Swarovski Theo, Lovlots House of Cats, becomes a Crystal Globetrotter

Swarovski has produced and uploaded a video to YouTube about the Lovlots Theo traveling the globe.  The video shows Lovlots Theo (not to be confused with Theo the Turtle) at various locations in SouthEast Asia.

 

 

Swarovski Theo is a black cat, posed in a Halloween position and designed by Edith Mair.  Theo the cat is in the Lovlots collection, specifically the grouping House of Cats.  Theo was the Limited Edition Lovlots figurine for 2009.  Other Swarovski House of Cats character kitties that reside in the posh Lovlots Park Hills district include:

  • Swarovski Diane 988017, retires in 2011.  Pale chocolate cat modeling her strand of pearls designed by Edith Mair.
  • Swarovski Emily 995045  Fashion fuschia feline, with a butterfly resting on her ear, designed by Peter Heidegger.
  • Swarovski Marie and Pierre 995011, retires in 2011.  Pale blue and pale burgundy pair of romancing kitties designed by Edith Mair.
  • Swarovski Ines  995008.  Soft seal cat, decorated with a choker, designed by Edith Mair.
  • Swarovski Camille 995006, retires in 2011. A sleeping bronze cat designed by Stefanie Nederegger.

Like any manufacturer, Swarovski is about promoting new and current products.  I’m a bit confused as to their selection of figurines for this video a retired black cat.  Perhaps because Theo photographed well (taking good pictures of crystal can be tricky!)?  Perhaps they are planning to introduce a bigger Theo?  Only Swarovski knows the answer to this question.

Toward the end of the video, they mention taking pictures of Theo on his journey around the world and posting them to Facebook for a prize.  So there is some kind of Swarovski Theo Competition on the horizon, but I was not able to locate any further information on the subject.

If you are planning to participate in the Swarovski Theo Contest, and do not have this Limited Edition Lovlots figurine in your collection, you can find Swarovski Theo at www.crystalexchange.com .  Simply use the search feature and type in ‘Theo’ (without quotes).  Be sure to purchase the limited edition cat as I don’t believe Swarovski wants to see the Theo the Tortoise in photograph submissions!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski News: Free Itunes App ‘Swarovski Refract’ for Crystal Fanatics

Several days ago, I saw the Swarovski News that the crystal brand had released an appâ in the Apple iTunes store.  This free app, for the iPod Touch, iPhone, and iPad, is called Swarovski Refract.

Swarovski Refract Screen Shots
Actual Swarovski Refract Screen Shots

The Swarovski Refract App allows users to play with triangular shapes, lights, colors, and sounds.  In short, a player generates a triangle with sparkling tips then moves this shape around the screen to change the colors and sounds it generates.  The triangle shapes and sizes can also be modified.  During the play, sounds will be heard based on the various combinations of triangle order, size, and color to produce a brief tune.

Swarovski Refract comes with about 10 predefined compositions ranging in length from 1 to 3 minutes.  There is one that is 22+ minutes long.

The Swan in the upper left corner acts like a home button, bringing up the main menu and options.  There are three features in the app that are initially locked, and can be unlocked by completing simple tasks.  One  feature is Duck J, which adds some funky rhythms and percussion beats to  the sounds. Another feature is the Nirvana Ring Feature, which adds some extra sparkle on the screen.  The remaining feature is Chaton feature, which adds some unique shape-echoing shadowing on the screen.

Swarovski Refract (simulated screen)

Of course, the crystal brand wants to promote Swarovski Refract via  composition-sharing.  Features in the app allow sharing via email, Facebook, and entering it into a competition.

The Swarovski Refract competition runs thru October 14, and the grand prize winner receives an iPad2 with a limited edition Swarovski crystal embellished iPad2 case.  A panel of 5 judges will select the top 10 entries for posting to Facebook, where Facebook fans will then vote on their favorite crystalline composition
I found another app in the iTune store that was an interesting play on touch and lights.  Called Uzu, it costs 99 cents to $1.99 depending on whether a user wants it for an iPod or iPad.  In it, a player touches the screen with 1 to 10 fingers, moving them around to generate some very busy action:  spirals, confetti, falling stars, and more, but without the sound or music.  A demo of Uzu can be found on YouTube.

Swarovski fanatics will find the Swarovski Refract App entertaining.  And with some patience, create a remarkable composition worth sharing, and perhaps winning!  Best of luck to anyone entering the Swarovski Refract competition!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski SCVNGR London Treasure Hunt – After the Event

Swarovski and SCVNGR teamed up for a scavenger / treasure hunt in London on September 24.  Approximately 500 couples participated in the event .  A few days ago, Swarovski posted a video on YouTube with some highlights of the hunt.

