Swarovski Aura Perfume launching in March 2011

Swarovski and Clarins have come together in a combined perfume venture.  Swarovski Aura should be available very soon.  The inspiration was “all the grace and the magnetism of light,” according to Joël Palix, president of Clarins Fragrance Group.  Conceptually, Aura attempts to express the soul of crystal, which is light, says Markus Langes-Swarovski, a member of the Swarovski board and the great-great grandson of the company’s founder, Daniel Swarovski.

The Swarovski Aura bottles are made of glass and metal, topped with asymmetrical Swarovski crystal components attached to the bottle.  The Swarovski Aura perfume inside is pink in color.  It appears that the bottle will be available in 2 different sizes with refill bottles of the perfume available.

Swarovski Aura Perfume Bottle
It is reported that there will be a Swarovski Aura launching event in Selfridges on March 3, 2011.  From what I could tell, Selfridges is a (department) store in the UK.  At the event, Swarovski will also unveil some pendants with makeup hidden inside them (lip gloss and balm).  Long term, it is reported that Swarovski Aura should be available in some 500 Swarovski stores.
Swarovski and Clarins worked together in 2006 when the limited edition Angel Perfume bottle was developed commemorating fragrance Angel’s 15th anniversary.

The crystal brand company has created other Swarovski perfume bottles in the past.  There was Swarovski Tresor in 1994, 1995-96, and 1997.  Each container was a limited edition Swarovski bottle (5,000 or 10,000 depending on the bottle).  There was Swarovski Yves St Laurent in 1996 and 1998.  Each container was a limited edition Swarovski bottle of less than 6300 issues.  In 1997, there was a Swarovski Jewel Perfume bottle, limited edition of 10,000.  There was a Swarovski Roma bottle in 1997 with limited distribution in the European community.  There were three different Swarovski Madame Gres bottles in 2003, each bottle being a limited edition of 5,000 bottles.  If you are a Swarovski collector who enjoys Swarovski Perfume containers, Crystal Exchange America does have them available.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for Chinese Zodiacs

Recently, I wrote about the Swarovski certificate of authenticity included with Swarovski Crystal figurines. After posting the article, I remembered that the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines do indeed include a unique Swarovski certificate of authenticity.

Starting off with some background information, Swarovski has a crystal collection known as the Chinese Zodiac.  These crystal figurines are produced in silver shade crystal.  While there are 12 different animals representing the Chinese astrology, Swarovski presently has only six Chinese Zodiac figurines (under $300):
  • Swarovski Zodiac Dog (2006)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Horse (2002, 2014)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Pig (2007)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Rabbit (2011)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Sheep (2003, 2015)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Tiger (2010)
In the Asian market, the company produced some limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These crystal figurines are different from the six above in that they are:
  • Limited by year of production
  • Crystal golden shine in color (not clear silver shade crystal)
  • Include a special Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (stating limited edition figurine)

Two golden shadow limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiac figurines have been produced to date:

  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger
  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Rabbit

All these Chinese Zodiacs have a fold-out card titled ‘The Chinese Zodiac’.  The information is printed in both Chinese and English.  This is not a Swarovski certificate of authenticity; it is a brochure that discusses the Chinese Zodiac astrology personalities.  It is included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines.  However, the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines also have a certificate of authenticity specific to the figurine.

Swarovski Chinese Zodiac fold-out card (included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines)

 

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for the Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger

 

All this being said, in 2011, Swarovski is making two more Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These are in crystal golden shine, but are NOT limited editions. The 2011 releases are much larger and much more expensive (over $850 retail). While I would assume that these Large Chinese Zodiac figurines include ‘The Chinese Zodiac’ fold out card, since I don’t have either of them in my collection, I cannot say for certain.  The 2011 Chinese Zodiac introductions are

  • Chinese Zodiac Large Horse
  • Chinese Zodiac Large Tiger

Since the limited edition Chinese Zodiacs were only available retail market in China, most Swarovski crystal fanatics wanting them were forced to turn to the online auctions or Swarovski secondary market dealers to secure the figurines for their collection.  Crystal Exchange America presently has listings for the limited edition Zodiac Tiger and limited edition Zodiac Rabbit.  No matter who the supplying source is, be sure that your limited edition Chinese Zodiac includes the Swarovski certificate of authenticity for maximum resale value.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski SCS Siku Arctic Polar Bear Framed Print

I have learned about another ‘gift with purchase’ item available to Swarovski SCS club members: a Siku Polar Bear print.

