free shipping.  It is the English only certificate with the envelope.  At Crystal Exchange America, the only listing for the Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate does not specify language is priced over $300 with their commission.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski MIB NIB BNIB NRFB Crystal Acronyms

Acronyms continue to be the norm is today’s fast-past environment and abbreviated language used in texting in other situation with writing constraints.  In online auctions, due to the limitation of characters in item titles, it is very common to see abbreviations used in the titles.  While the majority of Swarovski collectors understand the acronyms, I’m sure there are still a lot of inexperienced bidders (aka newbies) on the scene.  I have also seen acronyms misused in titles, so I thought I’d do my best to explain the acronyms, provide history, and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski MIB Swarovski Mint in Box.  This means that the Swarovski figurine is in original factory condition complete with Swarovski Box.  MINT implies free of damage.  However, this gets a bit trickier on the very old candleholders (and other figurines) where it is fairly common to see “pin pricks”, rough edges, or on large items where it is not unusual to see bubbles.  While these “pin pricks”, rough edges and bubbles still passed Swarovski’s standards of perfection to ship product to the retail stores, some crystal collectors will not accept these characteristics in a figurine described as MINT Swarovski.

Also, the box should be the CORRECT box for the figurine.  This is easiest to discern when the Swarovski product identification label is still attached to the Swarovski cylinder or Swarovski box.  The box included should NOT be just any box with the Swarovski logo on it.

Swarovski NIB Swarovski New in Box.  Swarovski BNIB – Swarovski Brand New in Box.
I don’t feel there is any significant difference in item descriptions for items that are NIB or BNIB.  I do question that if an item is retired, should it really be described as a NIB Swarovski figurine or BNIB Swarovski figurine?  When I think of NEW, I don’t think of pre-owned, retired, or previously displayed crystal figurine.  I think of a current product or new release coming from a store or online retailer. I’d bet that a lot of sellers would disagree with this perception, but what about the buyers?  Again, that’s just my opinion.

Swarovski NRFB Swarovski Never Removed from Box. I personally have never cared for this description for a Swarovski crystal figurine.  Can the owner REALLY say that the figurine has never removed it from the box?  They don’t honestly know whether or not their retailer displayed it. Or if it was purchased on the secondary market what the previous owner did with it.  If it is a NRFB Swarovski figurine was it ever inspected to know if it was in Mint condition at the store prior to purchase?  And if it were inspected, does the description NFRB still apply since it would have to be removed from the box for the inspection?  It is my professional opinion, that I’d rather know the item is MIB than NRFB.

Beginning several years ago and still used at present, I see ads stating Swarovski NMIB (yes, one that I have not covered).  Reading the description from the original ad, I learned the seller was shortening Nearly Mint in Box. Nearly Mint?  REALLY…Nearly Mint means NOT MINT.  It means there is damage somewhere on the figurine.  The seller may mean minor damage, but any damage is significant damage when it comes to Swarovski Value.  It may be minor if the collector is displaying it and the cosmetic damage does not bother the owner when looking at it.  Or to the seller, it may be minor since the hopes are that it will sell at the highest possible price.  So bidders should carefully consider if they wish to purchase a NMIB Swarovski figurine, or spend extra money to purchase a MIB Swarovski figurine.

None of the acronyms Swarovski MIB, Swarovski NIB, Swarovski BNIB, or Swarovski NRFB imply inclusion of the Swarovski COA (aka Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity).  Also, none of them imply anything about condition of the box…they all focus on the crystal inside the box.

Kristall Buzz has also featured articles on acronyms to be of interest to Swarovski collectors:

Some buyers feel more comfortable with unbiased professionals doing the inspection rather than a seller’s description of an item they are attempting to get rid of or possible make money on, especially if the crystal figurine is a high-dollar figurine.  In this case, crystal collectors may inquire about professional brokerage services like those offered by Crystal Exchange America.

However, some collectors like the excitement of bidding in auctions or taking a chance on a bargain.  In conclusion, I feel that the buyer should thoroughly read auction descriptions and ask questions if there might be conflicting information.  When the transaction is completed the buyer needs to be satisfied with the crystal condition and price paid.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (COA) changes in 2011

Since 1976, Swarovski has generally included a Swarovski Certificate inside the packaging for the majority of crystal figurines. While the paperwork does indeed state certificate on the front side, it served a purpose of advertising other Swarovski crystal figurines in production at that time.  When Swarovski moved away from the octagonal-shaped literature, the ‘certificate’ no longer featured product photos.  All along, these Swarovski certificates were very interchangeable among products, keeping in mind the production eras of the various figurines.

