Category: Swarovski Designer

Swarovski Happy Ducks: Lifeguard Duck and Sweetheart Duck in 2013 (Lovlots Collection)

Swarovski has added yet 2 more ducks to the Lovlots Happy Ducks group:  Swarovski Lifeguard Duck and Swarovski Sweetheart Duck!

Swarovski Lovlots Happy Ducks in 2013:
Sweetheart (left) and Lifeguard (right)

Swarovski Lifeguard Duck is a yellow duck (like Sunny Sam and Sunny Steve), accessorized with white shades (sunglasses), a miniature lifeguard float strapped to him, and LIFEGUARD painted on the side of the duck.  Swarovski identifies this Lovlots figurine with system # 1143443.   Verena Castelein is credited with the cute duck design.  The MSRP is $130.

Swarovski Sweetheart Duck is a pink duck with some heart-shaped decorations attached above the tail area.   Swarovski identifies this Lovlots figurine with system # 1143438.   Verena Castelein is credited with the cute duck design. The MSRP is $80.

Since inception in 2010, the crystal has launched over 20 Happy Duck intro ‘duck’ tions  :

  • 2010: 7 Happy Ducks, plus a couple Swarovski Limited Edition Pink Duck figurines
  • 2011: 6 Happy Ducks and a Limited Edition Royal Wedding Happy Duck pair
  • 2012: 5 Happy Ducks including Joyful Josh (green), Lovely Lucky (lavender), Crocodile Duck (light green), Punk Duck (clear), and Sir and Lady Ducks (various colors-formalwear)

For a complete list of the Happy Ducks, this information can be found on the Swarovski Lovlots page of Crystal Exchange America site.

Collectors who are Happy Duck Hunting can find the retired Lovlots Happy Ducks in the Lovlots and Zodiac category of the Crystal Exchange America store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear, Limited Edition in 2013

2013 has already welcomed a plethora of new product on the crystal giant’s own web site.  However, crystal collectors appreciate it more when the new figurines are limited edition designs.  One such new product is the Swarovski Limited Edition Kris Bear.

Swarovski 2013 Limited Edition Kris Bear

This Swarovski Kris Bear was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kris Bear figurine. This new figurine is about 1.5″ tall and retails for $100.  Swarovski identifies it with system #1143456.  They provide credit for the design to Keiko Arai. Kris Bear sports a special pink heart necklace and the bear has “2013” engraved on the foot.

It is hard to believe that the original Swarovski Kris Bear figurine was introduced that long ago (1993)!  In the 1990’s, the crystal brand was not quick to add Kris Bears to the Silver Crystal product line with only 1 to 3 figures every other year:

The next 40 Kris Bear figurines were launched 2005 to present day.  In 2008, Swarovski began incorporating Kris Bear into Christmas ornaments, promoting  annual edition Kris Bear Ornaments.  (As of 2012, Swarovski continues this trend.)  Other Swarovski Limited Edition Kris Bears include: Santa Kris Bear in 2006 and Halloween Kris Bear in 2011.  And we could probably go on and on with all the different ones!

So, if you like the Lovlots Kris Bear figurines, you will want to check out the new Limited Edition Swarovski Kris Bear on the crystal brand’s web site, as well as the other two new ones just launched this month:

  • Swarovski Kris Bear – Playful Butterflies
  • Swarovski Kris Bear – My Heart is Yours

In 2012, Swarovski moved the Kris Bear family of figurines into the Swarovski Lovlots group. If you are looking for any of the retired or discontinued Kris Bear Figurines, look at the Crystal Exchange America site in the Lovlots and Zodiac category of the store.  Kris Bear Ornaments can be found in the Christmas & Ornaments category of the store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Flower Mo: Clearing up the question of Sizes and Colors

Occasionally, we get some unusual requests from clients, who are simply ‘consumers’, but not Swarovski collectors.  Such requests that we have received in the past 3 months are for clients looking for the Swarovski Large Flower Mo and the Swarovski Blue Flower Mo.  Of course, being a Swarovski collector, I know that there is only ONE Swarovski Flower Mo.  But clients have a general idea of figurines they want to purchase, without the correct figurine name and have no idea of identification #’s to know for certain the item they want to purchase.  Furthermore, clients don’t necessarily perceive us as Swarovski experts, but only as an online store and could care less if the name is right or wrong as long as they get the figurine they have pictured in their mind.  (Would be great if we had a mind-reading store!)

Clients requesting the Lovlots Large Flower Mo or Lovlots Blue Flower Mo, generally indicate that they are certain of the Mo Cows existence as they have a friend that owns one, or that they have seen it elsewhere on the internet, like eBay (where sellers never? make mistakes).   Check out this Large Blue Flower Mo auction that ended March 2012.

Swarovski Flower Mo, Small Green Mo Cow, Limited Edition
Swarovski Belle Mo, Large Blue Mo Cow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What clients are referring to as the Large Flower Mo or Blue Flower Mo is actually Swarovski Belle Mo!  But naturally, when you explain that you believe they are looking for Belle Mo, they will correct you saying it is the Large Flower Mo or Blue Flower Mo  (and at that, it is time to give up and simply help them to decide if they wish to proceed with the purchase).

