Swarovski Limited Edition Mickey Mouse Figurines launching in 2013

A recent Swarovski press release follows about the crystal giant’s new Disney Collection, which is a faceted salute to Mickey’s debut in 1928.

Swarovski and Disney are synonymous with magic and enchantment. The collaborations are a successful blend of Disney’s icons and Swarovski’s unique crystal expertise.

Swarovski 2013 Limited Edition Mickey Mouse

With an appreciative nod to history, Swarovski presents Disney’s Steamboat Willie. This piece celebrates the 85th anniversary of the first Disney movie with synchronized sound. Limited to the year of issue, the dynamic Steamboat Willie, Limited Edition 2013 is created in faceted clear and Black Diamond Crystal and, thanks to the separate bases, can be positioned in a number of different ways. It was in this heartwarming tale of adventure that Mickey and Minnie had their romantic debut. Who was to know, that for Disney too, it would all start with a mouse?  (Personal comment….I think it may have started with a mouse for Swarovski too!)

Mickey aficionados should mark March 2013 in their calendar. In celebration of the most recognizable and beloved symbol of the world, Swarovski is issuing a limited edition Mickey Mouse entirely created in the Swarovski trademark Pointiage® technique. Limited to 100 pieces worldwide, each Mickey Mouse, Limited Edition 2013 is individually numbered. Ever-enchanting, the Mickey Mouse Limited Edition is covered in approximately 21,000 hand-set crystals and is available as of March 4, 2013 from selected Swarovski Boutiques or the Swarovski online shop.

Mickey Mouse fanatics may be interested in other Swarovski crystal Mickey Mouse releases:

Retired Swarovski Mickey Mouse figurines may be found at Swarovski secondary market specialist Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Edition Jewelry: Swarovski Rice Siam Set

In the past few years, Swarovski has done some online only jewelry exclusives just weeks prior to the Christmas holiday season.  Yesterday, the crystal giant sent out emails about the Swarovski Rice Siam Set, stating that this is a limited edition jewelry set of just 500 pieces and available this weekend only.

Swarovski Limited Edition Rice Siam Set

The Swarovski Rice Siam Set consists of a necklace and matching pierced earrings.  This limited edition is available online only December 2nd and 3rd at their web site shoppe.  The retail price of the Rice Siam Set (identification # 1193976) is $125.

The Rice Siam Set is rhodium plated with a pave cross shape suspending a red siam crystal stone.  It looks like a nice addition to any holiday outfit for the upcoming holiday parties!

If you like the Limited Edition Swarovski design, but are unsure about the ‘red’, Swarovski does have this same design in other colors!  There one with a light purple feature stone: Swarovski Rice Provence Lavendar Set Limited Online Edition, one with a light blue feature stone: Swarovski Rice Aquamarine Rice Set, and lastly one with a light pink feature stone: Swarovski Rice Vintage Rose Rice Set.  All four ‘Rice Sets’ have a sticker price of $125 each.

Although I don’t recall seeing any official news about Swarovski’s weekend special in advance of yesterday, I believe they there were 3-4 of them in 2010 and 2011, so be sure to watch your email for more Swarovski Limited Edition opportunities in the upcoming weeks!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

2012 Steiff Bear Cookie, Limited Edition Bear featuring Swarovski Gingerbread Man

In July, there was a formal announcement about the 2012 Steiff Swarovski Cookie, which is a limited edition holiday teddy bear.

Limited Edition in 2012, Swarovski Steiff Bear Cookie

 

Swarovski Steiff Cookie is a limited edition bear, available only in the USA.  This exclusive Steiff Cookie has a maximum production of 1500 units, that retail at $310 each.

Cookie the Holiday Bear sports a Swarovski Twinkling Gingerbread Man around her neck, so it seems probable that Swarovski collectors and Steiff collectors will show sufficient interest for this bear to be a sell-out, though I have no facts to support this thought.

The Steiff USA web site and stores in North America are accepting orders for this Swarovski teddy bear. Sunny-Bears.com is offering Steiff Cookie at a slightly lower price during the pre-order period.

