Category: Swarovski Designer

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – SCS 1990 Annual Edition

The second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’ series, all designed by Michael Stamey.  The first crystal figurine of the series is the Swarovski Dolphins, which are the feature figure of this article.

The Swarovski Dolphins were available for purchase only in 1990 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  These ‘Mother and Child” Dolphins measures about 4 3/4″ long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear dolphins, a mother dolphin and a baby dolphin, swimming atop a clear wave.

Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins, 1990 SCS AE

The SCS Dolphins contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is fairly easy to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “90” can be seen.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schreck (Swarovski SCS Lovebirds ‘Togetherness in 1987)

The ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X901, and years later the system number 153 850 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.

It is not unusual for the non-collector owner (i.e. someone has inherited a collection but is not knowledgeable about Swarovski) to refer to the figurine as a ‘Swarovski Porpoise’ pair.  In doing some research, I found that there are distinct differences between dolphins and porpoises.  The crystal brand has not released any Swarovski porpoise figurines.

Since the 1990 SCS Dolphins, the crystal giant has produced other clear crystal dolphin figurines:

The SCS Swarovski Dolphins retailed for $225 USD in 1990.  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 Dolphins  surpassed to over $900 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $450 – $475, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Turtledoves ‘Amour’ – SCS 1989 Annual Edition

In 1989, Swarovski was near the end of the first SCS trilogy, ‘Caring and Sharing’.  The final SCS figurine in this series was the Swarovski Turtledoves, by Adi Stocker.

Swarovski SCS Turtledoves – Amour, 1989 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Turtledoves could be purchased only in 1989 by Swarovski SCS members.

The Swarovski Amour Turtledoves is approximately 3.5″ long.  From a quick description of this crystal figurine, they might sound like the Swarovski Lovebirds: 2 amorous clear birds with frosted beaks, perched on a frosted branch.

The ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’ is found on the side of the Turtledoves branch, where the branch is clear, (as it is quite difficult to see on frosted crystal, like on the Swarovski Woodpeckers).  The backstamp, consisting of the Swarovski Swan, the letters SCS, the designer’s initials “ASt” and the year “89”, is easily visible.

The Turtledoves are identified using the Swarovski part number DO1x891 or the system number 117 895 was revealed.

It is interesting to note that the SCS Turtledoves crystal component for the birds’ wings is the same component used for the wings on the Swarovski Woodpeckers and the ears on the 1990 Swarovski Dumbo figurine!

The crystal giant has also produced one other Turtledoves design, by a different designer Gabriele Stamey.  This more recent Swarovski Turtledoves figurine was introduced in 2004 and can presently be purchased in the Swarovski shoppe.  The most striking differences between the Amour Turtledoves and Silver Crystal Turtledoves are the frosted beaks (SCS AE)vs topaz beaks (Silver Crystal) and resting birds (SCS AE) vs a bird with its wings spread (Silver Crystal).  Also, the SCS AE Turtledoves are a bit smaller 3.5″ long vs 4.25″ for the newer Silver Crystal design.

A special thanks to Jane Warner for consultations made during the writing of this Swarovski Turtledoves article.  Jane is the Swarovski expert author of Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.

In 1989, the MSRP of the SCS Swarovski Turtledoves was for $195 USD .  Just like the other ‘Caring and Sharing’ figurines, the purchase price included the crystal figure, a custom box for the Turtledoves, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).  Collectors who want to purchase the Swarovski Turtledoves  from a Swarovski expert dealer, like Crystal Exchange America, should expect to pay $550 – $650 for the SCS Turtledoves in mint condition with original box and certificate.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ –1988 Annual Edition, with a Clear Base

The Swarovski Woodpeckers were available for purchase only in 1988 for collectors who were members in the Swarovski SCS.  In the last article about Swarovski Woodpeckers, the most common variation was the focus of the article.  In the previous article, it was not mentioned that Swarovski released 2 different versions of the Swarovski AE.  However, this article will expand on the Woodpeckers variations and what makes them unique.