To set the record straight…there is only ONE Swarovski Flower Mo, and it is a small light green cow with multi-colored flowers on it.  Flower Mo is about 1.75″ long and was a limited edition Swarovski cow available only in 2009.  The larger cow mo with flowers is Swarovski Belle Mo.  This cow is light blue in color, with blue flowers on it.  Belle Mo is about 3.5″ high and was available 2010 through 2012.  The design of both of these Mo Cows is credited to Edith Mair.

Swarovski Flower Mo one of the more expensive Mos to purchase, with an average selling range now at $290 – $350!

Should the crystal brand ever release another Lovlots Mo Cow decorated with flowers, an update to this article will likely be required to prevent further Swarovski Flower Mo confusion.

Swarovski Flower Mo (Limited Edition) and Swarovski Belle Mo can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Lovlots and Zodiac store category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Flower Power to the Bunnies in 2013!

The crystal has released two new bunny rabbits, each holding a bouquet of flowers…

Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Nots (left)
and Swarovski Rabbit withTulips (right)
  • Swarovski Rabbit with Tulips, Swarovski system # 1177251
  • Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Not, Swarovski system # 1142953

The rabbit with the flowers are in the Seasonal Symbols product line, in the theme of Spring.  Both the bunny figurines were designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and retail for $160 each.

Following are the product descriptions from the Swarovski web site:

Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Not: This cute creation makes an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other occasion! Crafted in clear crystal, the rabbit holds a bunch of forget-me-nots in Sapphire and Light Sapphire crystal with silver-tone metal stems. An Aurora Boreale crystal chaton sparkles at the center of each flower.

Swarovski Rabbit with Tulips: This adorable clear crystal rabbit holds a bunch of tulips in Indian Pink and Light Rose crystal with silver-tone metal stems. Cute and colorful, this charming design makes an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other occasion!

The crystal giant has retired another bunny rabbit with flowers, the Swarovski Rabbit with Poinsettia.  This rabbit figurine has recently sold out at the Swarovski online shoppe, where it was priced at 50% off.

So, flower power to the bunnies!  I wonder if we may be seeing Rabbit with Roses (Kris Bear is holding a rose bouquet, perhaps he’ll share?)

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Bo Bearly Cool….the 2013 Swarovski Bo Bear Crystal Figurines (Lovlots Collection)

In 2012, the crystal giant introduced the Bo Bear figurines into the Swarovski Lovlots collection.  Four hip teddies joined several other groups in the growing Lovlots community of personality-filled characters.

In 2012, the Lovlots Bo Bear group consisted of:

  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Heavy Metal (reminds me of ‘N the Skull’), retiring in 2013.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear-  Naughty But Nice (the devilish one with angel wings)
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – So Sweet, retiring in 2013.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – So Brilliant, retired in 2012 and is now 50% off at the Swarovski shoppe!

In 2013, Swarovski has added two more very cool bears to the sloth of Bo Bears…

Lovlots Blues Bo Bear (left) and Lovlots Hip Hop Bo Bear (right)
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Blues Bo.  This way cool bo is lavender with some gold bling and a purple baseball hat.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Hip-Hop Bo.  This way cool bo is dressed in black, sporting his shades, a tie, and black hat.

All six of the Swarovski Bo Bear figurines were designed by Peter Heidegger.  And all six characters retail in the price range of $150 to $160.

Here are Swarovski’s official product descriptions for the 2013 Bo Bear introductions.

Lovlots Hip Hop Bo Bear – Hip hop is my life! Hip-hop Bo spends most of his time busting rhymes. His head shines in Provence Lavender crystal with a lacquered violet body and Crystal Metallic Light Gold arms and feet. He wears a cap in plastic material and golden necklace both featuring the BB logo. Not intended for children 15 and under. The Bo Bear comes with a unique metal tag that can be used as a key chain or bag charm.

Lovlots Blues Bo Bear – I am too cool for school! This funky character shines in Crystal Silvershade with Jet Hematite crystal arms and feet. He wears metal sunglasses and a lacquered suit, and a hat in a black plastic material. Not intended for children 15 and under. The Bo Bear comes with a unique metal tag that can be used as a key chain or bag charm.

I’m looking forward to seeing where the crystal brand goes with this collection of Swarovski bears.  Will they continue to grow?  Or will Swarovski collectors not really latch on to this line of animals?  Only time will tell!  Crystal Exchange America has an up-to-date page on the Swarovski Lovlots for collectors looking for a summary of the figurines in the community.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Unicorn – SCS 1996 Annual Edition

Swarovski’s fourth SCS trilogy is the ‘Fabulous Creatures’ series, which was in the late 1990’s era.  The initial Fabulous Creatures crystal figurine is the Swarovski.  All the crystal figurines in the ‘Fabulous Creatures’ series are mythical creatures, making this series unique based on human interpretation, existing sculptures, or drawings, and not based on nature itself.

