Swarovski Paperweights: The Many Colors

Swarovski is constantly creating and inventing new colors.  While some colors may be ‘colored crystal’, other colors may be coatings applied to the surface are of crystal components.

Remember the Swarovski Paperweights?  They were neither colored crystal, nor coatings applied to the surface area.  The Swarovski Paperweights were colored using a special technique where the color was applied to the base, prior to felt being applied.

Various Swarovski Paperweights: Pyramids, Atomic, Barrel, Egg and Cone Rio.

 

As we get so many questions about the various colors, there is now a new page on the Crystal Exchange America web site to explain some of the colors, as well as the different shapes that Swarovski Paperweights were available in.

As many crystal fanatics know, the huge price variation has to do with shape, color, and how rare or common the shape and color combination are.

If you are looking for a particular Swarovski paperweight shape, check out the Swarovski Paperweights presently available in the online store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Renames and Reorganizes Crystal Product Lines

Last year we heard rumors of reorganization of the product lines that they classify crystal figures into.  Examples of such product lines include Silver Crystal, Crystal Moments, Lovlots, Soulmates, and so forth.  But now, in 2013, some of those very well known names are a part of history as new product line names have officially rolled out.

There are 4 main product lines: Swarovski Symbols, Swarovski Characters, Swarovski Nature, and Swarovski Art and Statement.  There are further groupings within each of the crystal product lines.

What has to be the biggest surprise is the disappearance of the Silver Crystal name that Swarovski has become so famous for, and even trademarked.  Silver Crystal is now Crystal Nature.  Crystal Paradise has been replaced with Mother Nature.  And Soulmates has been replaced with Contemporary Nature.  These 3 groups: Swarovski Crystal Nature, Swarovski Mother Nature, and Swarovski Contemporary Nature, comprise the product line Swarovski Nature.

Swarovski Characters is a product line that is easier to decipher and understand.  Swarovski Characters consists of: Swarovski Disney figurines, Swarovski Hello Kitty figurines, and all the Swarovski Lovlots figurines.  The Lovlots group consists of: Limited Edition Mos, Emotis, Kris Bears, Bo Bears, Happy Ducks, and the families of Lovlots Pioneers, Lovlots Gang of dogs, Lovlots House of Cats, Lovlots City Park, Lovlots Circus, Lovlots Sealife, Lovlots Birds on Broadway, and new in 2013, the Lovlots Dinosaurs and Lovlots Erika and Elliot.

Swarovski Symbols seems to be more of a catch-all group for the balance of the more affordable crystal offerings.  The symbols group features 3 groups that seem fairly self explanatory:  Universal Symbols (formerly known as crystal moments), Seasonal Symbols (where it seems Swarovski is going to separate offerings that go with spring/Easter, and Christmas), and lastly Asian Symbols (for ornaments and zodiac figurines).

Swarovski Art & Statement to me, simply means things I cannot afford!  The only group in this product line is crystal myriad.  Swarovski is also using this group for other numbered limited editions.

Swarovski discusses this more in the SCS member magazine that has been recently arriving in mailboxes.  The article is on pages 30-31 in ‘ask Ann-Sophie’.

Part of me is wondering if Swarovski is dropping the term ‘Silver Crystal’ due to the change of Swarovski’s new formula….no lead, no silver?  Or perhaps that was just a coincidence?

So, prepare yourself for changes within publications, web sites, or software to see how they may deal with the changes in the Swarovski product lines!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Happy Ducks: Lifeguard Duck and Sweetheart Duck in 2013 (Lovlots Collection)

Swarovski has added yet 2 more ducks to the Lovlots Happy Ducks group:  Swarovski Lifeguard Duck and Swarovski Sweetheart Duck!

Swarovski Lovlots Happy Ducks in 2013:
Sweetheart (left) and Lifeguard (right)

Swarovski Lifeguard Duck is a yellow duck (like Sunny Sam and Sunny Steve), accessorized with white shades (sunglasses), a miniature lifeguard float strapped to him, and LIFEGUARD painted on the side of the duck.  Swarovski identifies this Lovlots figurine with system # 1143443.   Verena Castelein is credited with the cute duck design.  The MSRP is $130.

Swarovski Sweetheart Duck is a pink duck with some heart-shaped decorations attached above the tail area.   Swarovski identifies this Lovlots figurine with system # 1143438.   Verena Castelein is credited with the cute duck design. The MSRP is $80.