Crystal Exchange America has a few retired Swarovski Steiff bears, including Steiff Bear Crystal, Steiff Bear Jewels, Steiff Bear Poinsettia, and Steiff Bear Sapphire if you are looking for an limited edition Steiff – Swarovski Teddy Bear.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski N the Skull Docking Station for iPhone 4 / 4S, a Limited Edition Exclusive

Skull Docking Station

Last year, Swarovski launched 2 Skull figurines as a part of the Soulmates group.  They are unique, and the crystal fanatics that have talked to us, don’t seem to want the Swarovski Skulls in their crystal cabinet.

After release of the Skull figurines, Swarovski began releasing men’s jewelry with the Skull motif:  pendants, cufflinks, keyrings, and more.  I found a total of 21 product offerings in the online Swarovski Shoppe when I queried ‘Skull’.

Recently, I found another Skull item in their store with some integrated technology.  And it’s an Online Limited Edition!  As the title of our article reveals, it is an iPhone 4 and 4S Swarovski N the Skull Docking Station.

Here’s a summary of the product taken directly from the Swarovski web site:

Limited to just 199 pieces, this unique fashion accessory makes a very special gift for modern men. Perfect for charging or transferring data to your phone, it comes with a USB cable and is compatible with the iPhone® 4 and 4S (iPhone® is a trademark of Apple Inc). The skull shines darkly in Jet Hematite crystal with a ruthenium finish metal face. It is engraved with the individual Limited Edition number.

It’s a good thing that Swarovski didn’t make too many of these…when the iPhone 5 was released in September, Apple changed the charging port from a 30-pin adapter to a ‘lightning’ adapter.  That means that the Swarovski iPhone Skull will not work with the newest iPhone 5 models.

If you have the older iPhone 4 or 4S and are considering the purchase of a Swarovski charging station, the Swarovski Skull charger will set you back a mere $1100.  But act quickly as less than 200 N the Skull Docking Station, Swarovski Limited Online Edition are available at their web site!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Advanced Crystal – a nearly Lead Free Swarovski Crystal Recipe

I recently heard that Swarovski was changing the contents of the Silver Crystal formula to be ‘lead free’.  So if it might become virtually lead free, does that mean that it contain(ed) lead? Well, yes, it contained lead, more than 30%!  If you look on some older labels of Swarovski figurines, it can be clearly seen > 30% Pbo.

Swarovski Label showing Lead Content

Hearing of a possible formula change, I sought the crystal giant for official answers about a lead free Swarovski crystal, and here is the information received…

We are pleased to confirm that Swarovski has developed a new formula for crystals, which we call ‘Advanced Crystal’. These cryse crystals continue to have the radiance, joy and sparkling abundance that Swarovski is famous for throughout the World. They are made using the same high quality standards that we always use.

Whilst the precise details of the change are proprietary, we are pleased to confirm that this is a natural development for Swarovski. It continues our long term commitment to innovation, to the environment and to developing sustainable products.

Advanced crystals can be used and adapted for use in exactly the same way as any of the crystals that we have previously produced.  We believe that this is an exciting development for Swarovski and reinforces our reputation as the market leader for product innovation, product development and for manufacturing the highest quality crystals. This also applies to all figurine products, such as Silver Crystal.

Far-reaching developments are afoot at Swarovski, with the announcement of a dramatic change to the DNA of its crystal. By September 2012, SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS will have its entire assortment switched to the new ADVANCED CRYSTAL standard a patented, lead-free** formula that is much more than merely compliant with the strictest laws on the planet. Hassle-free, rigorously tested and completely reliable, it is quite simply the most advanced crystal composition on the market today, providing perfect peace of mind.

* Crystal glass and all other materials containing 0.009% lead or less.

Please note that for our figurines you will still find both variations in the markets and that our new innovative crystal recipe results in a lighter weight, there is however no optical or visual difference

Please note, that the brilliance, the light dispersion etc. are not solely defined through the crystal composition but also determined by precision cutting, polishing and purity of raw materials all areas in which Swarovski takes a leading position in the industry.

 



I found out that the recipe change applies to both clear and colored components used in assembling figurines.