 

 

 

The theme of the Swarovski event was Discover Your Light  Teams had 40 to 50 challenges to complete during the affair which appeared to last about 2 hours.

Early in the video, there are some glimpses of the Swarovski Mini Cooper that was previewed just before the Royal Wedding in April, 2011.  (Glad to see it getting a few miles on it!)  At the end of the video, when the winners are making a few comments, the Swarovski Mini Cooper can again be seen.

Swarovski boutiques and notable London landmarks are captured in the video.  Contestants are using their smart phones and iPads in an effort to win that grand prize.

I’m hoping that Swarovski makes notes of all the positive points, looks at the issues that may have caused a few bumps, this brings this adventure to the USA.  It sounds to be great fun, with some Swarovski crystal perks along the way!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Sir Elton John has Swarovski Sparkle in “Million Dollar Piano Show”

Just last week, Sir Elton John has begun a three-year residency in Las Vegas in the Million Dollar Piano Show.

The Swarovski crystal glow will be present in the show as this world-famous singer, tailor and personal friend Richard James, and Swarovski have teamed up creating the most glittering wardrobe ever.  The wardrobe consists of 15 suits, 22 shirts, and 24 pairs of sunglasses worn throughout the concert performances and a sparkling cape worn during the finale.

This YouTube video features Nadja Swarovski and Richard James and their attire collaboration for this incredible artist, Elton John.  In the video, they tell us about the stunning 1.7 million Swarovski Elements stones that were used in the custom costume creation.

Noteworthy quotes from the singer and the crystal brand….

Sir Elton John: “I’ve always been a huge admirer of Swarovski and to work with them in this capacity is a dream come true.

Nadja  Swarovski,  Member  of  the  Executive  Board,  Swarovski  Crystal  Business,  commented:  “I’ve been a fan of Elton’s music for years and so I’m especially excited about Swarovski’s involvement in the ‘Million Dollar Piano’ through working  with  Richard  James  on  these  extraordinary  costumes.  Elton  is one of the most legendary performers and Richard is one of Britain’s best tailors – together they have created a dazzling spectacle that will take audiences breath away.”

More information can be found in the Swarovski Elton John press release. Photos of Elton John in his Swarovski-embellishd suits can be viewed at the Swarovski Press Centre.

Swarovski Crystal Fanatics….If you are in Las Vegas in October, 2011, you can check out his upcoming shows.  He is at The Colosseum at Caeser’s Palace.  TicketMaster shows availability for many weekend dates with ticket prices $55 – $500 depending on the date and seat location.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Falcon: Crystal Figurines and Crystal Myriad Alsaqr Almalaki

Within the Swarovski Crystal product lines, the falcon figurine is an infrequent design.  Off the top of my head, I can think of only two Swarovski Falcon figurines and the Crystal Myriad Alsaqr Almalaki.

Swarovski Falcon: Crystal Myriad Alsaqr Almalaki

The Swarovski Alsaqr Almalaki is a Crystal Myriad created by Elisabeth Adamer.  Like all Crystal Myriads, the Alsaqr Almalaki is a very elaborate, expensive figurine, complete with a special Swarovski certificate.   The Alsaqr Almalaki Falcon is a Numbered Limited Edition over 20 inches in height and containing over 43,000 hand-set crystals.  Due to the fragile nature and overall production time to decorate and attach the stones, this Swarovski falcon is crafted as needed when orders are placed for it.  This Crystal Myriad Falcon was introduced in 2010, and is still available for purchase in the Swarovski store, despite the overall maximum production of 300 numbered units.  Having a price tag of $15,500 likely increases the time it would take for this statue to be a ‘sell-out’.

The Kristall Buzz featured an article earlier this year about the Swarovski Crystal Myriad statues.  In this article, a link to a YouTube video is included which shows a total of four Crystal Myriad figurines, including the Alsaqr Almalaki.

The other Swarovski Falcon designs are the Swarovski Falcon Head.  The Falcon Head was available in two different sizes:  a small version about 1 ¾” in height and a large version about 4″ in height.

The Swarovski Small Falcon Head is known using the Swarovski reference #’s : 7645 045 000 / 013 829.  It was available from 1986 to 1991 and has been seen with either Swarovski logo, the Block SC logo or Swan logo.  The retail price at the time of availability was $85.  It has also been documented to have some different faceting at the base of the neck area.

