Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – SCS 1988 Annual Edition

Following the Swarovski Lovebirds, the Swarovski Woodpeckers was the second figurine in the ‘Caring and Sharing’ series.  The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’, were available for purchase only in 1988 by Swarovski SCS members.  By then, SCS membership had grown and was available in more countries than just the English-speaking ones.

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers – ‘Sharing’, 1988 Annual Edition

 

The Swarovski Sharing Woodpeckers stands just over 4″tall.  It is a figurine with 2 clear birds, attached a frosted tree trunk. The birds are a mother woodpecker (the bird with the full body) and a baby woodpecker, with its head peeking out of the tree.  Since the figurines are hand-assembled, we often see the woodpeckers at various angles and proximity from each other.  Sometimes the beaks are so close that you can barely slip a piece of paper between them, while other figurines may have the woodpeckers situated such that the beaks are nearly ¼” apart.

Adi Stocker is the designer of the Swarovski Woodpeckers.  The SCS Woodpeckers were the first SCS figurine he created with full credit from the crystal brand.  Since that year, Adi Stocker has designed 4 other Swarovski AE figurines.

 

The Sharing Woodpeckers contain the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Looking closely at the underside of the frosted tree trunk, the year “88” can be seen.  Per Swarovski’s definition, the designer’s initials “A St” should be visible, but it must be very faint.

 

 

Woodpeckers Backstamp (Frosted Base)

The Woodpeckers were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X881, and when Swarovski began using system numbers for identification, 014 745 was divulged, so it can be identified using either number.

Since the 1988 SCS Woodpeckers, the crystal giant has produced other Swarovski woodpecker figurines:

  • Swarovski Woodpeckers, Black Diamond  by Elisabeth Adamer.  These Swarovski Woodpeckers, in the Paradise line, retires in 2012.
  • Swarovski Woodpecker, Ziggy by Edith Mair.  This Woodpecker, in the Lovlots line, was a limited edition figurine available in 2010 only.

The SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers retailed for $165 USD in 1988.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, an octagon-shaped display mirror, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    The Swarovski Woodpeckers,  in mint condition, complete with mirror, and original packaging can usually be purchased on the secondary market for $1000 – $1400, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo – the Postoned Release Date for USA

In June, our favorite crystal brand announced that the Swarovski Lovlots Angel Mo would be released July 9, 2012 joining a series of other Lovlots Mo cows.

Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo, Limited Edition 2012
Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo, Limited Edition 2012

Well, they did make the Swarovski Angel Mo available online, but with some limitations as to who can purchase it.  While I (in the USA) was not able to add it to my shopping cart, if you are in any other country, you can add it to you cart!  Check out the product availability based on country of residence:

  • Angel Mo in USA
  • Angel Mo in Canada

I find this interesting in that according to the Swarovski members’ only announcement which has since been removed from their website, Lovlots Angel Mo is a limited edition available only in 2012.  I know the hype…I am a secondary market dealer that specializes in Swarovski.  It means that some collectors will purchase a hoard of figurines, then sell them on eBay at inflated prices or list them on our site at above retail price as the owner themselves wants to get in on the action of making some money.  While it can be perceived as a win-win for me (the dealer) and the owner (the seller), it is certainly a losing situation for the buying collector who simply does not want to take a chance that it could be sold out prior to it being available here in the USA.

Honestly, I don’t like how commercial Christmas has become….with artificial Christmas trees out mid-summer, decorations hitting stores after Labor Day, and so forth.  All this before the Halloween trick or treating event or the Thanksgiving turkey is even cooked.

While I can certainly appreciate the crystal giant putting on the brakes to ensure that Swarovski Christmas Ornaments and merchandise release dates are appropriate for the figurines, I think that delaying the Swarovski Christmas Angel Mo only for the USA collectors was an incredulous decision.

Straight to the point, this is going to upset crystal fanatics in the USA.  What could this mean to the crystal brand and its followers?

  • Disappointed collectors.  Collectors who ‘want it now’ will likely be forced to pay ‘above market prices’ to ensure they have the Lovlots Angel Mo in their crystal collection now.
  • Reduced Lovlots Angel Mo profits.  Dedicated Swarovski crystal collectors are not going to wait nearly 3 more months to get it online, instead, they will probably turn to the online auctions to buy it now and will not buy later from authorized source(s).
  • Reliance on other distribution channels.  Collectors will build bonds with new channels: secondary market brokers, gray market dealers, and eBay dealers.

This is not about ‘fairness’… it is about the loyal following of Swarovski crystal collectors and the reality of what goes on post-sale of limited edition Swarovski figurines.  I really hope that when it comes to limited edition releases, that Swarovski will settle on a world-wide launch date to eliminate the mini-frenzy that could be bearing down upon the collectors in the USA.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski News: Swarovski Gouldian Finches, Peridot Available Online!