Displaying the two variations of SCS Woodpeckers side-by-side, it is not possible to distinguish the variations.  While there are often great differences in the positioning of the birds and how close or far apart the mother beak is from the baby beak, this is not what makes them unique.  To identify the variations, one must look at the very bottom of the figurine where the backstamp is located.

The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, variation 1 (as it is referenced in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski) has a frosted base.  The bottom side looks a lot like the trunk as it is not possible to see into it.  The backstamp is difficult to see as it too has a frosted-like appearance.

The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, variation 2 (as it is referenced in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski) has a clear base.  The bottom side is clear, just like the top of the trunk that the birds are attached to.  The backstamp is easy to see as it has a frosted-like look.  (Remember, the backstamp is the year of the Woodpeckers ’88’, and the designer’s (Adi Stocker) initials ‘A St’.

Both 1988 Swarovski  Woodpeckers were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X881 and system number  014 745.  Swarovski did not assign unique numbers to them even though they were different.  Furthermore, it was not possible to order a specific variation, and for the most part the variations went undocumented for many years.

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers showing Backstamp on Clear Base

Some Swarovski Crystal Fanatics make the mistake of looking at the top of the trunk and become excited seeing a clear top, thinking that the bottom will be clear too.  This is not the case.  ALL Woodpecker trunks are clear on the top, so when looking at the trunk to determine the variation, it is the bottom that must be examined.

So why are there differences in the trunk base?  According to a former employee, the SCS Woodpeckers were supposed to have a clear base.  But something did not go as planned during manufacturing, and the trunks had to be, more or less, ‘filed’ to make the bottom smooth and allow the Woodpeckers figurine to stand upright.  The next step should have been to re-polish the trunk base to restore it to its original intended design.  But that did not occur…the trunks were ‘backstamped’ and used as is.  So, in short, the filing the base and leaving it with a frosted-like appearance was a corrective action taken when the bases did not come out of the mold process ‘just right’.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the articles about the second SCS Annual Edition exclusively for SCS members: the Swarovski Woodpeckers.

In 1988, the SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers retailed for $165 USD.  For this price, the SCS member received the crystal figurine, an octagon-shaped display mirror with a Swarovski logo, an SCS custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While Swarovski Woodpeckers Variation 1 (Frosted Base),  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging can usually be purchased on the secondary market for $1000 – $1400.  Swarovski Woodpeckers Variation 2 (Clear Base),  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging is much harder to and likely will cost $2500 – $2800 from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.  At the present time, they have one Variation 2 Woodpeckers crystal figurine only (no box, no certificate, no mirror) at $1875 plus shipping.  Personally, since they cannot be distinguished displayed on a shelf, I would have a hard time spending the extra $1,000 to get Variation 2 over Variation 1.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – SCS 1988 Annual Edition

Following the Swarovski Lovebirds, the Swarovski Woodpeckers was the second figurine in the ‘Caring and Sharing’ series.  The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, were available for purchase only in 1988 by Swarovski SCS members.  By then, SCS membership had grown and was available in more countries than just the English-speaking ones.

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers – ‘Sharing’, 1988 Annual Edition

 

The Swarovski Sharing Woodpeckers stands just over 4″tall.  It is a figurine with 2 clear birds, attached a frosted tree trunk. The birds are a mother woodpecker (the bird with the full body) and a baby woodpecker, with its head peeking out of the tree.  Since the figurines are hand-assembled, we often see the woodpeckers at various angles and proximity from each other.  Sometimes the beaks are so close that you can barely slip a piece of paper between them, while other figurines may have the woodpeckers situated such that the beaks are nearly ¼” apart.

Adi Stocker is the designer of the Swarovski Woodpeckers.  The SCS Woodpeckers were the first SCS figurine he created with full credit from the crystal brand.  Since that year, Adi Stocker has designed 4 other Swarovski AE figurines.