 

 

The Swarovski Large Falcon Head is known using the Swarovski reference #’s : 7645 100 000 / 010 064.  It was available from 1984 to 1991 and has been seen with either Swarovski logo, the Block SC logo or Swan logo.  The retail price at the time of availability was $825. It has also been documented to have some different form/shape in the neck area.

Swarovski Optik Falcons

Years later, in 1999, the crystal brand produced some special sets of the Swarovski Falcon Heads.  These special sets were produced for their own Optik division to celebrate 50 years of manufacturing.  These Falcon Heads were packaged in white/forest green boxes.  The larger falcon head was marked with the Optik logo (see left side of Falcon photo collage) and the small falcon head had the traditional Swan logo.  The Swarovski Optik Falcon Head set is very difficult to find, but there is a set presently available at Crystal Exchange America now!  Simply go to www.CrystalExchange.com  and use the search feature with the keyword “falcon” to locate it in the store of this reputable Swarovski dealer.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo Friendship #3

Well, my petite crystal friends have slipped out once again.  My Swarovski figurines, Missy Mo and Kris Bear have been back in action, and the paparazzi have captured more photographs!

Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Lovlots Missy Mo

Mum is the word, but the Swarovski crystal figurines told us they are getting ready for a job interview!  A job?  It appears this is a package deal they both want to work together going on a joint interview.  I can hardly believe that my little Swarovski figurines want to do more than stand pretty in my crystal cabinet?

Swarovski Crystal Moments Kris Bear and Swarovski Lovlots Flower Mo

This photo shows Swarovski Kris Bear and Swarovski Missy Mo dressed and ready to go.  It’s obvious where they are headed to the local florist.  Missy Mo showing off her green outfit decorated with flowers things, just like guess who?  Of course Swarovski Flower Mo!  Kris Bear is making an impression with his green thumb.

The Swarovski Flower Mo was a limited edition figurine available only in 2009.  This Lovlots crystal figurine can be identified as Swarovski part # 9100 000 174 and system # 1 027 911.  While it originally retailed for $55, it now commands prices of $250 to $350 in the online auctions and in the secondary market.  Our Kristall Buzz article on Swarovski Flower Mo in March, 2011, documents how the prices on this Lovlots figurine have been on the rise.

The Swarovski Kris Bear Especially for You is an adorable bear figurine proudly holding a giant sunflower.  It was introduced in 2005 and can be purchased in the Swarovski store at a cost of $100.  This crystal figurine can be identified as Swarovski part # 9400 000 062 and system # 842 934.

Swarovski Lovlots Flower Mo can be found at Crystal Exchange America website: www.CrystalExchange.com .  Look in the Limited Edition Swarovski category of the store to find it and other limited edition Lovlots Swarovski Mo Cows.

I completely believe in privacy, so I’m not real big on the paparazzi activity.  However, I love these photos of Kris Bear and Missy Mo that they have been providing to us!  Swarovski crystal fanatics should stay tuned to the Kristall Buzz to see what interesting photos may surface next!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski CrystalograM Collection: “The Five by Weidinger”

Some little-known pictures produced by our favorite crystal brand are the Swarovski CrystalograM creations.   Briefly, a CrystalograM is a work of art by Hubert Weidinger with Swarovski crystal stones hand-set into the work which extends from a canvas across the frame to create an extremely unique portrait.

Swarovski CrystalograMs by Hubert Weidinger

Hubert Weidinger is a Swarovski artist who created five CrystalograMs, hence ‘The Five by Weidinger’. The Swarovski CrystalograM pictures each have a theme and primary color:

  1. Swarovski Fire CrystalograM red
  2. Swarovski Nature CrystalograM   green
  3. Swarovski Earth CrystalograM</a orange
  4. Swarovski Air CrystalograM violet
  5. Swarovski Water CrystalograM blue

The five Swarovski CrystalograM pictures were available in two different sizes, both which were Swarovski limited editions.  The smaller size was 12″ square and was limited to 4,999 units.  The larger size was 24.5

‘ square and was limited to 99 units.  The 12 CrystalograM was decorated with about 400 crystal stones retailed for approximately $350.  The 24.5″ CrystalograM was decorated with about 1200 faceted crystal stones and retailed for $5000.

All the Swarovski CrystalograMs were officially available from 1993 through 1997, however some of them may have sold out prior to that due to the limited quantity available.