Swarovski SCS Siku Polar Bear Picture

This polar bear picture is 7.5″ wide x 5.5″ high, including the lavender matte frame.  The picture is a hand-drawn polar bear.  It features a facsimile signature of Anton Hirzinger, the Swarovski designer credited with the creation of the 2011 SCS Siku.  The Swarovski system # for the Siku print is 1271720.

Swarovski club members who purchase a Swarovski figurine in early 2011 may receive the SCS Siku print.  It is my understanding that some retailers offer the Siku print as a gift with purchase, while others have the SCS Arctic Flower jewelry purse.  So, if you are specifically wanting the Siku polar bear print or the SCS Arctic Flower purse, be sure to check with the retailer to ensure that the free gift is the one you want for your collection.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Paradise Retirements at RetiredSwarovski.com

Swarovski introduced the Swarovski Paradise figurines in 2000.  I think the real significant feature of the Paradise line is that it was the first line to be in all color, not just using color for highlights.  In this initial launch of the crystal creations, all the Paradise figurines were insects:  Swarovski Paradise Bees / Bumblebees, Swarovski  Paradise Beetles, Swarovski  Paradise Butterflies, Swarovski Paradise Dragonflies, Swarovski Paradise Flies, Swarovski Paradise Grasshoppers, & Swarovski Paradise Scarabs.

Swarovski created the Paradise ‘Exotic Fish and South Sea’ in 2004.  There were approximately 19 different figurines in this collection.  Nearly all of the ‘Exotic Fish and South Sea’ were retired by 2007.

The Paradise ‘Exotic Flowers’ was launched in 2006.  As of today, there are about 11 items in this collection.  Some of the Exotic Flowers are retired and some are still being produced.

Overall, there are over 190 Swarovski Crystal figurines that have been connected with the Swarovski Paradise line.  Over the course of time, unassigned figurines have been introduced into the Paradise line, perhaps because of the significant use of coloring. The Cockatoo, Macaw, Parrot, and Black Diamond Toucan are examples are some of them.

Swarovski Paradise Black Diamond Toucan Retired in 2009

 

At present, Swarovski does not utilize theme groups within the Paradise line, but the Paradise birds are in the ‘Silver Lake’ collection.

Now, after the brief history lesson, I can reveal that there is a web site with the Swarovski Paradise Retirements in a free and easy-to-use format.  http://www.retiredswarovski.com/ has a series of web pages with Swarovski Paradise Retirements, 2002 through 2010.  If you want to know what year a Swarovski Paradise figurine retired, type it in the ‘search’ box of the site, and the results list will indicate a list of possibilities for a collector to select from to make getting the retirement year (answer) successful.

At RetiredSwarovski.com, it is also possible to print out the fact sheet listings by year of Swarovski Paradise retirements, 2002 to 2009.  The fact sheets are very useful in knowing which figurines retired in which years.  The fact sheets include small photos, Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number, and Year Introduced.

Crystal Exchange America has a selection of Retired Swarovski Paradise figurines in their online store.  If there is a Swarovski Paradise crystal piece missing from your collection, give them a shout to see if they have it available now, or if it is something that they can locate for you.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Siku Polar Bear & Swarovski Artic Hare Available at SCS Receptions in February, 2011

For nearly a decade, Swarovski has been hosting instant redemption events at Swarovski stores in February.  This year, the dates have been set for the 4th week of February (February 18 – February 25) and it is a big week for Swarovski crystal collectors.  During this week, over 160 Swarovski retailers in the USA will host Swarovski SCS retail receptions.