Since inception in 2010, the crystal has launched over 20 Happy Duck intro ‘duck’ tions  :

  • 2010: 7 Happy Ducks, plus a couple Swarovski Limited Edition Pink Duck figurines
  • 2011: 6 Happy Ducks and a Limited Edition Royal Wedding Happy Duck pair
  • 2012: 5 Happy Ducks including Joyful Josh (green), Lovely Lucky (lavender), Crocodile Duck (light green), Punk Duck (clear), and Sir and Lady Ducks (various colors-formalwear)

For a complete list of the Happy Ducks, this information can be found on the Swarovski Lovlots page of Crystal Exchange America site.

Collectors who are Happy Duck Hunting can find the retired Lovlots Happy Ducks in the Lovlots and Zodiac category of the Crystal Exchange America store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Kris Bear, Limited Edition in 2013

2013 has already welcomed a plethora of new product on the crystal giant’s own web site.  However, crystal collectors appreciate it more when the new figurines are limited edition designs.  One such new product is the Swarovski Limited Edition Kris Bear.

Swarovski 2013 Limited Edition Kris Bear

This Swarovski Kris Bear was created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the Kris Bear figurine. This new figurine is about 1.5″ tall and retails for $100.  Swarovski identifies it with system #1143456.  They provide credit for the design to Keiko Arai. Kris Bear sports a special pink heart necklace and the bear has “2013” engraved on the foot.

It is hard to believe that the original Swarovski Kris Bear figurine was introduced that long ago (1993)!  In the 1990’s, the crystal brand was not quick to add Kris Bears to the Silver Crystal product line with only 1 to 3 figures every other year:

The next 40 Kris Bear figurines were launched 2005 to present day.  In 2008, Swarovski began incorporating Kris Bear into Christmas ornaments, promoting  annual edition Kris Bear Ornaments.  (As of 2012, Swarovski continues this trend.)  Other Swarovski Limited Edition Kris Bears include: Santa Kris Bear in 2006 and Halloween Kris Bear in 2011.  And we could probably go on and on with all the different ones!

So, if you like the Lovlots Kris Bear figurines, you will want to check out the new Limited Edition Swarovski Kris Bear on the crystal brand’s web site, as well as the other two new ones just launched this month:

  • Swarovski Kris Bear – Playful Butterflies
  • Swarovski Kris Bear – My Heart is Yours

In 2012, Swarovski moved the Kris Bear family of figurines into the Swarovski Lovlots group. If you are looking for any of the retired or discontinued Kris Bear Figurines, look at the Crystal Exchange America site in the Lovlots and Zodiac category of the store.  Kris Bear Ornaments can be found in the Christmas & Ornaments category of the store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Flower Mo: Clearing up the question of Sizes and Colors

Occasionally, we get some unusual requests from clients, who are simply ‘consumers’, but not Swarovski collectors.  Such requests that we have received in the past 3 months are for clients looking for the Swarovski Large Flower Mo and the Swarovski Blue Flower Mo.  Of course, being a Swarovski collector, I know that there is only ONE Swarovski Flower Mo.  But clients have a general idea of figurines they want to purchase, without the correct figurine name and have no idea of identification #’s to know for certain the item they want to purchase.  Furthermore, clients don’t necessarily perceive us as Swarovski experts, but only as an online store and could care less if the name is right or wrong as long as they get the figurine they have pictured in their mind.  (Would be great if we had a mind-reading store!)

Clients requesting the Lovlots Large Flower Mo or Lovlots Blue Flower Mo, generally indicate that they are certain of the Mo Cows existence as they have a friend that owns one, or that they have seen it elsewhere on the internet, like eBay (where sellers never? make mistakes).   Check out this Large Blue Flower Mo auction that ended March 2012.

Swarovski Flower Mo, Small Green Mo Cow, Limited Edition
Swarovski Belle Mo, Large Blue Mo Cow

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

What clients are referring to as the Large Flower Mo or Blue Flower Mo is actually Swarovski Belle Mo!  But naturally, when you explain that you believe they are looking for Belle Mo, they will correct you saying it is the Large Flower Mo or Blue Flower Mo  (and at that, it is time to give up and simply help them to decide if they wish to proceed with the purchase).

To set the record straight…there is only ONE Swarovski Flower Mo, and it is a small light green cow with multi-colored flowers on it.  Flower Mo is about 1.75″ long and was a limited edition Swarovski cow available only in 2009.  The larger cow mo with flowers is Swarovski Belle Mo.  This cow is light blue in color, with blue flowers on it.  Belle Mo is about 3.5″ high and was available 2010 through 2012.  The design of both of these Mo Cows is credited to Edith Mair.