While a few other CrystalograM designs have been documented, they were likely commissioned for special clients.

Swarovski CrystalograM pictures are very difficult to find.  At Crystal Exchange America, only a few have ever been listed and sold, and that was nearly a decade ago when the economy was much stronger.  During that timeframe, the smaller ones sold in the price range of $650 – $900 each.  The larger ones sold in the price range of $3000 – $3200.  If were more to be listed in our online store at www.CrystalExchange.com , the Swarovski CrystalograMs would appear in the category ‘Limited Edition Swarovski’.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Trimlite Frosty Friends Crystal Figurines

Over the past couple months, I’ve compiled information and written about various Swarovski Trimlite collections including the Trimlite Crystal Champions and Trimlite Gnome Family.  Other Trimlite figurines exclusively featured on the Kristall Buzz include the Trimlite Hot Air Balloons, Trimlite Clowns, and Trimlite Penguins.

The Trimlite Frosty Friends has a much different look than these other collections and figurines that I’ve written about.  If a collector looks to see what the majority of Trimlite figurines have in common, it can be seen that many have a significant amount of gold-tone trim attached to the crystal components.  The Trimlite Frosty Friends have no gold-tone trim.

These Swarovski figurines, Frosty Friends are a single crystal component.  The bottom half is faceted crystal and the top half is frosted crystal.  Except for the eyes, there is nothing else attached to the single crystal component.  All five figurines measure 1″to 1.5″ in height.

There are five critters that comprise the Swarovski Frosty Friends group:

  1. Frosty Friends Duck 9430.101 / 52601. This Trimlite Duck features a frosted duck atop a clear faceted base.
  2. Frosty Friends Owl 9430.105 / 52605. This Trimlite Owl features a frosted face and clear faceted body.  (The owl is the only figurine to have colored, faceted eyes;  the others have tiny black eyes)
  3. Frosty Friends Sparrow 9430.104 / 52604. This Trimlite Sparrow features a frosted bird atop a clear faceted base.
  4. Frosty Friends Fish 9430.102 / 52602. This Trimlite Fish features a frosted fish atop a clear faceted base.
  5. Frosty Friends Chick 9430.103 / 52603. This Trimlite Chick features a frosted bird, almost like it is hatching from a clear faceted egg.

All the Swarovski Frosty Friends were introduced in 1985 and retired in 1988.  The five Frosty Friends retailed for $20 each.  To purchase any of these Trimlite figurines, a collector may have to fork out $75 to $175 for a mint condition Swarovski crystal figurine.

Originally, I thought that Frosty Friendsâ has something to do with cool weather.  However, after working on this article, looking at figurines and pictures, my conclusion is that the group got its name from the significant frosted accents on the component.

I’m not certain if this particular grouping ever had a Swarovski logo or Trimlite logo on it.  The popular Swarovski book, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski, indicates that mark not visible.  However I speculate that there was not a mark at all.  Most Trimlite figurines have a T stamped in the metal, but these figurines have no metal.  Again, this unmarked figurine possibility is just my theory and it is not found to be a documented fact.

Crystal Exchange America presently has listings for the Chick (52603), Duck (52601), and Fish (52602) if you are looking to add these unusual Swarovski Trimlite figurines to your collection.  To find them, go to www.CrystalExchange.com .  Then look in the Vintage Swarovski category, Trimlite & Zales subcategory.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Skull in the “Swarovski Men’s Collection”

It appears that Swarovski is putting a larger emphasis on the Men’s Collection in their marketing and advertising.  Today, when I was at the Swarovski web site, I noticed the scrolling marquis (below the huge Hello Kitty frame) now contains a section labeled Especially for Men’s N the Skull with a feature picture of the new skull accessory.

Swarovski Skull

 

I think it’s great that men are becoming a target audience for product development, considering just how many male crystal collectors that there are.  As for the Swarovski Skull figurine, I’m still a bit shocked by the masculine figurine.

If you follow the link for Swarovski Men’ section, it leads to the first page of several for a Swarovski Men’s Jewelry line.  On this jewelry page, the 2 different sized skull figurines appear.  While I was surprised to find it mixed in with (men’s) jewelry, I was equally surprised that when I searched the store with the term soul mate  that the skull did not appear in the search results.  After all, the retailer that shared the new product with me indicated that it was a part of the Swarovski Soulmates collection.

In short, if you are looking to purchase the Swarovski Skull figurine, it may be easiest to find it on the Swarovski web site by searching the term skull.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America