These receptions offer special opportunities to Swarovski Club members and crystal collectors who are considering to join the SCS (Swarovski Crystal Society).  One of the many benefits of attending a Swarovski retail reception includes the ability to purchase the 2011 SCS Siku available for immediate take-home.  Other SCS exclusives will be on hand for purchase too.  These crystal exclusives may include:
  • 2011 SCS Polar Bear Cubs, Crystal Moonlight
  • 2011 SCS Polar Bear Cubs, White Opal
  • 2011 CS Arctic Flower Pendant
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Pierced Earrings
  • 2011 CS Arctic Bracelet
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Ballpoint pen (with the small Arctic Flower charm)

There are also unique ‘Swarovski Event’ pieces that are available during this special redemption period.  For 2011, the Swarovski Event piece is the Arctic Hare.  The Swarovski system number of the Arctic Hare is 1055005.  The Swarovski Designer is Anton Hirzinger.  The approximate price of the crystal figurine is $110.

The complete list of participating Swarovski retailers for the February

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Puzzle Contest – Up to the Challenge?

At the Swarovski web site, there is a Swarovski Puzzle for visitors and SCS members to play.  The Swarovski puzzle allows a user to select various images to play the ‘slider game’.  I found about 5 different images to select from.  The images I was presented were all related to Siku, the polar bear cubs, or the SCS arctic  flower products  The Swarovski puzzle has varying levels of difficulty:  3×3, 4×4, and 5×5.  The higher the level of difficulty, the more time the puzzle player has to complete the challenge.

The first step was to install Adobe Shockwave to play.  I was anxious to get started!  I selected the image for the Swarovski puzzle.  I then selected the easy mode. Sadly, I did not have good luck in the small amount of time provided. It’s probably not that difficult, but I found myself ready to give up after a few tries.  Guess I need to bookmark the Swarovski puzzle page and try again before the end of the month.

The Swarovski crystal puzzle is a cool idea.  The Swarovski site indicates that prizes are available for a monthly drawing to users who are able to solve the puzzle within the allotted time.  I did not see any indication as to what the prizes are or how many are available.  Good luck to all Swarovski fanatics who take the challenge of the Swarovski puzzle!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski SCS Arctic Flower Purse Gift

Swarovski has made available to instant redemption Swarovski club members the SCS arctic flower jewelry purse.  This jewelry purse is lavender in color and features a white arctic flower design along with “SCS 2011″ on the front. The SCS arctic flower purse has a zipper closure and is approximately 2 1/2” in diameter.

 

Swarovski SCS Arctic Flower Purse
Swarovski club members who purchase the Swarovski SCS Siku in early 2011 at an instant redemption event may receive the SCS arctic purse.  It is my understanding that supplies are limited and cannot be restocked once gone.
There are other SCS crystal creations that capture the arctic flower design:
  • SCS arctic flower pendant
  • SCS arctic flower pierced earrings
  • SCS arctic flower bracelet
  • SCS arctic flower ballpoint pen
  • SCS arctic flower window ornament

I was able to find a listing for this item on eBay for any collectors wanting this item that are not in the official SCS Swarovski club:  Swarovski SCS Arctic Flower Jewelry Purse.

The Swarovski Arctic Flower Jewelry Purse looks cute. The size seems a bit small to me.  It would be nice to see a credit card size zipper purse (to stuff more things in), along with a few crystal embellishments.  Cha ching!  Guess bigger and sparklier means more money.  Just a thought (in case Swarovski is seeking suggestions from Swarovski Crystal collectors!)

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Crystalline Pen / Notebook Set

On December 1, I learned about another online exclusive…the Swarovski Pen and Notebook Set.  While it was originally announced on the Swarovski site that the Crystalline Pen and Notebook set would be available online between Christmas and New Years, I did not actually find it there until last week.

The description on the Swarovski site states that the ballpoint pen is rose pearl in color with ‘Swarovski’ engraved on the clip and contains 150+ vintage rose crystals in the half of the pen.  The notebook is also pink and the dimensions are an A5 format.

