The first SCS figurine in the Fabulous Creature trilogy was the Swarovski Unicorn. Like some of the previous trilogies, Swarovski offered an optional display stand for 1996 AE crystal figurine as well.
The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn stand measures 6″ in length. It originally retailed for $45. The Unicorn Stand Box features a line drawing of the Unicorn, so any collector easily confirm when the stand is in the correct box.
The Swarovski Unicorn Stand is 2 colors with an opaque plastic piece for the Unicorn base. The remainder of the Unicorn Stand is painted wood: mostly black with a forest green trim along the very bottom edge. Trying to describe it any further would be difficult, so it is best to rely on the picture.
Swarovski SCS Unicorn Stand
The identification # for the Swarovski Unicorn Stand, as established in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski and recognized by other professional brokers is # DO1X961S.
As time has passed, we have notice the black paint peeling or chipping on the corner edges. This is one place in particular that crystal fanatics should look at when buying a SCS Unicorn Stand for their figurine display.
At present, there are not many SCS Unicorn Stands available on the secondary market or at auction. Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books recommends an insurance value of $210, based on research done in January 2012. Recent trends on the secondary market indicate trading prices in the $130 – $175. At the online auctions, there were some completed auctions near $50 for stands, and those stands were minus original factory packaging. In summary, the replacement value of the Swarovski Unicorn Stand will vary greatly depending on condition (good paint vs peeling paint) and whether or not original factory packaging is included.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The luxury giant Swarovski normally produces jewelry accessories that correspond to each year’s SCS annual editions. During the Wonders of the Sea trilogy, the company produced the Swarovski SCS Clownfish Brooch. The Swarovski Clownfish pin, was produced in 2005, the same time as the Harmony figurine displays.
Swarovski Harmony SCS Clownfish Brooch
The Swarovski Clownfish Brooch is oval, with a pair of clownfish swimming toward each other. The brooch is about 1.75 wide. The fish are reddish-orange with clear pave crystal stripes. Additional round Swarovski stones are located on the brooch to appear like air bubbles in the sea. This Swarovski Clownfish Pin was only available in 2005 and could only be purchased by Swarovski SCS members.
The popular Swarovski book, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski: Beyond Silver Crystal, shows a Swarovski-designated system number of 1514933. The Warner’s assigned a Swarovski ERV of $45 in 2011.
With this brief overview of the Swarovski Harmony Clownfish Brooch, we can share the news that we do have one on eBay, item #140728350047) at a realistic Buy-It-Now price, which includes FREE UPS Ground shipping.
For other Swarovski SCS Jewelry items, crystal fanatics may check out the Jewelry by Swarovski category of the Crystal Exchange America website, located at www.CrystalExchange.com.
So now, with less than 24 hours til 2012, many Swarovski fanatics have already heard that the 2012 SCS Annual Edition is going to be a Whale named Paikea. For those that did not know, here are the details about Swarovski Paikea from the Swarovski online shoppe.
The Swarovski 2012 annual edition is a crystal whale that measures 4 3/4 x 6 3/8 inches. The Swarovski system number is 1095228. The MSRP of the Swarovski 2012 Humpback Whale is $530. Swarovski Paikea is made of shadow crystal with crystal moonlight fins. The whale is leaping over a wave and includes a title plaque, which is in the shape of a wave. The designer of Paikea the humpback whale is Stefanie Nederegger.
Swarovski has begun providing personalities and naming the annual editions. Siku the Polar Bear (siku from ice) And now Paikea (meaning tame whale), which also has an interesting origin. This one is a bit longer more difficult to pronounce (PY keh ah).
Here are links to a few pictures posted on the internet and the Swarovski 2012 Whale on ebay
The Swarovski SCS Paikea Whale appears very powerful in this 2012 annual edition representation. A Swarovski SCS Young Whale, also designed by Stefanie Nederegger, is available to members as an optional purchase. The system # for the Swarovski Young Whale is 1096741 and it has an MSRP of $180.
Swarovski previously produced a whale as an SCS figurine. The former Swarovski SCS Whales was available in 1992. This crystal figurine was a mother and baby whale atop an ocean wave. This SCS whale was designed by Michael Stamey and was a part of the ‘Mother and Child’ trilogy. Retailing for $265, this Swarovski crystal figurine generally sells in the range of $350 – $400 at present day.
Here’s looking forward to a happy, safe, and healthy new year.’ I’m looking forward to getting the Swarovski Paikea for my Swarovski collection!
Swarovski SCS editions are among the most popular crystal designs that are sold on the online store of Crystal Exchange America. One of the more recent trilogies was the Swarovski Wonders of the Sea.
Swarovski Eternity (left), Swarovski Harmony (center), Swarovski Community (right)
The three Swarovski AE‘s in the Wonders of the Sea trilogy are Harmony, Eternity, and Community. This trilogy was unique in a number of ways.
Each SCS edition was available in both a clear crystal version and a colored crystal version
The SCS editions were available for purchase until the completion of the series
Clarifying the different offerings, Swarovski article numbers, availabilityâ.
Swarovski Community (clear) – 9100 000 044 / 854 651
Community was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer. It was available for purchase only in 2007.
One more than one occasion, we’ve been asked What is the correct way to display the Wonders of the Sea trilogy?
For this trilogy, Swarovski released the center unit first, which was Harmony. In the picture, Harmony is shown with the colored clown fish. The next release, Eternity, is the leftmost unit. Eternity is shown with the clear turtle swimming toward the clown fish and blue coral. (Note how the fish near the top of the 2 displays flow together.) The final release, Community, is the rightmost unit. Community is shown with colored banner fish swimming toward the clown fish in the picture.