 

The Sharing Woodpeckers contain the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Looking closely at the underside of the frosted tree trunk, the year “88” can be seen.  Per Swarovski’s definition, the designer’s initials “A St” should be visible, but it must be very faint.

 

 

Woodpeckers Backstamp (Frosted Base)

The Woodpeckers were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X881, and when Swarovski began using system numbers for identification, 014 745 was divulged, so it can be identified using either number.

Since the 1988 SCS Woodpeckers, the crystal giant has produced other Swarovski woodpecker figurines:

  • Swarovski Woodpeckers, Black Diamond  by Elisabeth Adamer.  These Swarovski Woodpeckers, in the Paradise line, retires in 2012.
  • Swarovski Woodpecker, Ziggy by Edith Mair.  This Woodpecker, in the Lovlots line, was a limited edition figurine available in 2010 only.

The SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers retailed for $165 USD in 1988.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, an octagon-shaped display mirror, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    The Swarovski Woodpeckers,  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging can usually be purchased on the secondary market for $1000 – $1400, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

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 Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – SCS 1987 Annual Edition

2012 is the 25th anniversary of the Swarovski Crystal Society (better known as the Swarovski SCS).   According to the crystal brand, there are over 300,000 members in their exclusive Swarovski club.  Swarovski is commemorating the event with some special figurines, including the Swarovski Jubilee Dragon.   Kristall Buzz is going to join in on the celebration featuring articles on the Swarovski Annual Editions over the next couple of months.  Swarovski Lovebirds are the feature crystal figure of this article.

Swarovski SCS Lovebirds – Togetherness, 1987 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Lovebirds were available for purchase only in 1987 for collectors who were members in the Swarovski SCS.  At that time, SCS was an acronym for Swarovski Collectors Society.  The Swarovski SCS was begun in 1987 only in the English-speaking countries: USA, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and South Africa.  As a result, the distribution channel for the Togetherness Lovebirds was much more limited than it is today.

The Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds stands just over 4″ tall.  It is a figurine with 2 clear birds, somewhat looking at each other.  They have frosted beaks and are perched on a frosted branch.

Following the release of the Swarovski Lovebirds, two Swarovski designers were given credit for this beautiful design:  Adi Stocker and Max Schreck.  Togetherness is the only figurine designed by 2 Swarovski artists.  For about 10 years, either designer was permitted to sign the crystal figurine (at designer signing events).  But in 1998, Swarovski decided to give full credit of the Togetherness design to Max Schreck and Adi Stocker was no longer permitted to sign it.

The SCS Lovebirds does contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Looking closely at the underside of the frosted base, the designer’s initials “MS” and the year “87” can be seen.

The Lovebirds were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X861, and years later the system number 013 560 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.

The Swarovski Lovebirds is one of three crystal figurines in the Swarovski Caring and Sharing trilogy.

Other Swarovski Lovebird designs include the Swarovski Baby Lovebirds, which were produced 1996 – 2011.

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

The SCS Swarovski Lovebirds retailed for $150 USD in 1987.  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 Lovebirds spiked to over $4000 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $2300 – $2700, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Bubble Mo is Here! A Magic Day for the Swarovski Mo Herd!

May 29, 2012, our favorite crystal brand officially released the Swarovski Bubble Mo for purchase in their online shoppe.

The Swarovski Mo herd is excited to welcome the new blue cow to the Lovlots family.  The Mo Herd presently consists of….

Swarovski Bubble Mo, Lovlots Blue Cow, Limited Edition 2012
Swarovski Bubble Mo, New Blue Cow
  • Swarovski Alabaster Mo (2007 Exclusive Edition)
  • Swarovski Belle Mo (2010 – 2012)
  • Swarovski Bubble Mo, Limited Edition 2012
  • Swarovski Charming Mo, Limited Edition 2011
  • Swarovski Country Mos, Limited Edition 2010
  • Swarovski Flower Mo, Limited Edition 2009
  • Swarovski Glamour Mos, Limited Edition 2010
  • Swarovski Halloween Mo, Limited Edition 2009
  • Swarovski Lucky Mo, Limited Edition 2012
  • Swarovski Missy Mo (2006 -2012)
  • Swarovski Missy Mo, Large (2006 – 2009)
  • Swarovski Pinky Mo, Limited Edition 2007
  • Swarovski Santa Mo, Limited Edition 2011
  • Swarovski Soccer Mo, Limited Edition 2008
  • Swarovski Sunshine Mo, Limited Edition 2011

On the crystal brand’s web site, they state that Limited Edition Swarovski Bubble Mo will be limited to 10 per person.  This guideline is in place to ensure that many collectors can purchase them directly from Swarovski at original retail price of $65.  If there were no maximum quantity in place (as has long been the practice on the Swarovski Mo figurines), they can be quickly found in the online auctions at higher prices, which does not make dedicated collectors very happy.

Swarovski Bubble Mo blue cow is about 1 ¾” height.  The company uses these colors in their official product description: Scuba Blue, Air Blue Opal, and Lavender crystal.  Swarovski mentions that the laser engraved bubbles are symbolic of bubbles of excitement in the product description.

Collectors wanting any of the retired or discontinued cow Swarovski Mo figurines can likely find them at Crystal Exchange America in the ‘Lovlots and Zodiac’ category of the store.

I’m placing my order today for the Limited Edition Lovlots Bubble Mo. I hope she is as cute in person as she looks online!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Wild Horses – NLE in 2001

The Swarovski Wild Horses were the third Swarovski NLE produced for SCS members, available in 2001.  This Swarovski masterpiece celebrated 25 years for the Swarovski Silver crystal product line.  The Swarovski Limited Edition Wild Horses are my favorite of the NLE that was produced by the crystal giant.

Swarovski Numbered Limited Edition Wild Horses

The NLE Wild Horses were designed by Martin Zendron, who is credited with over 80 figurines to date.  The Swarovski Wild Horses were a result researching and watching mustangs in North America and horses in the Austrian Alps.

10,000 Swarovski Wild Horses were produced, along with 150 production samples.  This Swarovski NLE was the first NLE to utilize frosted accents.  Frosting was used on the manes and tails, along with the flat base that the pair of clear horses is attached to.  The 2001 Wild Horses is just over 13″ long and is about 5 1/2″ tall.  Swarovski assigned the part number 7607 000 003 and system number 236 720 to the 2001 Wild Horses.

Like all the previous Swarovski NLE, the Wild Horses came in a grey leather-like suitcase, with gloves and a cleaning cloth.  This suitcase lock for this figurine does not use a key like previous NLE cases (Eagle and Peacock).  This was more convenient to avoid issues with key loss, as well as it being more secure with 2 separate latches.  Additionally, this figurine is accompanied by an official signed Swarovski certificate that includes the unique sequence number that matches the laser-engraved number in the base of the Wild Horses.  A full color presentation book was also included in the box

The Wild Horses has a separate black wooden stand to make the figurine a bit more stable.  Swarovski also used the concept of a separate display stand for 4 NLE.  (I never cared for the display stands as this blocked light in my crystal cabinet making it more difficult to enjoy figurines displayed on shelves below the stands.)

The Numbered Limited Edition Swarovski Wild Horses had the 2nd highest original MSRP of $4000, outdone only by the Swarovski NLE Rhinoceros in 2008 at $4125.  On the secondary market, the Wild Horses is out-performing all the other Swarovski NLE, presently selling at $3900 – $4700 for recent transactions.

If you want to own the unique Swarovski crystal masterpiece, the Swarovski Wild Horses, available only to SCS members in 2001, Crystal Exchange America does have a few available.  Simply visit their online store at www.CrystalExchange.com and then navigate to the Collector Society / SCS category, then SCS Annual & Limited Editions.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Limited Online Edition Lime Panther Officially Released!