This Limited Edition Swarovski set retails for $60 on the Swarovski web site.  The Swarovski system # of the Limited Edition Crystalline Pen and Notebook is 1097042. Since it is advertised as an ‘online exclusive’, collectors will not find it in authorized Swarovski retailers nor Swarovski boutiques.  The only way to purchase this will be directly from the Swarovski web site.  It still remains unclear if there is any maximum quantity of production or if it is limited by time (i.e. if there is a final date for purchase).
Our original Kristall Buzz article can be found at here: Swarovski Pen and Notebook Set

While I think the pen looks pretty, I’m not sure about paying $60 for the set simply because it is a limited edition set.  I’m more likely to seek out a similar-colored Swarovski pen.  I believe they retail for $20 or $25 depending on the Swarovski store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

SCS Arctic – Flower Swarovski Figurines in the Snow

The arctic air remains upon us (-6 degrees Fahrenheit!), so it’s time to pull out the camera today for more pictures of SCS figurines.  Well this time, when I say SCS figurines, I’m actually referring to “Super Cold Swarovski” figurines.

Today, the photography focus was on Swarovski flowers in the arctic snow and ice.  Two more Swarovski figurines were selected for today’s photo challenge: the Swarovski Poinsettia and the Swarovski Star Blossoms.

The Swarovski flower Poinsettia glistened in the arctic snow¦.it’ s amazing that the snowflakes can be seen on the crystal figurine.  If you look closely at the image, the frosty snow can be seen resting on the flower petals of the SCS figurine (remember, that’s Super Cold Swarovski). The Swarovski Poinsettia was introduced in 2007 can be found at the Swarovski web site for $95.

 

Swarovski Poinsettia
The Swarovski flower Star Blossoms also had a neat appeal when photographed in the chilly outdoors.  The arctic snow surrounding the Swarovski Star Blossoms can be seen in the background.  The Swarovski Star Blossoms were introduced in 2009 and are now a part of the retired Swarovski collection.  There is still some left inventory of the online store and they are on sale for $55!  What a bargain for a Swarovski crystal figurine that once retailed for $90.
Swarovski Star Blossoms
Hopefully,  Swarovski fanatics remaining warm, or better yet in a much more pleasant climate, away from the chilly arctic blast!  Perhaps there will be some more pictures of Swarovski flower arctic-style in the snow posted here again!  If there are any retired Swarovski flowers on your wish list, check out Crystal Exchange America  web site http://www.crystalexchange.com/  there’s a good bit listed there.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Ornaments & Swarovski Crystal Ornament Sets

It’s been snowing A LOT here, and I thought it would be neat to experiment with a camera and Swarovski ornaments in the snow and ice!

Swarovski Ornament – Santa’s Hat

I picked out 2 colorful ornaments, the Swarovski Santa Hat and the Swarovski Festive Hearts Ornament.  The Swarovski Santa Hat Ornament was hung from a branch in a frozen tree (it’s only 10 degrees F here!)  This Swarovski Ornament was introduced in 2008 and it is still current.  The price on the Swarovski web site is $75.

Swarovski Ornament – Festive Hearts
The Swarovski Festive Hearts Ornament was resting in the snow (about 6″ of snow in the last day!).  This Swarovski Ornament can be purchased as a single ornament at the Swarovski web site at $41.

It is worthwhile to mention that Swarovski Festive Hearts is also included in two different ornament sets:  the Swarovski Mini Ornament Set (Sparkling Cookie, Twinkling Mittens, and Festive Hearts) and the Swarovski Stocking, Hearts, Candy Cane Set.  The Swarovski ornament set with the candy cane retails for $110 at the Swarovski site.

However, the Swarovski ornament set with the twinkling mittens is presently on sale for $55!  This Swarovski crystal figurine group is three ornaments in the same package (not three ornaments in three separate boxes sold as a group).  Since it is on sale, I’m thinking that this will soon be retired / discontinued “as a set”. This is speculation…I have not checked with any Swarovski retirements listings.

I hope that all Swarovski fanatics are staying warm and safe in the frigid winter season!  Perhaps there will be some more pictures of Swarovski crystal in the snow posted here again!  If there are any retired Swarovski ornaments on your wish list, check out Crystal Exchange America web site http://www.crystalexchange.com/ .there are a lot listed there.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America