 

Since the modification took place this year (2012), that means that old-stock figurines may be purchased with the original leaded content, and that new nearly lead-free identical figurines can be purchased.  The only difference is that the ‘Advanced Crystal’ figurines may weigh slightly less. The famous Frauenhofer institute in Germany tested and confirmed that old recipe figurines and ‘Advanced Crystal’ figurines have the same visual and optical resemblance.

It would be interesting to set two identical Swarovski crystal figurines, one with leaded content and one with nearly lead free content, side by side to see if any of us thought we could tell any differences!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Cheers to the Kristall Buzz Swarovski Blog – 2 Years Online and Going Strong!

We are excited to be celebrating 2 years of blogging on the Kristall Buzz.  This Swarovski Blog was the first of its kind solely posting Swarovski news, events, and articles for Swarovski collectors. The Kristall Buzz launched on the web in October, 2010.

 

Today, I took a quick photo of the Swarovski SCS Anniversary Cake for a quick picture posting to @CrystalExchange Instagram to use with our anniversary announcement.  Also known as the Swarovski Birthday Cake, this figurine was created to commemorate the 5 year anniversary of the Swarovski Collectors Society in 1992.  This Swarovski cake is about 2″ tall, and originally retailed for $85.  It came in a special white cylinder with its own certificate featuring a picture of the cake on it. (It is not generic product booklet.)  At present, the 5th Anniversary Birthday cake sells around $175 on the secondary market.

Shortly after the Instagram post, one of our loyal customers emailed me an edited version of the Instagram photo reflecting our special occasion.  This picture of the cake was digitally edited to show 2 lit candles on our cake!

Our appreciation goes out to our readers for the compliments on our Swarovski Blog.  And a special thanks for our yummy crystal cake with the pair of burning candles!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Unicorn Stand for the SCS Unicorn (Fabulous Creatures)

The first SCS figurine in the Fabulous Creature trilogy was the Swarovski Unicorn.  Like some of the previous trilogies, Swarovski offered an optional display stand for 1996 AE crystal figurine as well.

The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn stand measures 6″ in length.  It originally retailed for $45.  The Unicorn Stand Box features a line drawing of the Unicorn, so any collector easily confirm when the stand is in the correct box.

The Swarovski Unicorn Stand is 2 colors with an opaque plastic piece for the Unicorn base.  The remainder of the Unicorn Stand is painted wood: mostly black with a forest green trim along the very bottom edge.  Trying to describe it any further would be difficult, so it is best to rely on the picture.

Swarovski SCS Unicorn Stand

 

The identification # for the Swarovski Unicorn Stand, as established in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski and recognized by other professional brokers is # DO1X961S.

As time has passed, we have notice the black paint peeling or chipping on the corner edges.  This is one place in particular that crystal fanatics should look at when buying a SCS Unicorn Stand for their figurine display.

At present, there are not many SCS Unicorn Stands available on the secondary market or at auction.  Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books recommends an insurance value of $210, based on research done in January 2012.  Recent trends on the secondary market indicate trading prices in the $130 – $175.  At the online auctions, there were some completed auctions near $50 for stands, and those stands were minus original factory packaging.  In summary, the replacement value of the Swarovski Unicorn Stand will vary greatly depending on condition (good paint vs peeling paint) and whether or not original factory packaging is included.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Unicorn – the SCS Swarovski Box (Fabulous Creatures)

The first crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS ‘Fabulous Creatures’ trilogy was the Swarovski Unicorn.  The Unicorn is a mystical creature, the 1st non-natural figurine that Swarovski has produced for an SCS figurine.  The purpose of the Swarovski Unicorn Box  is to safely protect the crystal figurine while it is not on display.

The SCS Unicorn is the first SCS figurine to be ‘double-boxed’. The crystal Unicorn is situated in a white box, containing the SCS logo. This white box has a fuzzy green plastic liner form-fitted to the Unicorn.  The white box measures 7″ x 7″ X 3″.  The white box is placed into a larger box, held in place by foam glued to the outer box, that is approximately 10″ x 10″ x 4 ½”.   On the 4 sides of the box, in 11 different languages, the text states Annual Edition 1996 Fabulous Creatures – The Unicorn. The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Box (meaning the set of 2 boxes) can be found using reference # DO1X961B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  There does not appear to be a factory-assigned identification number printed anywhere on the box, inside or outside.