Swarovski Certificates / Generic Product Booklets 1976 to 2010

In 2011, Swarovski has made changes to the paperwork (Swarovski COA) included the crystal figurines. In the last couple of purchases, I have not found any blue certificate, red certificate, or white certificate.  Instead, I find a card labeled Certificate of Authenticity (in both English and French) on the front side, and on the backside, a reference number, date of purchase, and initials of order fulfillment person. I have found only a single card for a multiple unit purchase, not one card per item.  The card is about 3.25 inches long and is enclosed in a pearlized envelope with the word Swarovski in Silver foil on the front.  Plus, in the envelope is a ‘care advice’ booklet.  This booklet includes brief advice on caring for ‘fashion jewelry and watches’, ‘handbags and accessories’, and the ‘crystal living collection’.  This Care Advice booklet is printed in both English and French.

Swarovski COA 2011

Swarovski does continue to include unique certificates for Swarovski AE figurines. The Swarovski Siku Polar Bear has a certificate specific to the 2011 SCS crystal figurine.  It does not use the newer Swarovski COA and care advice unit described above.

It is possible that the Swarovski certificate may be a cost-savings (every penny counts these days).  It could be that this personally-dated card is used to validate a warranty period.  It may be speculated that this may be a technique to close the loop on grey-market purchases…no card…no warranty support.  In any case, it is becoming more important to purchase current products online or from an authorized Swarovski dealer to ensure your full warranty is honored.  Collectors will have to quickly give up the notion that their new Swarovski crystal figurines will have a certificate of authenticity if multiple items are combined into a single order.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski COA Crystal Acronym

Here are more acronyms 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 a few more acronyms and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski COA – Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity.  For the majority of Swarovski crystal products, the Swarovski COA is truly a generic product booklet that can be interchanged with other Swarovski crystal products. I have a lengthy page on the Crystal Exchange America site about Swarovski Certificates and two Kristall Buzz Swarovski blog postings on the Swarovski COA:
Swarovski Certificates / Generic Product Booklets 1976 to present

 

The Swarovski COA is definitely important for some figurines, but the ones in the image above are the interchangeable generic product booklets.  Swarovski SCS figurines and Swarovski AE figurines should have certificates.  In many cases (but not all cases), limited edition figurines have a special Swarovski COA.  Not all sellers are knowledgeable about Swarovski because they are not serious collectors.  For a Swarovski Annual Edition, the seller may include the generic product booklet in lieu the true Swarovski COA.  This would likely be a costly mistake for an unskilled collector who does not know what the ‘complete package’ should include.  Purchasing a special (correct) Swarovski COA may not be an easy task as they are typically harder to find and can be expensive to purchase separately.
Wrapping up, this should serve as a reminder to thoroughly read auction descriptions, view the auction images if there are any, and ask questions if there might be contradictory information.  Use caution when an auction for an Annual Edition states Swarovski COA included, but shows an image of the generic product booklet.  When in doubt, ask questions about the items included for sale and what the seller’s return policy is.  When the transaction is finished, the buyer should be happy with outcome final price.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for Chinese Zodiacs

Recently, I wrote about the Swarovski certificate of authenticity included with Swarovski Crystal figurines. After posting the article, I remembered that the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines do indeed include a unique Swarovski certificate of authenticity.

Starting off with some background information, Swarovski has a crystal collection known as the Chinese Zodiac.  These crystal figurines are produced in silver shade crystal.  While there are 12 different animals representing the Chinese astrology, Swarovski presently has only six Chinese Zodiac figurines (under $300):
  • Swarovski Zodiac Dog (2006)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Horse (2002, 2014)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Pig (2007)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Rabbit (2011)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Sheep (2003, 2015)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Tiger (2010)
In the Asian market, the company produced some limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These crystal figurines are different from the six above in that they are:
  • Limited by year of production
  • Crystal golden shine in color (not clear silver shade crystal)
  • Include a special Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (stating limited edition figurine)

Two golden shadow limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiac figurines have been produced to date:

  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger
  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Rabbit

All these Chinese Zodiacs have a fold-out card titled ‘The Chinese Zodiac’.  The information is printed in both Chinese and English.  This is not a Swarovski certificate of authenticity; it is a brochure that discusses the Chinese Zodiac astrology personalities.  It is included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines.  However, the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines also have a certificate of authenticity specific to the figurine.

