Swarovski AE SCS Crystal Acronyms

I’m going to cover some more acronyms used in advertising crystal that is for sale primarily in the online auctions.  While the many seasoned Swarovski Crystal collectors understand the acronyms, there are still a lot of people buying and selling Swarovski who truly do not understand the commodity at hand.  So, I thought I’d do my best to explain the acronyms and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski SCS – Swarovski Crystal Society.  This is the Swarovski Club that collectors can optionally join. Membership is approximately $55 USD per year.  Swarovski SCS members receive a subscription to the Swarovski magazine and have the privilege of purchasing the Swarovski Annual Edition crystal figurine online or from a retail store.  (Following the explanation of Swarovski AE below, I have provided a list of the Swarovski SCS figurines and years they were released.) Swarovski AE – Swarovski Annual Edition.  Annual edition means that it is available for one year only.  When a Swarovski collector refers to an Annual Edition, they typically mean the Swarovski SCS figurine for Swarovski Club members or perhaps the annual edition Christmas ornaments.  The following Swarovski SCS crystal figurines are annual editions:

Swarovski AE Lovebirds -1987, Swarovski AE Woodpeckers – 1988, Swarovski AE Turtledoves – 1989,
Swarovski AE Dolphins – 1990, Swarovski AE Seals – 1991, Swarovski AE Whales – 1992,
Swarovski AE Elephant – 1993, Swarovski AE Kudu – 1994, Swarovski AE Lion- 1995,
Swarovski AE Unicorn- 1996, Swarovski AE Dragon- 1997, Swarovski AE Pegasus – 1998,
Swarovski AE Pierrot – 1999, Swarovski AE Columbine – 2000, Swarovski AE Harlequin – 2001,
Swarovski AE Isadora- 2002, Swarovski AE Antonio – 2003, Swarovski AE Anna – 2004,
Swarovski AE Harmony – 2005, Swarovski AE Eternity – 2006, Swarovski AE Community – 2007,
Swarovski AE Pandas – 2008, Swarovski AE Gorillas – 2009, Swarovski AE Tiger – 2010, and
Swarovski AE Siku – 2011.

Swarovski AE Tiger – 2010
In many cases, Swarovski SCS figurines are Swarovski AE figurines.  However, Swarovski AE figurines are not necessarily Swarovski SCS figurines.  One thing for certain to keep in mind is that Swarovski SCS figurines definitely have special Swarovski Certificates. Swarovski AE figurines may or may not have a special certificate.  Be careful if you see contradictory information (for example an auction for a Swarovski AE states Swarovski Certificate included, but shows an image of the generic product booklet). Locating and purchasing a special AE certificate can be difficult and expensive (yes, expensive for a few page pamplet).  When the transaction is completed the buyer needs to be satisfied with the merchandise being offered and final winning bid.
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 Crystal… Clear Crystal Figurines in the past?

Swarovski has long been the industry leader in high quality crystal figurines.  For over 30 years, Swarovski designed and produced clear crystal figurines. Swarovski did not utilize any coloring technique, except for black used on animal eyes or whiskers. Even the colored Swarovski crystal paperweights were clear, with a coloring application applied to the base of the paperweight, which was then covered with felt.

In 1997, the Swarovski SCS Dragon featured gleaming red eyes.  In 1999, the Swarovski Pierrot launched as a clear SCS Annual Edition figurine with some colored accents.  Other Swarovski Annual Editions in the ‘Masquerade’ series, Swarovski Columbine and Swarovski Harlequin, also featured colored accents on the clear crystal figurines.

In 2000, the Swarovski Paradise line was introduced.  The Swarovski Paradise figurines were full of brilliant colors.  And it was this line of Swarovski figurines that opened the doorways to the multitude of colored figurines that are now staples in the crystal brand’s product offerings.  Today, Swarovski Paradise and Swarovski Lovlots do not even use clear components on the figurines.

In 2011, I look at the Swarovski web site, and the variety of Swarovski crystal figurines available, virtually all of new product introductions are colored or are clear with obvious colored accents.  The only Swarovski clear figurines are the ones that have been in the catalogs for a number of years.

Swarovski is now doing makeovers on their older figurines.
  • Butterfly on Leaf, designed by Claudia Schneiderbauer and introduced in 1994,  is being modernized .  The new name is Sparkling Butterfly.  The new feature is the butterfly in Crystal Aurore Boreale.
  • Rose, designed by Michael Stamey, introduced in 1993 and retired in 2007 is being renovated.  The new name is Blossoming Rose.  The new features are the rose petals in Crystal Blush and stem/leaves in Crystal Silver Shade.

