Swarovski Database includes Arctic Flower Products

The Swarovski Database by Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski has a few new figurines added since the first of the year.  Tom and Jane Warner, the database owners, believed Swarovski crystal collectors would want to have access to the newest SCS member issues that will also be in the next Swarovski book release.

Among the Swarovski figurines in the database are:
  • 2011 Siku Polar Bear, Crystal Moonlight
  • 2011 Polar Bear Cubs, Crystal Moonlight
  • 2011 Polar Bear Cubs, White Opal
  • 2011 Arctic Flower Pendant
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Flower Pierced Earrings
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Flower Bracelet
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Flower Ballpoint pen (with the small Arctic Flower charm)
  • 2011 Arctic Flower Window Ornament (new member and renewal gift)

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski is diligently working on update information for their 2011 printed Swarovski books. Research for the 2011 Swarovski Value (ERVs) is being conducted this month.  Also, all the 2010 Swarovski crystal introductions are being added to the books, as well as a few 2011 introductions.  Once the spiral books have gone to print, Warner’s will begin updating the online Swarovski Database which is hosted at http://www.wbrbonline.com/ .

This Swarovski Database has over 2800 Swarovski figurines which can be accessed totally FREE.  The free queries have limited information for the items.  To view pictures and complete information, Swarovski collectors can purchase a one year subscription to the database.

Swarovski Database Image
Swarovski Database available at www.wbrbonline.com
One of the nice features about purchasing a subscription is that current Swarovski crystal pictures and statistics are available 24/7 at a collector’s fingertips, at home or anywhere in the world.  The site can be viewed via iPad, laptop, or computer at home.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity – How Significant is it?

For the most part, I have addressed the question about the importance of the Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity at the Crystal Exchange America web site.

First and foremost, if the crystal figurine in question is a Swarovski Limited Edition figurine, or a Swarovski Annual Edition, the Certificate of Authenticity is important to retain the highest value, and sell-ability of the figurine.  This is because avid Swarovski Crystal collectors prefer to have ‘the complete package’ when purchasing retired Swarovski.

When the Swarovski figurine in question is not any type of special edition, then Swarovski includes a ‘generic product booklet’ titled ‘certificate’ with the figurine when produced.  Given this type of certificate is generic and interchangeable between products, the significance is lower.  Nonetheless, some Swarovski fanatics will certainly pay extra money when purchasing discontinued Swarovski crystal figurines to ensure they have that ‘complete package’.

Regarding current Swarovski products, the company states that they cannot replace a Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity.  They do recommend that customers retain their receipts for any warranty issues that may arise.

The company has used at least eight different Swarovski certificates since 1976.  The first three have an octagonal shape.  They were used from approximately 1976 to 1988.  From 1988 to 1995, a square white Swarovski certificate was used.  The only round Swarovski certificate was used from 1995 to 2000.   Since 2000, a variety of square certificates have been used, including issues in white, blue, and reddish-orange.

If you have a special edition figurine missing the certificate, Crystal Exchange America has some Swarovski certificates listed on their site.  If you are seeking the Swarovski Certificates more generic in nature, Crystal Exchange America has a few sets listed in the online auctions running for the next 30 days.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Peter Pan / Tinker Bell Collection Coming in 2011

Avid Swarovski crystal collectors may be eager to get their orders in for a new Swarovski Peter Pan Collection.  The items in this collection include Swarovski Peter Pan, Swarovski Tinker Bell, and a star-shaped title plaque for this collection.

Disney fans may be equally excited to see this new collection collaboration between Swarovski and Disney.  While the Peter Pan collection is the newest, Swarovski has produced other collections cooperatively with Disney:  Swarovski Lion King, Swarovski Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Swarovski Bambi and Friends, Swarovski Winnie the Pooh and Friends, and others.

Swarovski also produced Disney limited edition crystal figurines:  Swarovski Tinker Bell in 2008, Swarovski Mickey Sorcerer in 2009, Swarovski Pinocchio in 2010, and most recently Swarovski Dumbo in 2011.

The Swarovski Peter Pan and Swarovski Tinker Bell feature accents in Olivine (green) crystal, with other colorful effects.  The three crystal figurines in the Swarovski Peter Pan collection can be view on the Swarovski site.  The site further states that the release dates for the figurines is in early March, 2011.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Disney figurines, Crystal Exchange America has a selection of them. They have figurines dating back to the 2005 introductions and limited edition Swarovski Disney crystal pieces.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Foam for Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

Continuing the discussion about Swarovski cylinders and boxes, I am going to share more information about the foam inserts used in Swarovski cylinder packaging.

