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.
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.