Category: Swarovski Limited Editions

Swarovski Black Panther NLE 2010 has new Crystal Cat Competition

The Black Panther, Swarovski NLE 2010, sold out very quickly when it was released for online purchasing in April last year. With a retail price tag of $960, the Swarovski Black Panther (jet was the official color) was one of the most affordable NLE issues that was produced by the crystal giant.  And a maximum production quantity of only 500 figurines, this was another nice feature that made this black cat quite desirable.  Shortly after the sell-out date, the Swarovski Black Panther sky-rocketed to its current secondary market price of $2500-$3000 USD.

 

Swarovski Black Panther, NLW 2010

All this being said, the Swarovski Black Panther may have some competition in the very near future.  The crystal brand is releasing another colored panther…the Swarovski Moroda Panther.  The Swarovski system number is 1096051.  Looking at the product picture at the Swarovski web site, you may very well think that this newest panther is brown, which would indeed make it a bit different from the original Black Panther.

Swarovski Moroda Panther, 2011

However, if you look at another new release, the Swarovski French Angelfish, this release has a lot of ‘moroda’ colored crystal accents, and the official Swarovski product description for the fish states that Moroda is black.  BLACK?  BLACK!

Well, of course any color differentiation cannot be done until a collector has both Swarovski Panther figurines side by side.  But at the moment, I am feeling uneasy about this new release.  My NLE Swarovski Black Panther has gone up in value…something that cannot be said very often these days.  If this new cat, the Moroda Panther, is a shade of black, history indicates that the (jet) Black Panther values will drop as many collectors will likely settle for purchasing the Moroda Panther for a fraction of the price.

I have seen this new-similar-design approach in the past, and it nearly always brings down the value of the original design as buyers will simply not pay higher prices for retired figurines when Swarovski has other cheaper, suitable alternatives.  Examples of this phenomenon include: Swarovski SCS Dragon (DO1X971) and Dragon (7550 000 005), Swarovski SCS Turtledoves (DO1X891) and Turtledoves (7621 000 011), Swarovski SCS Dolphins (DO1X901) and Dolphin (7644 000 001).  (and there are other look-alike figurines, these are only a few).  All the Swarovski SCS crystal figurines dropped hundreds of dollars, 30% – 50%, depending on the figurine.  While the economy certainly contributes to the decline in value of the secondary market in general, I do believe that for these figurines, it was precipitated by the release of the similar-looking figurines which, by the way, are all still current on the Swarovski web site.  I foresee history repeating itself…good for the company with more sales of a newly-released panther, no-so-good for collectors who have valuable retired Swarovski figurines, in this case, the beautiful (jet) Black Panther.

If you like the Swarovski Panther design, but prefer clear crystal figurines, the crystal brand does offer the figurine in clear crystal, but it is retiring very soon (2011).  The clear cat has a system number of 874 337.  The Swarovski designer credited for the elegant design is Heinz Tabertshofer.  All the Swarovski Panther figurines come in a firm blue box, a cleaning cloth, and gloves.  All retail(ed) for $960.

If you are a feline fanatic, you may be interested to know that there are other Swarovski crystal wild cat figurines:  Swarovski Leopard, Swarovski Lion, Swarovski Golden Shadow Lion, and Swarovski Tiger.  Most of these can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site:  http://www.crystalexchange.com/ .

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Golden Shadow Hare Rabbit Coming Soon

It appears that Swarovski has another Hare / Rabbit / Bunny soon to be released.  This Swarovski Hare is made of Crystal Golden Shadow with jet crystal eyes.  I believe it is the same design as the upcoming Swarovski Limited Edition Hare, but in a different color.

The Swarovski Hare (golden shadow) is about 1.5″ in length and will retail for $60 US.  I found stores accepting pre-orders for this item, and it seems that they should be available near the end of March, which is just before the Swarovski Limited Edition Hare is to launch.

Swarovski Hare in Crystal Golden Shadow

There are a number of retired Swarovski hare / bunny / rabbit designs if you collect the Swarovski crystal bunny figurines:

  • Swarovski Bunny Rabbit – 7678 000 001 / 208 326
  • Swarovski Rabbit, Large (US & Canada only) – 7652 045 000 / 013 725
  • Swarovski Rabbit, Mini – 7652 020 000 / 010 012
  • Swarovski Rabbit, Mini Lying – 7678 030 000 / 014 848
  • Swarovski Rabbit, Mini Sitting – 7678 040 000 / 014 849
  • Swarovski Rabbit, Mother – 7623 055 000 / 014 850
  • Swarovski Zodiac Rabbit – 7693 000 009 / 622 845

Many of these retired Swarovski  rabbit / hare / bunny designs can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site http://www.crystalexchange.com/ .  At the site, use the search feature, keyword “rabbit”.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Hare (Rabbit) soon at Swarovski Shop

Swarovski has made its official announcement to SCS members about the Swarovski Limited Edition Hare.  The company informs its Swarovski Club members that the limited edition hare will be available in the Swarovski Online shop only (this means not at store retailers or boutiques).  The planned launch date is April 11, 2011.

The Swarovski Limited Edition Hare appears to be made of smokey quartz (gray) crystal.  Swarovski does not mention size, price, or quantity produced in its online announcement.  They do mention that the Swarovski limited edition hare is a global release, so I take it that there are no exclusions as to who can purchase it (sometimes online-only releases are limited to specific countries).

Swarovski Golden Shadow Hare
Swarovski Golden Shadow Hare

 

There are other Swarovski hare / rabbit figurines in the Swarovski shop if you are a bunny collector:
  • Swarovski Rabbit (Chinese Zodiac)
  • Swarovski Sitting Rabbit
  • Swarovski Lying Rabbit
  • Swarovski Thumper (from Bambi)
  • Swarovski Bella (Lovlots Rabbit)

If you are looking for Retired Swarovski Rabbit figurines, many can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site. I believe that all the retired Swarovski crystal rabbits are clear crystal figurines.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Bald Eagle NLE 2011 for SCS

Swarovski stores are actively contacting their SCS customers about placing an order for the Swarvoski NLE  2011 – the Swarovski Bald Eagle.

Swarovski Limited Edition Bald Eagle – SCS NLE for 2011

A store in Ohio has added the Swarovski Bald Eagle to their web site Limited Edition Bald Eagle.

This video on the Swarovski Bald Eagle is on YouTube:

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From what we have heard, an SCS member may purchase more than one Swarovski Bald Eagle.  We’ve also heard that about 1/3 of the 10,000 Bald Eagles are allocated to SCS members in the USA.  Coming from our customers, a number of Swarovski members have already declined to purchase as they prefer a clear crystal limited edition figurine.

The Swarovski Bald Eagle is the seventh Swarovski Numbered Limited Edition (of 10,000) issued by Swarovski since 1995.  Other Swarovski NLE include:

So, if you are highly interested to add the Swarovski Crystal Bald Eagle to your collection, you may wish to contact your favorite retailer real soon, ready with your SCS valid membership number, so that your order can be placed for the crystal figurine.  As Swarovski has done in the past with other NLE, after a short period of time, the Swarovski Bald Eagles will be offered online to non-SCS members.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Rare Swarovski Crystal Centrotavola (NLE) sold by Crystal Exchange America

The Swarovski Centrotavola Centerpiece is a rare and unique sculpture that was in the Daniel Swarovski product line.  So you are wondering just how rare it is?  Swarovski produced only 250 of them from 1989 to 1997.  The Centrotavola bowl is a Swarovski NLE. Each of the Centrotavola centerpiece bowls had a numbered certificate (matches the number engraved on the bowl) accompanying the rare figurine.  The original MSRP of the figurine was $5275.

Swarovski Centrotavola Centerpiece sitting on Swarovski Box

The Swarovski artist credited with the design is Ettore Sottsass.  The Swarovski part number is 9980 000 005.  The Swarovski system number is 155 459.  This magnificent centerpiece measures 10″ in diameter.
There are surprising factors in the sale the length of time listed and the final selling price.  I’d like to think that a Swarovski limited edition figurine of 250 units would definitely hold the original retail price.  And that a Swarovski limited edition figurine of 250 units would have a faster turnaround with respect to how quickly it sells after it is listed on the web site.

This rare Swarovski crystal Centrotavola was listed  on the Crystal Exchange America web site (http://www.crystalexchange.com/) nearly 2 ½ years prior to selling.  Not only that, the list price when it sold was about 33% LESS than the original MSRP.  The Centrotavola bowl was in MINT condition with all original packaging, so condition, certificate, and box did not play a part in the final price.

Swarovski Certificate, engraved number, and engraved designer signature

So what does this mean to Swarovski fanatics?  I believe there are a lot of factors that contribute to whether or not retired Swarovski sells quickly and the final selling price of the figurines.  In this case, I think the biggest factors are the economy and the overall appeal to the collector.  The economy is still weaker, contributing to the overall trading prices on ALL retired Swarovski collectibles.  Since our beautiful Swarovski crystal is not a necessity, people and collectors are spending less money from their expendable budget on it.  While the Centrotavola is certainly a magnificent Swarovski figurine, I think that many collectors still prefer animal-type figurines and sculptures.   My company, Crystal Exchange America, has a much higher turnover rate on animals or cute figurines, than on functional items, like candleholders, bowls, or more artsy-type productions from Swarovski.

My strong recommendation is to purchase the Swarovski crystal figurines that a collector personally likes and will get enjoyment out of displaying.  I used to purchase more Swarovski than I do now.mostly due to the economy and limitations on my budget.  So, it is more important than ever for me to pick my favorite Swarovski figurines when I make that decision to purchase.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Myriad Collection (NLE) Video on YouTube

I recently found a Swarovski video that features issues from the Swarovski Crystal Myriad Collection on YouTube.

It features the four Swarovski Crystal Myriad sculptures from 2010:

The Swarovski Crystal Myriad objects of art are all Swarovski NLE (Swarovski Numbered Limited Editions).  Each Crystal Myriad has a maximum production of 300 units.  Depending on the item, the Crystal Myriad figurine has 32,000 – 63,000 hand-set crystals.  In general, the more the crystals and hours to create, the higher the purchase price.  The price range of the Crystal Myriad figurines is $12,000 – $18,000.  WOW!  I think they should come to life for that pretty penny!  (or at a minimum that I can drive it somewhere)

I am a confused about the availability of the Swarovski Crystal Myriad collection.  At one place on Swarovski’s web site, it states that the Swarovski Jinlong and Swarovski Amurath are sold out.  However, it you go directly to the item on the site, it is still possible to add both of them to your shopping cart.  From previous experience, if an item is not available on the Swarovski site, I’d see a button that indicates ‘go to the boutique finder’ vs add to cart.

If you are interested in lower-priced Swarovski Limited Editions, many are available on the Crystal Exchange America web site.  The limited edition Swarovski figurines can be found in the ‘Limited Editions’ and ‘SCS Annual and Limited Editions’ categories of the store web site.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Jade, Lovlots 2011 Limited Edition Crystal Figurine

Swarovski fanatics will be excited about the upcoming release of the new Swarovski Jade, the Lovlots 2011 Limited Edition!

Swarovski Jade is a Dancing Horse, part of the new Swarovski Lovlots Circus series.  Swarovski Jade is a limited edition crystal figurine available only in 2011. A cute photo of Swarovski Jade and more information regarding launch date (March 7, 2011) is available at the Swarovski web site.

Other Swarovski Lovlots Circus crystal figures that go with Jade, the Swarovski dancing horse, are: Swarovski Benny Bunny, Swarovski Jasmine Dancing Horse, Swarovski Leo Lion, Swarovski Rolly Monkey, Swarovski Rosalie Dancing Horse,  Swarovski Toby Elephant,  and Swarovski Tony Elephant.

Pictures of eight Swarovski Lovlots Circus figurines can be found at the Swarovski web site.  The site also states that they should be available in the online shop for purchase in March of 2011.  There is no mention of the price on any of them.

The Swarovski Lovlots Circus is the 4th series of adorable Lovlots figurines.  The other Swarovski Lovlots are series include: Swarovski City Park, Swarovski House of Cats, and Swarovski Gang of Dogs.  Another “unofficial series” are the Lovlots Pioneers which are initial group of Lovlots figurines.
The crystal brand has previously offered Swarovski Limited Editions in the Lovlots series product line:
  • Ziggy, (Woodpecker)  – Swarovski LE from City Park
  • Theo (Cat) – Swarovski LE from House of Cats
  • Violetta (Poodle) – Swarovski LE  from Gang of Dogs

Other special limited edition Swarovski Lovlots include: Shady (Swarovski LE 2006), Pinky Mo (Swarovski LE 2007), Swarovski Soccer Mo (Swarovski LE 2008), Swarovski Flower Mo (Swarovski LE 2009), Swarovski Halloween Mo (Swarovski LE 2009), Swarovski Country Mos (Swarovski LE 2010), Swarovski Glamour Mos (Swarovski LE 2010), and Swarovski Charming Mo (Swarovski LE 2011).  The limited edition year in engraved on the bottom of these Swarovski Lovlots crystal issues.

If your Swarovski collection is missing a retired Swarovski Lovlots figurine, Crystal Exchange America has a large selection available. They have figurines from all four series in addition to the special limited edition Lovlots.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski NLE 2011 – Swarovski Bald Eagle

Within the past few days, one of our clients has received a number of phone calls from Swarovski retailers about placing his order for the Swarovski 2011 Numbered Limited Edition, the Swarovski Bald Eagle 2011.