Exclusively available from April 14, 2012 onward, Swarovski is proud to present the Limited Online Edition Lime Panther.  This eclectic, eye-catching crystal sculpture is limited to 888 pieces which are only available from the Swarovski online shop.  The Limited Online Edition Lime Panther is the third in a series of online exclusive panthers. Balanced and impressive, the sculpture captures a graceful poise and seduces with its exceptional color in perfectly faceted crystal. The Black Spot granite base sets a nice contrast and further underlines the strength inherent to these famed creatures. Graceful power combined with luxurious materials which better combination could possibly grace your interior?

The Swarovski Lime Panther Online Limited Edition has a retail price of $1100.00 USD.  The system number for the crystal Lime Panther is 1142792.

Other Swarovski Panthers available for purchase from the crystal brand include:

  1. Swarovski Soulmate Panther (clear) – 9600 000 074 / 874 337.  Introduced in 2007 and retired in 2011.
  2. Swarovski Soulmate Limited Online Edition Panther (black) – 9600 000 151 / 1060325. Introduced and sold out in 2010.
  3. Swarovski Soulmate Moroda Panther – (moroda) 1096051.  New release for 2011.
  4. Swarovski Soulmate Limited Online Edition Orange Shine Panther (copper-like) – 1096050. Introduced and sold out in 2011.

The Limited Edition Black Panther (500 units) sold out in under 48 hours according to the Swarovski web site.  The Limited Edition Orange Shine Panther (888 units) took about 3 months to sell out.

The designer for the Swarovski Soulmate Panther figurines is Heinz Tabertshofer.  All the crystal figurines are fully faceted animals attached to black spot granite bases.  The online limited editions (black and orange shine panthers) are engraved in the granite base with a unique # and the words limited online edition.

The Limited Edition Black Panther has been trading at favorable pricing to the seller on the secondary market, with selling prices in the $2900 to $3300 range.  The Limited Edition Orange Shine Panther has been trading prices very close to original retail price: $1200 – $1400.

I’m sure that crystal fanatics wish they had a crystal ball (pardon the pun) to know how this one is going to sell in the future: buy only one for their collection, or buy several in hopes of making a few bucks?  (Reminder….Swarovski indicates on their web site that quantities are limited to 3 per person).  I have purchased mine (just one). One thing for sure: you’ll want place your order now, so that you won’t have to pay secondary market prices to add this Swarovski Limited Edition to your crystal collection later.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Providence Clock on eBay

Swarovski and Clock collectors may be pleased to hear about a retired Swarovski Clock on eBay with an appealing opening bid!  The clock on ebay is the Swarovski Providence Table Clock (ebay item # 140729693062).

Swarovski Providence Table Clock
Swarovski Providence Table Clock Numbers on Back

The Swarovski Providence Clock was designed by Steven Weinberg.  This table clock stands about 7″ tall.  Swarovski assigned 9280 000 037 as the official part number and 235 432 as the official system number.  Our favorite crystal company produced this clock from 1998 through 2003.  During the 5 year production run, the Swarovski Providence Table Clock retailed for $850.  Some of the clock units had edition numbers laser etched in the crystal on the back side.  I even discovered something new while I was writing this article…there are clock numbers on the back side of where the clock face is set in (3, 6, 9, and 12 o’clock only, with dots representing other numeric positions)! Now, nearly 10 years after retirement, the Swarovski Providence Clock generally sells in the $175 to $300 price range.

The crystal giant sold a number of Swarovski Clock figurines, which are featured in a Kristall Buzz post from September, 2011.  Be sure to check out the article for more information about the nearly 20 clocks available over the years.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Clocks, Crystal Exchange America has a variety available. The Crystal Exchange America web site is at www.CrystalExchange.com  The clocks can be found in the category Other Silver Crystal, sub-category Clocks.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America