The 2011 transformations of the ‘Butterfly on Leaf’ and ‘Rose’ crystal figurines are on the Swarovski web site.  They remain a part of the original theme group “In the Secret Garden”, using the names ‘Sparkling Butterfly’ and ‘Blossoming Rose’ respectively.

A Swarovski 2010 introduction has also been made-over:  Swan, designed by Anton Hirzinger.
The new name is Jet Swan.  The new feature is that it is solid black (jet) instead of clear.  The Swarovski Jet Swan is also pictured on the Swarovski web site.

Of the 2010 releases, the only crystal designs I can think of that were clear are the Swan (remade as the Jet Swan) and 2010 Annual Edition ornament (which was remade in a golden shadow 2010 SCS ornament).  Now, take a look at the remaining Swarovski 2011 introductions that the sneak previews allow Swarovski SCS member access to.  While there a number of new designs with color, I see no new designs in (exclusively) clear crystal.

With respect to crystal figurine designs, it appears that Swarovski is moving in the direction that they feel their customers want.  Personally, I like the colored Swarovski figurines.  However, I do talk to a lot of Swarovski crystal collectors in my business.  Many of those collectors who have been passionately collecting since the 1980’s and 1990’s do miss the classical clear figurines.  It is that generation of the Swarovski collectors who desires some new unique designs implemented in clear crystal. Perhaps Swarovski could create a new theme group within the Silver Crystal line devoted to clear figurines if they wish to entertain Swarovski collector suggestions.  And if it is not Swarovski’s vision to persue those Swarovski enthusiasts, those collectors will continue to purchase retired Swarovski figurines from reputable secondary market Swarovski dealers or check out what is available at the online auctions.

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 SCS Tiger & 2010 Annual Edition Tiger by Swarovski

Being a Swarovski club member has always been a plus for the collector.  Since 1987, the Swarovski Crystal Society has annually released and featured exclusive figurines only available to the SCS community.

Since the inception of the SCS, times have changed.  For a number of years, the Swarovski club pieces grew tremendously in value.  It seemed inevitable .pay for the figurine, store in safely in its original Swarovski Box with its Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity, wait a few years, then sell it for double, triple, or even higher from the original purchase price.  What a deal! First were the Caring and Sharing series (1987-1989), Mother and Child (1990-1992), Inspiration Africa (1993-1995), and Fabulous Creatures (1996-1998). All performed very well on the secondary market after that restricted availability of one year to SCS members and immediate retirement.

The next Swarovski series were Masquerade (1999-2001) and Magic of Dance (2002-2004).  The six years of human figurines (instead of animals) were not popular with the SCS members.  Nor did it do any favors to the selling prices of the Swarovski crystal figurines following retirement.  To date, Swarovski Masquerade remains the lowest selling Swarovski Annual Editions on the secondary market and online auctions.

When Swarovski returned to animals, they turned to a ‘sea’ theme: Wonders of the Sea (2005 -2007).  Swarovski created a display, available in both a clear and a colored version.  Then Swarovski allowed all annual editions in the trilogy to be available for purchase until the final annual edition retired.  So effectively the first in the series was available for three years.  While Swarovski SCS members were pleased with the decision to go back to the animals, they were not pleased with the extended purchase time of the ‘annual editions’ not so ‘annual’ any longer.

 

Swarovski 2010 Annual Edition Tiger, no longer an SCS Exclusive

Swarovski introduced ‘Endangered Species’ (2008-2010) and reverted to the original distribution method, or so I thought.  I always purchased mine at the beginning of the year, and never paid attention to the end of the year.  This year (I don’t know why), I did pay attention.  I was surprised to see that the Swarovski SCS Tiger 2010 was still available online in January, 2011.  It was explained to me that Swarovski has had a one month grace period for those last minute new SCS members.  OK. I guess Swarovski is catering to the procrastinators and avoid destroying the excess produced.  But now, it is February and the SCS Tiger is still available for purchase on the Swarovski web site.  It is no longer advertised as an ‘SCS 2010 Tiger’, but as the ‘Annual Edition 2010 Tiger’. Furthermore, I was able to purchase the item under a fictitious name and a fictitious address without an SCS member number and complete checkout process.  The only reason I won’t be ending up with another annual edition tiger is because I entered an expired credit card number.  I was shocked when the reality set it that ‘SCS 2010 Annual Edition Tiger’ is retired and it is now available for purchase at the Swarovski web site under the new name Swarovski ‘Annual Edition 2010 Tiger‘ by ANY Swarovski collector.  Just how many years will Swarovski continue to produce it under the new name?  So what is the point of being in the SCS now knowing this?  Perhaps this is really no different than how the crystal brand sold the Swarovski Limited Edition Rhinoceros, Elephant, and Bull. they had multiple drawings of SCS winners and when the Swarovski Numbered Limited Editions never sold out to SCS members, Swarovski eventually allowed the general population to purchase from them from their web site.  While I understand it’s all about making a profit, personally I am not real happy about purchasing what is advertised as an ‘exclusive’ item, then the manufacturer changing the rules of the game.  It seems Swarovski may have ‘leftovers’ or another possible scenario is that Swarovski plans to continue production and marketing if there is significant interest from the Swarovski web site.  Either way, the lack of exclusivity is a bum deal for SCS members.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Apollo Bowl, a Colorful Bowl to Display

One of my favorite Swarovski crystal figurines is the Swarovski Apollo Bowl.  Like many Swarovski collectors, I generally prefer the cute animals, but I have always liked this colorful bowl.

The Swarovski Apollo Bowl is a white frosted bowl, with 40 colored stones attached to it.  It is approximately 7. 5″ in diameter and 3″ in height.  The Swarovski designer of the Apollo Bowl is Boris Sipek.

The Swarovski Apollo Bowl was in production for eight years: 1996 to 2004.  During this period, some of the Apollo Bowls were made with numbers on them, and some of them were made without any number on them.  So, I guess some of the Apollo Bowls are Numbered Editions, but they are not Swarovski Limited Editions.  The accompanying paperwork does not make any mention of the individual number on the bowl.

To see if there is a number imprinted on any Apollo Bowl, turn the bowl upside down and look in the center (this is not where the logo and designer name are located).  It is difficult to see since the bowl is frosted.  On those with numbers, I have see numbers under 2000 and numbers over over 11,000.  The number inscriptions begin with SG, and then ’97’, followed by the 4 or 5-digit number.  So it may be that the particular numbered bowl was produced in 1997.

Still recovering from the blizzard and ice storms here, I took my Swarovski Apollo Bowl out into the snow, added a small snowball and clicked a picture.

Swarovski Apollo Bowl

Crystal Exchange America, at http://www.crystalexchange.com/ does have a new listing for the Swarovski Apollo Bowl, thought it does not presently appear on the web site.  The price is $1750 + shipping.  If this is a Swarovski Crystal Home Accessory figurine you want to own in your collection, don’t wait.  The listings for the Apollo Bowl are becoming more rare as years pass.  (I just learned that the Swarovski ERV for the Swarovski Apollo Bowl in 2011 is $2125, so $1750 just may be a bargain price!)

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

Swarovski Nirvana Ring Video featuring Swarovski Crystal Rings

I found a new Swarovski Crystal Video a few days ago.  It is a video with LOTS of Swarovski Nirvana rings falling, falling, until they bounce off a shiny black surface.

Below the video, Swarovski asks: What do you get when you set Swarovski’s iconic Nirvana Ring against a backdrop of beautiful melody and blissful visuals? Swarovski answers: Paradise on earth!

(original video replaced)

In the Swarovski video, I noticed clear Nirvana rings, black Nirvana rings, and blue Nirvana rings.  I started searching out the Swarovski Nirvana rings, and was I ever surprised at all the different colors I found them in:
  • Swarovski Nirvana Clear (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Tanzanite (light purple) (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Flash Blue Glitter (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Flash Blue (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Jet (black) (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Ring Emerald (green) (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Yellow Flash (Amazon web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Flash Lavender (Amazon web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Ring Flash Lavender Glitter (Swarovski web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana Pink Flash (Amazon web site)
  • Swarovski Nirvana White Flash (Amazon web site)
It appears that the Nirvana rings are available in a lot more colors than I ever realized.  The rings range in price from $170 – $190 depending on the color and source.  Enjoy the video clip! If you are considering to purchase the Nirvana ring, you should have plenty of colors to select from!
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America