Swarovski Flower Mo one of the more expensive Mos to purchase, with an average selling range now at $290 – $350!

Should the crystal brand ever release another Lovlots Mo Cow decorated with flowers, an update to this article will likely be required to prevent further Swarovski Flower Mo confusion.

Swarovski Flower Mo (Limited Edition) and Swarovski Belle Mo can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Lovlots and Zodiac store category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Flower Power to the Bunnies in 2013!

The crystal has released two new bunny rabbits, each holding a bouquet of flowers…

Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Nots (left)
and Swarovski Rabbit withTulips (right)
  • Swarovski Rabbit with Tulips, Swarovski system # 1177251
  • Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Not, Swarovski system # 1142953

The rabbit with the flowers are in the Seasonal Symbols product line, in the theme of Spring.  Both the bunny figurines were designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and retail for $160 each.

Following are the product descriptions from the Swarovski web site:

Swarovski Rabbit with Forget-Me-Not: This cute creation makes an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other occasion! Crafted in clear crystal, the rabbit holds a bunch of forget-me-nots in Sapphire and Light Sapphire crystal with silver-tone metal stems. An Aurora Boreale crystal chaton sparkles at the center of each flower.

Swarovski Rabbit with Tulips: This adorable clear crystal rabbit holds a bunch of tulips in Indian Pink and Light Rose crystal with silver-tone metal stems. Cute and colorful, this charming design makes an ideal gift for Mother’s Day, Easter, or any other occasion!

The crystal giant has retired another bunny rabbit with flowers, the Swarovski Rabbit with Poinsettia.  This rabbit figurine has recently sold out at the Swarovski online shoppe, where it was priced at 50% off.

So, flower power to the bunnies!  I wonder if we may be seeing Rabbit with Roses (Kris Bear is holding a rose bouquet, perhaps he’ll share?)

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Bo Bearly Cool….the 2013 Swarovski Bo Bear Crystal Figurines (Lovlots Collection)

In 2012, the crystal giant introduced the Bo Bear figurines into the Swarovski Lovlots collection.  Four hip teddies joined several other groups in the growing Lovlots community of personality-filled characters.

In 2012, the Lovlots Bo Bear group consisted of:

  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Heavy Metal (reminds me of ‘N the Skull’), retiring in 2013.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear-  Naughty But Nice (the devilish one with angel wings)
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – So Sweet, retiring in 2013.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – So Brilliant, retired in 2012 and is now 50% off at the Swarovski shoppe!

In 2013, Swarovski has added two more very cool bears to the sloth of Bo Bears…

Lovlots Blues Bo Bear (left) and Lovlots Hip Hop Bo Bear (right)
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Blues Bo.  This way cool bo is lavender with some gold bling and a purple baseball hat.
  • Swarovski Bo Bear – Hip-Hop Bo.  This way cool bo is dressed in black, sporting his shades, a tie, and black hat.

All six of the Swarovski Bo Bear figurines were designed by Peter Heidegger.  And all six characters retail in the price range of $150 to $160.

Here are Swarovski’s official product descriptions for the 2013 Bo Bear introductions.

Lovlots Hip Hop Bo Bear – Hip hop is my life! Hip-hop Bo spends most of his time busting rhymes. His head shines in Provence Lavender crystal with a lacquered violet body and Crystal Metallic Light Gold arms and feet. He wears a cap in plastic material and golden necklace both featuring the BB logo. Not intended for children 15 and under. The Bo Bear comes with a unique metal tag that can be used as a key chain or bag charm.

Lovlots Blues Bo Bear – I am too cool for school! This funky character shines in Crystal Silvershade with Jet Hematite crystal arms and feet. He wears metal sunglasses and a lacquered suit, and a hat in a black plastic material. Not intended for children 15 and under. The Bo Bear comes with a unique metal tag that can be used as a key chain or bag charm.

I’m looking forward to seeing where the crystal brand goes with this collection of Swarovski bears.  Will they continue to grow?  Or will Swarovski collectors not really latch on to this line of animals?  Only time will tell!  Crystal Exchange America has an up-to-date page on the Swarovski Lovlots for collectors looking for a summary of the figurines in the community.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Hello Kitty Crystal Cat Figurines in 2013

In 2013, Swarovski is making some changes to the Hello Kitty lineup.  There are a couple new kitties on the catwalk, and several other kitties are taking the exit ramp.

Swarovski Hello Kitty Blue Bow (left) and
Swarovski Hello Kitty Ladybug (right)

 

Swarovski and Hello Kitty fanatics will be excited to see the two new felines now available for purchase online:

  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Blue Bow
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Ladybug

The Swarovski Hello Kitty 2013 introductions have a slightly lower price point than the original lineup from 2011….$150 (for the 2013 cats) vs  $205 (original cat figurines), so that should be great news for our pocket books!

 

And effective just last month, that very original lineup of Hello Kitty figurines officially retired.  So more good news for our pocket book… they are now on sale at 50% off at the Swarovski shoppe:

  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Pink Bow
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Bear
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Red Apple

So, three Swarovski Cat Hello Kitty figurines remains yet unmentioned…

  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Gold Bow – This feline friend was added to the lineup in 2012, so she is still relatively new to the kitty cat group.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Santa – A festive Hello Kitty that is sort of ‘out-of-season’ at this point.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Hearts – This kitty was a limited edition in 2012 and can no longer be purchased in the online shoppe.  For collectors who may have missed out, the Hello Kitty Hearts Limited Edition can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site in the Hello Kitty category.

So let’s give the nice new Swarovski Hello Kitty crystal figurines a warm welcome to Swarovski Cat clan!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Hot Chili Mo, Limited Edition Cow released in 2013

One of the more interesting Swarovski crystal figurines is the 2013 Limited Edition Swarovski Hot Chili Mo!  The Swarovski product description is as follows:

Hot! Hot! Hot! Dressed in her fiery costume, Hot Chili Mo will spice up your life. She sparkles in Fireopal crystal with a Citrine crystal head and ears, wearing a black elastic necklace with a hot chili pendant. This exclusive Limited Edition is engraved with the year of issue 2013. Not intended for children 15 and under.

Swarovski Hot Chili Mo, Limited Edition in 2013

This Limited Edition Mo Cow will be out to pasture with all her 16 mo sisters, which began launching in 2006.  The last four to launch in 2012 were:  Swarovski Angel Mo, Swarovski Bubble Mo, Swarovski Lucky Mo, and Swarovski Magic Mo.

This new Lovlots Hot Chili Mo was designed by Keiko Arai.  The Swarovski assigned system # is 1173065.  Swarovski Hot Chili Mo retails for $70.  The chili pepper on this mo cow is a necklace, so I’m not sure if it is a crystal component or made of some other substance (since Swarovski is using other materials on some of their figurines….namely the Swarovski Emoti figurines)

As the official launch date of Hot Chili Mo was just a few days ago, Swarovski crystal fanatics should be able to place their order soon at the Swarovski shoppe or perhaps find one at their local Swarovski boutique!

If you are interested to purchase retired Limited Edition Cows (originally part of the) Swarovski Lovlots collection, check out Crystal Exchange America in the Limited Edition Swarovski category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dinosaurs in 2013 (Lovlots Collection)

The Swarovski Lovlots showcase is showing some colorful new characters…the most noticeable being the new Swarovski Dinosaurs!

New for 2013….Swarovski Lovlots Dinosaurs

Swarovski has created 5 new characters, all types of dinosaurs, who are a part of Lovlots community according to the crystal giant’s own web site:

  • Swarovski Big T Dinosaur, a Tyrannosaurus Rex retailing for $100
  • Swarovski Brett Dinosaur, a Brontosaurus retailing for $160
  • Swarovski Pippa Dinosaur, a Pterodactyl retailing for $50
  • Swarovski Stephanie Dinosaur, a Stegosaurus retailing for $100
  • Swarovski Travis Dinosaur, a Triceratops retailing for $100

The five crystal dinosaurs are definitely out of the ordinary.  In Swarovski trends from past years, there has been a limited edition for the new group.  As none of these dinosaurs are identified as limited editions, I’m wondering if there is yet another Swarovski Dinosaur to be released yet in 2013?

Swarovski has released several other crystal dinosaurs:

  • Swarovski Dino 7550 000 010 / 268 204.  Available 2002 through 2005 from Swarovski.
  • Swarovski Lovlots Jay D. Dino – 9400 000 052 / 832 181.  Available 2006 through 2007 from Swarovski.

So cheers to Swarovski’s newest characters representing the enormous, extinct reptiles of the earth!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America