Here’s some information about the Swarovski NLE Bald Eagle that the retailers shared:
  • The collector must supply his Swarovski SCS member number for the store to put in an order for the Swarovski Bald Eagle
  • The Swarovski 2011 NLE retails for nearly $4000.
  • Maximum production for the Swarovski NLE Bald Eagle is 10,000.
  • The 2011 NLE Swarovski Bald Eagle will come in a blue suitcase with a Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity and gloves.
  • The Swarovski NLE Bald Eagle uses colored crystal components.
  • The 2011 Swarovski Bald Eagle is sold on a first come, first serve basis.
  • Swarovski Designer for the Swarovski 2011 Bald Eagle is Heinz Tabertshofer.
I found this e-flyer on the internet for the Swarovski 2011 NLE Bald Eagle
Swarovski Bald Eagle Brochure
The crystal brand has produced other Swarovski Eagle figurines:
Other Swarovski Numbered Limited Editions include: Swarovski NLE Eagle – 1995, Swarovski NLE Peacock – 1998, Swarovski NLE Wild Horses – 2001, Swarovski NLE Elephant – 2004, Swarovski NLE Bull – 2006, and Swarovski NLE Rhinoceros – 2008.
So if you are highly interested to add the Swarovski Crystal Bald Eagle to your collection, you may wish to contact your favorite retailer, ready with your valid SCS membership number, so that they can get your order in for this crystal figurine.  As the company has done in the past with other NLE, after a short period of time, they will begin offering it to non-SCS members.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski NLE LE Crystal Acronyms

It is very common to see acronyms used in normal Swarovski descriptions and in online auctions (due to the limitation of characters in item titles).  While the majority of Swarovski crystal collectors understand the acronyms, I’m sure there are still a lot of new collectors and inexperienced bidders (aka newbies) on the scene. So, I thought I’d take some time do my best to explain the acronyms, provide history, and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski LE – Swarovski Limited Edition.  A Swarovski limited edition figurine may be limited by distribution channel.  A Swarovski limited edition figurine may be limited by year of availability.  A Swarovski limited edition figurine may be limited by quantity (but it may not be a Swarovski NLE) Examples of Swarovski Limited Editions are:
  • Swarovski Flower Mo – online only exclusive
  • Swarovski Tinker Bell – available only in 2008
  • Swarovski Employee Centenar – only 9700 produced

Swarovski NLE – Swarovski Numbered Limited Edition.  The Swarovski Numbered Limited Edition pieces are Swarovski figurines that are etched with a number and have a pre-determined maximum production quantity.  Examples of Swarovski NLE items include: Swarovski Eagle, Swarovski Peacock, Swarovski Wild Horses, Swarovski Elephant, Swarovski Bull, Swarovski Rhinoceros, and Swarovski Black Panther.  Pictures of six Swarovski NLE can be found online .  The four sculptures in the Swarovski Crystal Myriad Collection are additional of Swarovski NLE issues.

The difference between a Swarovski LE and Swarovski NLE is that the Swarovski LE itself is not numbered.  There are also Swarovski LE figurines that have numbered certificates, such as the Swarovski masks and Swarovski Platonic Bodies.  These items are not considered NLE since the number is not on the figurine itself.

Hopefully this brief discussion will help all Swarovski collectors in knowing what Limited Editions and Numbered Limited Editions are.  Understanding the differences is key so that no mistakes are made in understanding just how exclusive a particular retired Swarovski figurine may be.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Tinker Bell in 1998, 2008, & 2011

Swarovski crystal fanatics may be eager purchase the newest Tinker Bell in the 2011 Swarovski Peter Pan Collection.  This is definitely exciting news for Disney fanatics too that collect Swarovski crystal figurines.

The crystal brand also produced other Swarovski Tinker Bell figurines.  The Swarovski Tinkber Bell 1998 was the Arribas figurine.  Arribas Tinker Bell is about 3 ¼” tall and has over 280 pave Swarovski stones.  It originally retailed for $325. The Swarovski limited edition Tinker Bell had a maximum production of 10,000 units and was only distributed through the Arribas stores in the Walt Disney theme parks.

The next Swarovski Tinker Bell was in 2008.  The 2008 Swarovski Tinker Bell was a cooperative effort with Disney.  Swarovski Tinker Bell 2008 was a limited edition figurine produced in 2008.  It is nearly 5″ tall and includes a title plaque in the original retail price of $300.  This Swarovski limited edition Tinker Bell is now highly sought after on the secondary market and commands prices of $850 – $1200!

Tinker Bell fanatics have got to take note of all Swarovski Tinker Bell jewelry available in the online store.  Prices on the individual items are $65 – $150.
  • Swarovski Tinker Bell Aurore Boreale Pendant
  • Swarovski Tinker Bell Butterfly Pierced Earrings
  • Swarovski Tinker Bell Long Pendant
  • Swarovski Tinker Bell Star Bracelet
  • Swarovski Tinker Bell Star Pierced Earrings

The 2011 Swarovski Tinker Bell and Swarovski Peter Pan and feature accents in Olivine (green) crystal, with other colorful effects.  The crystal figurines in the Swarovski Tinker Bell / Peter Pan collection can be view on the Swarovski site.  The site does not mention size or price of the crystal figurines in the Peter Pan Collection.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Tinker Bell, Arribas or Disney figurines, Crystal Exchange America has many available. They have figurines dating back to the 1997 when Swarovski and Arribas worked together to create the first Limited Edition Swarovski Jeweled Mickey Mouse.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America