Crystal Exchange America has most of the Swarovski Wonders of the Sea figurines available in their online store. To see all the Swarovski SCS editions, view the Collector Society / SCS category. Or a shopper can use the store’s search feature and type in Harmony, Eternity, or Community, depending on the SCS edition desired.
Great news for Swarovski Crystal Society members the golden 2011 Ornament, which is exclusive to the Swarovski SCS members, is now available on the Swarovski web site for purchase! This special Swarovski Annual Edition Ornament is limited to one per member, and is only available through the end of 2011.
Our favorite crystal brand began producing Swarovski AE ornaments in 2009. Being a success, Swarovski continued the trend into 2010 and 2011. The primary difference between the annual edition Swarovski Ornament and the SCS Ornament, is that the Swarovski SCS ornament is Golden Shine in color instead of clear. Additional differences include the gold-colored ribbon that it hangs from, and the special gold-colored packaging in lieu of the traditional blue Swarovski Box.
If you are a Swarovski SCS member and have not yet begun your collection of these limited edition ornaments, it’s not too late. Crystal Exchange America has both the 2009 and 2010 editions available. As a hint, ornaments are most expensive during the Christmas holiday season, so pricing will be more attractive now, than in another two months. To find them on the web site of this retired Swarovski dealer, go to www.CrystalExchange.com . Then check out the category Christmas and Ornaments. Not only will you find the Swarovski SCS Golden Shadow ornaments, you’ll find many other Swarovski ornaments dating back to 1987.
Since the launch of the Lovebirds in 1987, the Swarovski annual editions were created as trilogies:
Swarovski Loyalty Gift figurines
Caring and Sharing (Lovebirds, Woodpeckers, Turtledoves)
Mother and Child (Dolphins, Seals, Whales)
Inspiration Africa (Elephant, Kudu, Lion)
Fabulous Creatures (Unicorn, Dragon, Pegasus)
Masquerade (Pierrot, Columbine, Harlequin)
Magic of Dance (Isadora, Antonio, Anna)
In 2007, the final year of the Wonders of the Sea trilogy (Harmony, Eternity, and Community), Swarovski offered a loyalty gift to an SCS member who purchased all three crystal figurines in the series. The loyalty gift for Wonders of the Sea was the Blue Tang Fish. If the member purchased all three Wonders of the Sea clear figurines, the Blue Tang Fish was clear. If the member purchased all three Wonders of the Sea colored figurines, the Blue Tang Fish was colored. The loyalty gift for this series was never available for purchase; it had to be earned.
The trilogy offered 2008 through 2010 was Endangered Species. Swarovski SCS members who purchased all three in the series, Pandas, Gorillas, and Tiger, received a Standing Tiger Cub for their loyalty gift. An identical Standing Tiger Cub was also available for purchase by SCS members for $180, but under a different part number / system number
I found out, albeit the hard way, that my local retailer would sometimes use my SCS number, and other times my husband’s SCS number. I did not know this until I called Swarovski asking where my loyalty gift was. I was told that neither number was used for all three years, so I was not eligible to receive the loyalty gift. I wasn’t sure how that was my fault, nonetheless, no free gift.
These Swarovski loyalty gifts, the two Blue Tang Fish and Standing Tiger Cub, typically sell $125 – $175 on the secondary market or in the online auctions
On the company’s web site, in an exclusive area containing Swarovski news, it is mentioned that there will be a loyalty gift in 2013 for SCS members who purchase annual editions in 2011, 2012, and 2013. It appears to be a secret at this time..no clue if it will be complimentary to the annual editions for the three years, or a completely different figurine. So, knowing that Swarovski is continuing the tradition they began in 2007, make sure that you confirm your SCS number is being used when you make your Swarovski crystal Annual Edition purchase.
My Swarovski magazine arrived about a week ago, and yesterday I found the time to open and read it. This is the 2nd edition of 2011 with a picture of the Swarovski NLE Bald Eagle on the front of it. About halfway thru the magazine was an article / 4 page ad about the “Aura by Swarovski” perfume.
The article is an interview with family member Markus Langes-Swarovski, who is a member of the Swarovski board. He goes into some detail about ‘bringing the brand to life beyond crystal’ and how this was a vision that the original Swarovski generations would approve of.
Swarovski and the Clarins Fragrance Group entered into a relationship in 2003 that would ultimately allow the vision to become a reality. In 2011, this magical launch would finally come to pass. This introduction of Aura included Fragrance bottles filled with pink Aura perfume, a Make-Up Jewel containing lip gloss or balm, and shimmering body cream.
Of course, by now, Swarovski is hosting a web site specifically for this new product line. The web site is www.SwarovskiBeauty.com. In addition to the above mentioned products, the web site also mentions perfumed shower gel and perfumed deodorant spray.
Curious about the Aura scent? Great news for Swarovski crystal collectors, there is a sample inside the magazine! If for some reason your magazine has not arrived, it appears that web site surfers (of SwarovskiBeauty.com) can request a free sample of the perfume (for certain countries).
The Swarovski magazine indicates that Aura will be available at selective perfumeries, department stores, and Swarovski Boutiques. I’ve looked around on the internet and not found it available anywhere in the USA. When I tried to find prices for the various product offerings, I did not find them listed in USD.
The Swarovski Aura bottles are made of glass and metal, topped with asymmetrical Swarovski crystalcomponents attached to the bottle. The Swarovski Aura perfume inside is pink in color.
I’ve written several other postings on the Kristall Buzz about this new perfume:
