Swarovski Cupcake for the Kingdom of Jewels Extravaganza!

Swarovski is presently running a Kingdom of Jewels contest in September for a chance to win the global prize: a weekend trip for two to Paris, a private styling session with Swarovski’s Creative Director, Nathalie Colin and tickets to an unforgettable Brisa Roché concert.

Kindgom of Jewels Swarovski Cupcake by Magnolia Bakery
Swarovski Cupcake

 

As a part of this month-long journey, Swarovski has planned some inspirational experiences in 15 cities from around the world, one of which is New York City.  Many of these experiences / events require a special ‘Swarovski Jewel’ for admission, which could be picked up from select Swarovski boutiques on September 1.

From September 6 – 9, Swarovski Jewel Holders can get a sweet treat…. a Swarovski Cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery at Bloomingdales.  Swarovski cupcakes may be available for purchase September 10 – September 16, while supplies last.  The cupcake cost is about $3.50, of which some of the proceeds go toward charities.

The Swarovski Cupcakes look sparkly and yummy.  Hopefully all the participants are getting the royal treatment that is Swarovski’s ambition!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

The Newest Swarovski Crystal Myriad – the Swarovski Ji Xiang Carps

Get ready to spend some big dollars if you want to purchase the newest Swarovski Limited Edition.  Swarovski has released another Swarovski Crystal Myriad, Ji Xiang!

Swarovski Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang, LE of 300 units

Swarovski Ji Xiang is just over 14.5 inches high and about 9.25 inches wide.  The subject of this Swarovski masterpiece is two red carps, atop blue foaming waves. Crystal Myriad Ji Xiang is embellished using more than 48,600 hand-set crystals, which are utilized in the pointiage technique.  The carps symbolize prosperity and good luck in China.  This Crystal Myriad will retail for $18,000 USD at product launch.

Swarovski Ji Xiang is the 6th Crystal Myriad that the crystal giant has released since 2009.  Other Swarovski Crystal Myriads include:

  • Swarovski Alsaqr Alamaki, Limited Edition of 300, 2010 – current
  • Swarovski Amurath – Arabian Stallion, Limited Edition of 300, 2009 – sold out
  • Swarovski Jinlong – Flying Dragon, Limited Edition of 300, 2009 – 2011, sold out
  • Swarovski Longwang – Dragon, Limited Edition of 888, 2011 – current
  • Swarovski Matang – Asian Elephant, Limited Edition of 300, 2009 – current

The Myriad of Carps was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer.  Hopefully he does not have to remain on the assembly line during production, which takes over 390 man-hours to assemble!  The pair of red carps, Swarovski Ji Xiang, is a Limited Edition, with only 300 units planned for production.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Pointiage Swan from the Swarovski Crystal Journey has sold!

Last week, we were receiving information from crystal fanatics on board the Swarovski Crystal Journey about their travels and experiences during the week.  One item of notice was the Swarovski Pointiage Swan that would be auctioned off at the gala following the cruise.
Swarovski Pointiage Swan
The text that follows was available to all participants:

 

THE SWAN

 

Unique chance to acquire one of only 25 pieces worldwide of the stunning SWAN at the SCS Crystal Journey Gala dinner on the 25th of August 2012 in Wattens.

 

This stunning Swan is one of only 25 pieces created in exclusive PointiageTM to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the SCS. It has been designed solely for auction purposes in order to raise funds for charitable causes close to the heart of the Swarovski Company. This object of superb craftsmanship has been created by Swarovski artists, using 33.351 crystals.

This very special masterpiece weighs 1.215 g and measures 16.6 cm in length and 10.6 cm in height. Gifted artisans dedicated more than 140 man-hours to individually hand set each crystal – displaying the Swarovski family tradition of excellence.

 

Exclusively for the guests of the Crystal Journey 2012 we reserved one of the desirable SWANS. Only 25 pieces exist worldwide, assigned to the Swarovski sales offices according to strict rules.

 

CRYSTAL HERITAGE

In 1988 a gracious swan replaced the edelweiss as the Swarovski logo in order to express the beauty, purity, adaptability and strengths of Swarovski crystal. The swan – pure, white, noble and elegant in appearance, is a symbol of metamorphosis which is appropriate to Swarovski’s transformation of crystal throughout the company’s 117 years of existence.

 

Design and creativity aligned with technological virtuosity has enabled Swarovski to position crystal as one of the most exciting, versatile  and modern mediums of our age. For Swarovski and the SCS, THE SWAN, expresses all these values and sentiments and we hope this Special Edition will add sparkle to the life of the proud owner of this unique masterpiece.

 

The starting price for the auction of this stunning SWAN is EURO 4’000.