There are three main types of Swarovski foam that I have seen in cylinders.  Additionally, I have seen stryrofoam inserts used in Swarovski cylinders.

The first type of foam is rolled foam.  It is a single piece of foam that a figurine can be wrapped or rolled in prior to placing it in the cylinder.  It is generally gray in color and about ½” thick.  Being very generic, it can be used for many types of figurines.  I have seen rolled foam used in both gray cylinders, but not in blue cylinders.

The next type of foam is generic molded foam.  It is may be hinged or in two separate pieces.  It has a cutout, generic enough for many types of figurines to fit into.  The foam  is gray or blue in color.

The last type of foam is specific foam created for use by one and only one figurine.  The specific foam was likely created if Swarovski felt that the rolled foam for generic molded foam would not sufficiently protect the Swarovski crystal figurine for shipping and storage.   It is gray or blue in color.

 

For the very oldest Swarovski cylinders, those with the block SC logo on them, I’ve also seen white styrofoam used.  It is in two separate pieces and may also have the block SC logo on it.

If you have a Swarovski figurine missing the packaging, Crystal Exchange America has a lot of empty Swarovski boxes that include appropriate foam and identification label listed on their site.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovlots Circus Crystal Figurines

Swarovski crystal fanatics will be excited about the upcoming release of the new Swarovski Lovlots Circus!

Among the new Lovlots Circus crystal figures are: Swarovski Benny Bunny,  Swarovski Jade Dancing Horse (Limited Edition 2011), Swarovski Jasmine Dancing Horse, Swarovski Leo Lion, Swarovski Rolly Monkey, Swarovski Rosalie Dancing Horse,  Swarovski Toby Elephant,  and Swarovski Tony Elephant.

Some of the new Swarovski Lovlots circus characters are very vibrant in color.  Others circus characters have softer coloring.

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 Lovlots figurines.  Other series of Swarovski Lovlots are: Swarovski Gang of Dogs, Swarovski House of Cats, and Swarovski City Park.  Another “unofficial series” are the Lovlots Pioneers which are the very first Lovlots figurines.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Lovlots, Crystal Exchange America has a large selection. There are figurines from all four series as well as the special limited edition Lovlots.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Boxes – Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

I get many questions about Swarovski boxes and Swarovski cylinders.  So here’s a chance for some explanation on the packaging that Swarovski uses to protect the ‘silver crystal’ figurines during shipping and storage at the store prior to purchase.

The earliest boxes used are gray cylinders with the old Swarovski logo (block SC logo) printed on them.  Many of the gray cylinders had two removable plastic ends, so that the crystal figurines could easily be taken out from the top or bottom of the cylinder.  (Sometimes the fit was snug with the foam, and it takes more access to pull the figurine out.)  Some plastic ends have the block SC stamped into them, and some do not.   I have also seen ‘metal ends’ on cylinders, but very rarely.

Swarovski Box with Block SC Bottom

 

Swarovski Box with Tin Lid and Bottom

The block SC logo was replaced by the Swan logo in 1989, so the gray cylinders were modified to have the Swan logo printed on them.  Initially, these gray cylinders also had two removable plastic ends.   Some plastic ends have the Swarovski swan stamped into them, and some do not.  Later,  one end was modified to a permanent cardboard-like bottom, and access is only available opening the top end of the cylinder.  This modification may have been a money-saving opportunity or perhaps a safety concern for the figurine as the plastic ends do not stay snug on the Swarovski cylinders indefinitely.

Swarovski Swan Box.  Also view of Swan Bottom and Permanent Bottom

Around 2002, Swarovski changed their corporate colors to navy blue.  At this time, the cylinders changed colors again, to navy blue.  The navy blue cylinders have the Swarovski swan printed on them and have access via the top only, as only that end is detachable from the cylinder.

Swarovski Blue Box and Permanent Bottom
I do want to mention that when gray cylinders were used, Swarovski crystal logos, certificate style, and box logos did NOT all “match” across the board on the set.  This is especially true for figurines produced during that cross-over time when the logo changed.  Swarovski did not discard the original boxes, they simply used them until the stock was depleted and then began using the newly designed cylinders.  So, a collector should not be alarmed when retired Swarovski is purchased if this is there is not a 100% match on logos for their crystal figurine, certificate, and packaging.
Crystal Exchange America has a lot of Swarovski empty boxes listed for sale on their site, if you have a Swarovski figurine that needs protecting.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Cinema Spot Video

This evening I came across a Swarovski video on one of the company websites, http://www.swarovski.tv/.   Excited to have found it, I quickly started watching it.