Swarovski SCS Unicorn Box (Complete Packaging)

In the photo, #1 is the inner Swarovski Box for the Unicorn.  #2 is the outer Unicorn Box.  #3 shows the SCS Unicorn placed in the inner box (with the fuzzy green insert), which is located inside the padded outer box.  The slot on the left side of the outer box is to hold the Unicorn Certificate in place.

The SCS Unicorn Box is not presently available at Crystal Exchange America; It would be in the Empty Boxes category.  Previously, the SCS Unicorn packaging (includes both boxes) has sold in the $40 – $100 price range.  Collectors should use care when purchasing the Unicorn in the online auctions or after-market sales agents that they are indeed getting all original packaging, and not simply the inner box.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Unicorn – the Swarovski COA (Fabulous Creatures)

SCS membership had significantly increased over the years…crystal fanatics were fully engulfed in collecting and secondary market values were at an all-time high in the late 1990’s, which indirectly encouraged collectors to continue spending  money  on Swarovski, especially the SCS annual editions.  The Swarovski Unicorn was well-liked and by now, collectors knew that to retain and increase in value (which was true at that time), the box and certificate must be saved and included for resale on the secondary market.

Swarovski SCS Unicorn Certificate for the 1992 Fabulous Creatures Unicorn

 

As time passed, the Swarovski annual edition certificates changed to include even more languages The Swarovski Unicorn certificate was now printed to include the ‘Certificate’ wording in eleven different languages:  English,  German, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Flemish, Chinese, and Japanese.

The genuine Swarovski Unicorn Certificate measures 4 1/8″ wide and 8 ¼” tall.  The picture on the front of the certificate matches the picture on the Unicorn Box.

The Swarovski-assigned reference number is printed in a very small font on the back side of the certificate.  Officially, the Swarovski Unicorn certificate is DO4MM96XX. The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X961C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

SCS Swarovski Unicorn Certificate is readily available at this time at Crystal Exchange America, the range of $50 – $75. However, there is never any guarantee that the Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Certificate will be easy to find, so we do urge collectors to buy  Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a complete package including the original box and certificate.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Unicorn – SCS 1996 Annual Edition

Swarovski’s fourth SCS trilogy is the ‘Fabulous Creatures’ series, which was in the late 1990’s era.  The initial Fabulous Creatures crystal figurine is the Swarovski.  All the crystal figurines in the ‘Fabulous Creatures’ series are mythical creatures, making this series unique based on human interpretation, existing sculptures, or drawings, and not based on nature itself.

Swarovski Fabulous Creatures Unicorn, 1996 SCS AE

The Swarovski Unicorn was available for purchase only in 1996 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  The Swarovski Unicorn measures about 4 1/4″ long. It is a clear figurine with a long frosted spiraling horn, frosted goat’s beard, frosted mane, and frosted tail.  The SCS Unicorn is lying on its stomach.

The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn was known using the Swarovski identification numbers DO1X961 and 191 727.  This SCS Unicorn contains what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Since Martin Zendron was the designer, it is his initials “MZ” and the year “96” can be seen on the underside of the Unicorn .

Having such a long and fragile protrusion, the Unicorn horn is the most common form of damage or breakage.  We have seen or heard stories from a large number of clients who report the horn has come unglued, or a simple tap to it during cleaning has caused it to break off.  Sadly, this is an expensive component for Swarovski restoration experts to replace.  Oftentimes, the cost is close to that of purchasing a replacement Swarovski Unicorn in mint condition.

The crystal brand has produced one other Unicorn other than the 1996 SCS Unicorn.  This other Swarovski Unicorn was part of their Silver Crystal product line.  This Unicorn is standing on all 4 legs and has a short horn.  The identification # for this Swarovski Unicorn are 7550 000 013 / 630 119.  It was produced 2004 through 2009 at a retail price of $300.

The SCS Swarovski Unicorn retailed for $325 USD in 1996.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While the resale price of the Swarovski Unicorn  surpassed to nearly $700 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for original MSRP, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America