Swarovski Chinese Zodiac fold-out card (included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines)

 

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for the Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger

 

All this being said, in 2011, Swarovski is making two more Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These are in crystal golden shine, but are NOT limited editions. The 2011 releases are much larger and much more expensive (over $850 retail). While I would assume that these Large Chinese Zodiac figurines include ‘The Chinese Zodiac’ fold out card, since I don’t have either of them in my collection, I cannot say for certain.  The 2011 Chinese Zodiac introductions are

  • Chinese Zodiac Large Horse
  • Chinese Zodiac Large Tiger

Since the limited edition Chinese Zodiacs were only available retail market in China, most Swarovski crystal fanatics wanting them were forced to turn to the online auctions or Swarovski secondary market dealers to secure the figurines for their collection.  Crystal Exchange America presently has listings for the limited edition Zodiac Tiger and limited edition Zodiac Rabbit.  No matter who the supplying source is, be sure that your limited edition Chinese Zodiac includes the Swarovski certificate of authenticity for maximum resale value.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity – How Significant is it?

For the most part, I have addressed the question about the importance of the Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity at the Crystal Exchange America web site.

First and foremost, if the crystal figurine in question is a Swarovski Limited Edition figurine, or a Swarovski Annual Edition, the Certificate of Authenticity is important to retain the highest value, and sell-ability of the figurine.  This is because avid Swarovski Crystal collectors prefer to have ‘the complete package’ when purchasing retired Swarovski.

When the Swarovski figurine in question is not any type of special edition, then Swarovski includes a ‘generic product booklet’ titled ‘certificate’ with the figurine when produced.  Given this type of certificate is generic and interchangeable between products, the significance is lower.  Nonetheless, some Swarovski fanatics will certainly pay extra money when purchasing discontinued Swarovski crystal figurines to ensure they have that ‘complete package’.

Regarding current Swarovski products, the company states that they cannot replace a Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity.  They do recommend that customers retain their receipts for any warranty issues that may arise.

The company has used at least eight different Swarovski certificates since 1976.  The first three have an octagonal shape.  They were used from approximately 1976 to 1988.  From 1988 to 1995, a square white Swarovski certificate was used.  The only round Swarovski certificate was used from 1995 to 2000.   Since 2000, a variety of square certificates have been used, including issues in white, blue, and reddish-orange.

If you have a special edition figurine missing the certificate, Crystal Exchange America has some Swarovski certificates listed on their site.  If you are seeking the Swarovski Certificates more generic in nature, Crystal Exchange America has a few sets listed in the online auctions running for the next 30 days.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Foam for Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

Continuing the discussion about Swarovski cylinders and boxes, I am going to share more information about the foam inserts used in Swarovski cylinder packaging.

There are three main types of Swarovski foam that I have seen in cylinders.  Additionally, I have seen stryrofoam inserts used in Swarovski cylinders.

The first type of foam is rolled foam.  It is a single piece of foam that a figurine can be wrapped or rolled in prior to placing it in the cylinder.  It is generally gray in color and about ½” thick.  Being very generic, it can be used for many types of figurines.  I have seen rolled foam used in both gray cylinders, but not in blue cylinders.

The next type of foam is generic molded foam.  It is may be hinged or in two separate pieces.  It has a cutout, generic enough for many types of figurines to fit into.  The foam  is gray or blue in color.

The last type of foam is specific foam created for use by one and only one figurine.  The specific foam was likely created if Swarovski felt that the rolled foam for generic molded foam would not sufficiently protect the Swarovski crystal figurine for shipping and storage.   It is gray or blue in color.

 

For the very oldest Swarovski cylinders, those with the block SC logo on them, I’ve also seen white styrofoam used.  It is in two separate pieces and may also have the block SC logo on it.

If you have a Swarovski figurine missing the packaging, Crystal Exchange America has a lot of empty Swarovski boxes that include appropriate foam and identification label listed on their site.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America