Straight to the point, I felt the Swarovski video was confusing.  I read on the Swarovski site what the video is supposed to represent, their 115 year heritage, but I simply didn’t get it.

I did find a web site that goes more into depth about the storyline of the video.  Being “artisitically challenged” about the spot, I was pleased to find it broken down into something more understandable at Luxury Daily.

While I did find a number of positive comments on the internet, I still don’t care for the video.  I hope that if Swarovski does more videos, that they are light, bright, sparkly, happy, and that the plot/theme is more clear.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Palace Book – iTunes Free App

I found a FREE app on the iPad that has a preview of, Swarovski Crystal Palace – The Art of Light and Crystal, by teNeuse:  Swarovski iPad App.  This Free eBook, and is available in both German and English versions.  It previews Nadia Swarovski’s design project and includes 25+ pages, music, pictures, and a video clip.

This Swarovski book was released as a hardback book in December, 2010. It is about the Swarovski Crystal Palace that launched in 2002.   In a single sentance summary, the book highlights the Crystal Palace, the architecture and design, the designers, and their philosophies.

The full version (in an eBook) of Swarovski Crystal Palace – The Art of Light and Crystal for the iPad is also available on iTunes.  A promotional price of approximately $20 is valid until February 1, 2011.  It is $5 higher after the promotion ends.

Swarovski Crystal Palace Book

And of course there is a hardback edition of Swarovski Crystal Palace – The Art of Light and Crystal. This Swarovski book has over 200 pages, with over 200 color photographs and over 90 black and white photographs.  Swarovski has promotional information at their web site on the Swarovski Crystal Palace book.  It retails for approximately $95 USD.

So, Swarovski crystal fanatics, this just might be another reason to purchase an iPad!  (Can you tell that I want one!!!)

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Designers

The Swarovski Designers of crystal figurines are amazing….the natural talent that they possess, the desire to be a part of the process creating the crystal designs, their inspiration.

Swarovski has launched over 2500 figurines under various product lines, including Silver Crystal, Crystal Memories, Trimlite, Paradise, Disney, and others. While many of the figurines are credited as a team design (meaning that a group of people are given credit for the creation), many others are credited directly to a single designer.
I’m presently aware of about 65 designers credited exclusively for creation of figurines.  This list can be found on the RetiredSwarovski.com web site:  Swarovski Designers.   This listing of Swarovski designers was recently updated.  It now also includes links to the designer profiles on Swarovski’s web site so that Swarovski crystal fanatics can get more information about what makes these designers tick.  Swarovski also has a link to a PDF containing all figurines by the designer.

I’m looking forward to seeing the new Swarovski creations for 2011…..kudos to those Swarovski designers with all the talent!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Database of Crystal Figurines on the iPad

Recently, I learned that you can view the Swarovski Database of Crystal by Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on the iPad!

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Crystal has been publishing books on Swarovski figurines since 1994.  In 2000, they put their Swarovski Database online at http://www.wbrbonline.com/  and incorporated it into a subscription-based service that allows Swarovski Crystal collector users to run queries to access the same information as their printed books at virtually half the cost.  Subscribers can view Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number, Swarovski System Number, Swarovski Designer, MSRP, ERV (better known as the Swarovski Value for insurance purposes), dimensions, Swarovski Introduction Date, Status (year retired or current), which Swarovski Logos are on the figurine, and a paragraph of information on the crystal piece.

Within the past month, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books has put their online subscription services to the test on one of the newest computing platforms available.the Apple iPad.  The web site passed with flying colors. Users found the WBRBOnline subscription service to the Swarovski database to be easy to use and easy to view.  Using the iPad to view the database of 2800+ Swarovski figurines was just like using the computer, but the benefits of having the iPad meant that the Swarovski database is available for use anywhere there is an internet connection!  I would imagine that the same may hold true for ‘smart phones’, but do think that the smaller screens on phones could provide challenges with reading the smaller text.

Swarovski Database
Swarovski Database available at www.wbrbonline.com

 

This is great news for Swarovski crystal fanatics who may have gotten the Apple iPad for Christmas.  If not, perhaps this new information is enough to justify purchasing a new Apple iPad.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America