Swarovski Fabulous Creatures Unicorn, 1996 SCS AE

The Swarovski Unicorn was available for purchase only in 1996 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  The Swarovski Unicorn measures about 4 1/4″ long. It is a clear figurine with a long frosted spiraling horn, frosted goat’s beard, frosted mane, and frosted tail.  The SCS Unicorn is lying on its stomach.

The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn was known using the Swarovski identification numbers DO1X961 and 191 727.  This SCS Unicorn contains what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Since Martin Zendron was the designer, it is his initials “MZ” and the year “96” can be seen on the underside of the Unicorn .

Having such a long and fragile protrusion, the Unicorn horn is the most common form of damage or breakage.  We have seen or heard stories from a large number of clients who report the horn has come unglued, or a simple tap to it during cleaning has caused it to break off.  Sadly, this is an expensive component for Swarovski restoration experts to replace.  Oftentimes, the cost is close to that of purchasing a replacement Swarovski Unicorn in mint condition.

The crystal brand has produced one other Unicorn other than the 1996 SCS Unicorn.  This other Swarovski Unicorn was part of their Silver Crystal product line.  This Unicorn is standing on all 4 legs and has a short horn.  The identification # for this Swarovski Unicorn are 7550 000 013 / 630 119.  It was produced 2004 through 2009 at a retail price of $300.

The SCS Swarovski Unicorn retailed for $325 USD in 1996.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While the resale price of the Swarovski Unicorn  surpassed to nearly $700 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for original MSRP, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – SCS 1992 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Whales is the third crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were designed by Michael Stamey, and to date, is the only trilogy by a single designer.

Swarovski ‘Care For Me’ Whales, 1992 SCS AE

In 1992, the Swarovski Whales could be purchased by SCS crystal collectors who possessed membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Whales measures about just over  4″ in height.  This crystal figurine features a clear mother whale and a clear baby whale, with a gentle wave under them.

The SCS Whales contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity. It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “92” on the bottom side of the wave.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Care For Me’ Whales can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X921 or system number 164 614.

In addition to the 1992 SCS Whales, Swarovski has released a number of crystal whale figurines:

  • Swarovski Whale – 7628 080 000 / 014 483.  This Swarovski Whale was available 1987 through 1991.  It can be found with either the Block SC Logo or the Swan logo.
  • Swarovski Walter the Whale – 9460 200 023 / 680 508.  This small blue whale was in the Swarovski Crystal Moments line, and was available in 2005 and 2006 only.
  • Swarovski Paikea Humpback Whale – 9100 000 337 / 1 095 228.  This is the 2012 SCS Annual Edition designed by Stefanie Nederegger
  • Swarovski Young Whale, SCS – 9100 000 338 / 1 096 741.  This is the companion whale to the 2012 Swarovski Annual Edition Whale designed by Stefanie Nederegger.

A quick comparison of the 1992 Swarovski Whales to the 2012 Swarovski Whale reveals these primary differences:

  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales is a SINGLE figurine.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are 2 separate figurines purchased individually.
  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales are completely clear figurines. Paikea Whale and Young Whale are Shadow crystal with Crystal Moonlight accents.

The SCS Swarovski Whales retailed for $265 USD in 1992.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a white cylinder with fitted- foam specific to the Whales, and a Swarovski  Certificate of Authenticity (Swarovski COA).    Presently, the Swarovski Whales, in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $305 – $345 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – SCS 1991 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Seals is the second crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were constructed of completely clear crystal components, which is a unique characteristic of all the Swarovski SCS figurines.

Swarovski ‘Save Me’ Seals, 1991 SCS AE

 

The Swarovski Seals could be purchased only in 1991 by SCS collectors with membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Seals measures about 4″ long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear seals, a mother seal and a baby seal, resting upon a clear iceberg.

The SCS Seals contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “91” on the underside of the iceberg.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Save Me’ Seals can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X911 or system number 158 872.

In addition to the 1991 SCS Seals, the crystal giant has produced other crystal seal figurines, all of which are retired:

  • Swarovski Large Seal – 7646 085 000 / 012 261.  The Swarovski Large Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Large Seal, in some variation, was available 1985 – 1995.
  • Swarovski Baby Seal – 7663 046 000 / 012 530.  The Swarovski Baby Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Baby Seal, in some variation, was available 1986 – 2005.
  • Swarovski Playing Seal – 7661 000 006 / 622 526, 2003 – 2007

The SCS Swarovski Seals retailed for $225 USD in 1991.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a cylinder with custom foam for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    At this time, Swarovski Seals , in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $350 – $400 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

The Newest Swarovski Crystal Myriad – the Swarovski Ji Xiang Carps

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 Alsaqr Alamaki, Limited Edition of 300, 2010 – current
  • Swarovski Amurath – Arabian Stallion, Limited Edition of 300, 2009 – sold out
  • Swarovski Jinlong – Flying Dragon, Limited Edition of 300, 2009 – 2011, sold out
  • Swarovski Longwang – Dragon, Limited Edition of 888, 2011 – current
  • 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.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Fanatics Chat with Swarovski Designers on the 2012 Crystal Journey

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.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America