During the gala, the silent bid of 18’000 EURO (roughly $22,600 USD) was accepted from a collector residing in Australia.  Congratulations to the winning bidder!

We have learned that the other Pointiage Swans (not even yet completed) will be auctioned off in the next 12 months with proceeds going to various charity organizations.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Fanatics Chat with Swarovski Designers on the 2012 Crystal Journey

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 has concluded its trip, sad for the lucky crystal fanatics aboard.  It would have been the experience of a lifetime to be part of the trip!

On Wednesday, some of our favorite designers were on the boat, for a brief question and answer session.  In this small get-together, the artists in attendance were:

  • Swarovski Designer Martin Zendron (far left)
  • Swarovski Designer Adi Stocker (center)
  • Swarovski Designer Gabriele Stamey (right)

Swarovski Designers: Martin Zendron, Adi Stocker, & Gabriele Stamey

Martin Zendron is credited with over 70 designs, including the Swarovski NLE Wild Horses and 5 Swarovski AE figurines:  Swarovski Elephant, Swarovski Unicorn, Swarovski Antonio, and Swarovski Harmony (clear and colored).

Adi Stocker is credited with over 100 designs, including 3 Swarovski NLE: Swarovski Eagle, Swarovski Peacock, and Swarovski Bull; and 6 Swarovski AE:  Swarovski Woodpeckers, Swarovski Turtledoves, Swarovski Lion, Swarovski Pegasus, Swarovski Pierrot, and Swarovski Isadora.

Gabriele Stamey is credited with over 70 designs, including 2 Swarovski AE: Swarovski Dragon and  Swarovski Columbine, as well as 2 Swarovski SCS Commemorative Editions:  Swarovski 5th Anniversary Birthday Cake and Swarovski Vase of Roses.

During this gathering, it was hinted that Swarovski may cease to try reviving older designs by adding color as this concept is not all that popular with collectors.  I, for one, completely agree.  To me, it’s like taking plaid bell bottoms from the 70’s and changing the plaid to polka dots and wanting people to wear them again!

Hopefully, we can get a few more pictures and information from the final hours of the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

The first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the ‘Mother and Child’ series was the Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins.  The Dolphins were a beautiful figurine depicting the nurturing relationship between a mom and her calf.  The protective box is important to safely store the crystal figurine.

Swarovski SCS Dolphins Box

The Swarovski Dolphins Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  On the Dolphins cylinder, collectors can read the text Annual Edition 1990 ‘Lead Me’ – the Dolphins.  This same text is repeated in 5 other languages in the silver stripe on the container. The Swarovski-assigned reference number can be found near the bottom edge in a very small type.  The Swarovski Dolphins Box reference number is DO3MM90XX. The Dolphins Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X901B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalogue.

Proper placement of the SCS Dolphins in the Foam

The foam was specially formed to securely store or ship the SCS Dolphins figurine and certificate.  The dolphins foam contains a slot to be used for keeping the certificate unbent or wrinkled.  The SCS Dolphins have been the most difficult figurine to correctly place into the foam.  Good news though…this article contains proper placement instructions for correctly putting the crystal figurine into the Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins Box.  The dolphins foam should opened and placed such that the certificate will be underneath the crystal.  In your hands, hold the Swarovski Dolphins, so that the dolphin’s nose is facing right (3:00) and the base is toward the foam.  Press the Dolphins downward into the foam so that the tails are in the largest oval slot.  Note: If the SCS Dolphins have been on display (not stored in the foam and box), the fit may feel firm and incorrect, but this is normal.  Since putting the Dolphins in the foam may feel erroneous, many collectors have taken scissors or knives to the foam cutting it and eliminating placement confusion. This could potentially devalue the SCS Dolphins which is complete with box and certificate to a Swarovski fanatic who demands a ‘top-notch’ package since technically the foam has now been altered.

A special thanks to Swarovski expert Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins Box article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Dolphins Box is not readily available.  The last one that sold was over 5 years ago, and those prices are too out of date to even mention.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Pointiage Swan, A Stowaway on the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey

It has been reported that there is a crystal stowaway on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!  Fortunately, the stowaway is a Swarovski Masterpiece, and not something unpleasant.

So, what exactly is the stowaway?  It is a Swarovski Pointiage Swan.  This swan is approximately 16.5 cm in length, 10.5 cm high, and weights about 1.215 grams.

 

Swarovski Pointiage Swan, LE of 25

Besides the size, and roaming locations of the Pointiage Swan, here are some other facts we have on it.  The Swarovski Pointiage Swan is a Limited Edition of 25 units.  More than 33,350 stones were used to assemble it, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Swarovski SCS Club.  The designer of this Masterpiece Swan is Anton Hirzinger.

This Swarovski Swan is being auctioned off at the end of the Swarovski Crystal Journey.  The minimum bid is 4,000 Euro, which is approximately $5,025 USD.

It will be interesting to find out the winning bid (if it sells).  Hopefully we will get that information at the conclusion of the trip.  Best of luck to all Swarovski crystal fanatics who participate in the bidding!

Hopefully, we can get a few more pictures and information from the final hours of the 2012 Crystal Journey.

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of what is happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – the Swarovski COA

Swarovski offered the SCS membership in many countries when the Dolphins were revealed as the 1990 SCS Annual Edition.  The multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Dolphins was necessary to avoid the need for language-specific certificates like the Swarovski Lovebirds certificate.

Swarovski Dolphins Certificate for the 1990 ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins

The authentic Swarovski Dolphins Certificate is an accordion style document with the certificate verbiage in seven different languages:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Flemish.

The Swarovski-assigned reference number is located on the back side of the certificate in a very small font. The Swarovski Dolphins certificate is DO4MM90XX.  The Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X901C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalog.

The Swarovski Dolphins COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and has the familiar Swarovski Swan logo on it and below that the letters SCS on the front side.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Dolphins Certificate article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Dolphins Certificate is not readily available.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the neighborhood of $100 – $125, but that was in 2007.  It is nearly always best to purchase the Swarovski SCS AE figurine complete with box and certificate, as it may not always be easy to find a replacement box or replacement certificate at what a collector deems a reasonable price to pay for it.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Another Digest Update from Fanatics on the 2012 Crystal Journey

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 group continued on the cruise and tours.  On August 22, some crystal fanatics visited the Swarovski flagship store in Vienna.  The store is a massive 3 floors!

One well-known display at this location is the collection of 45 Eclectic Panthers.


Swarovski Eclectic Panther Display in Vienna
Swarovski Eclectic Panther – Ceralun
Swarovski Eclectic Panther – Concrete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Experts with Chaton in Vienna Flagship Store

 

 

The Kristall Buzz has a number of articles about the Swarovski Eclectic Panthers:

Another interesting display at the flagship store is a truly giant Chaton.  This chaton measures about 11″ in diameter.  If you look at the zoomed in embedded photo, a smaller chaton can be seen inside of the giant chaton!

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of die-hard collectors are enjoying on the 2012 Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Journey – Digest Update from Fanatics on the Journey

Swarovski fanatics on board the Tui Melodia continue their Crystal Journey with Swarovski representatives and fellow die-hard Swarovski collectors.  The estimate we heard was that there are about 120 people on this Swarovksi Crystal Journey celebration cruise.

On August 19, some cruisers toured Bratislava on an old timer mini bus.  Some of the stores seen include:  a Swarovski Boutique, and another store displaying very glittery (Swarovski?) formal wear.

Swarovski Experts Touring Bratislava
Swarovski Store in Bratislava

The afternoon activity that day, Crystal Tinker Workshop, sounded REALLY cool!  Attendees received a small silver-colored box (silver representing 25 years of the SCS), adhesive, and small crystal cal stones to decorate the box with.  The box was about 4″ square and 2″ deep, perhaps nice to put jewelry items in.  This could be fun if Swarovski could offer workshops in conjunction with a store event! (Hint to Swarovski!)

Swarovski Fanatics from Delaware at the Crystal Tinker Workshop

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently this week for a brief digest of the fun things happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – SCS 1990 Annual Edition

The second Swarovski trilogy is the ‘Mother and Child’ series, all designed by Michael Stamey.  The first crystal figurine of the series is the Swarovski Dolphins, which are the feature figure of this article.

The Swarovski Dolphins were available for purchase only in 1990 by collectors who had a membership in the Swarovski SCS Club.  These ‘Mother and Child” Dolphins measures about 4 3/4″ long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear dolphins, a mother dolphin and a baby dolphin, swimming atop a clear wave.

Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins, 1990 SCS AE

The SCS Dolphins contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is fairly easy to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “90” can be seen.  ‘MSt’ is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schreck (Swarovski SCS Lovebirds ‘Togetherness in 1987)

The ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X901, and years later the system number 153 850 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.

It is not unusual for the non-collector owner (i.e. someone has inherited a collection but is not knowledgeable about Swarovski) to refer to the figurine as a ‘Swarovski Porpoise’ pair.  In doing some research, I found that there are distinct differences between dolphins and porpoises.  The crystal brand has not released any Swarovski porpoise figurines.

Since the 1990 SCS Dolphins, the crystal giant has produced other clear crystal dolphin figurines:

The SCS Swarovski Dolphins retailed for $225 USD in 1990.  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 Dolphins  surpassed to over $900 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $450 – $475, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America