We have terrific news for bird fanatics and Swarovski crystal collectors…the Swarovski Gouldian Finches are available for purchase in the Swarovski online shoppe!

Gouldian Finch

 

 

I can’t say that I have previously heard of this particular breed of bird.  But oh my…they are so beautiful!  The male Gouldian Finch’s colors are so vibrant.  It’s not a wonder that these birds are also known as the Rainbow Finch.

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Gouldian Finches

 

The Swarovski Gouldian Finches are 2 brightly colored birds, perched on a silver-colored metal stand.  The bird pair stands about 4 ½ inches tall.  The Gouldian Finches are in the Swarovski Paradise product line, which is where the same product line that includes many of the other colored-bird crystal figurines.  The article number for the Swarovski Gouldian Finches is 1141675. The crystal brand gives Dominic Schöpf credit for the stunning design of these newest rainbow birds.  While the Swarovski Peridot Gouldian Finches retail for $690,  something tells me that they are completely worth it looking at the image in the online shoppe!

 

The Swarovski Gouldian Finches would look great displayed with other Swarovski Birds.  If you are a bird lover and crystal collector, check out the discount and retired Swarovski birds available at Crystal Exchange America!

 

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovebirds Stand for the 1987 SCS AE Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds. These Lovebirds were an outstanding figurine, to be cherished by the SCS member.  Swarovski offered more than just the figurine, they also offered an optional display stand with the 1987 SCS annual edition.

The Swarovski Lovebirds Stand does not compare to the effort and presentation that we think of when the term ‘display stand’ is mentioned along with Annual Edition.  The Lovebirds stand is mostly thin plastic with a cardboard base underneath.  The SCS Lovebirds Stand is navy on the surface, and has a velvet-like texture.  The underneath side appears to be black cardboard. (And I’m not going to disassemble it to figure out what is in the middle.)  The cutout on the top is a perfect match to the frosted Lovebirds base, which gives it additional stability not seen by the presentation stands produced in the 90’s and into the first decade of 2000.

Swarovski Lovebirds Stand

The Stand for the Swarovski Lovebirds Togetherness can be found using reference # DO1X861S, which is used by Crystal Exchange America.  The Swarovski Lovebirds Stand is not included in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Based on collector reports, it appears that the Swarovski Lovebirds Stand and Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque were sometimes sold as a set.  Crystal Exchange America has seen just a couple of them that come together, in a petite Swarovski gift box that matches the silver and blue color configuration of the Swarovski Caring and Sharing trilogy SCS boxes.


Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque, Lovebirds Stand, and Box

The SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Stand is not easy to find, so determining a value on this stand is more difficult.  Remember, the Lovebirds were very limited in terms of distribution.  So, of those SCS members that purchased the figurine, what percentage actually procured accessories to go with the Lovebirds?  I did find any ongoing transactions anywhere for the Swarovski SCS Lovebirds Stand! I found a couple completed auctions (Feb, 2012) on ebay for “Lovebirds Stand”, but without being able to see a picture or review the item description, I cannot be for certain it is the correct stand.  But if one wants to  assume they are valuation, each were sold at $199. It is not fair to draw conclusion on value based on out-dated pricing as re-sale prices fluctuate based on availability as well as the state of the economy.  That being said, the last two transactions for the Lovebirds Stand at Crystal Exchange America were back in 2007.  Both Swarovski Lovebirds Stand units sold in the price range of $155 – $180.  Would a Swarovski collector pay that now?  Would they pay more than that now?  In short, it all probably all depends on the condition how badly a collector wants it.  If the eBay auctions were indeed for the same stand, this would show that the value of the Swarovski Lovebirds Stand has not dramatically changed in the past 5 years.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque for the 1987 SCS AE Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds.  These Swarovski Lovebirds were an incredible crystal figurine.  Swarovski offered more than just the figurine, they also offered an optional title plaque to display with the 1987 SCS annual edition.

The Swarovski Lovebirds plaque, by today’s standards, was fairly inexpensive, and perhaps a bit sub-standard looking, after all, the plaque is plastic.  The Lovebirds plaque is rectangular in shape, with rounded corners.  It measures about 1.5″ high and 3″ long.

Swarovski SCS Lovbirds Plaque

The SCS Lovebirds plaque is navy on the back side with a fold-out hinge allowing it to freely stand.  The front side resembles brushed silver.  There is a navy border, and all the text and design on the Lovebirds plaque appears engraved in navy.  In addition to the SCS logo at the top, the text reads:

The Lovebirds Plaque can be found using reference # SCMRP87, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

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

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque is not easy to find.  Remember, the Lovebirds were only offered in English-speaking countries.  So, of those SCS members that purchased the figurine, what percentage may have actually purchased any accessories to go with it?  I did find a completed sale (in 2012) in the online auctions for $120! Crystal Exchange America, presently has a single listing for Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque that is over $300 with their commission!  Keep in mind that their selling clients establish pricing, so not all items may be priced appropriately for a quick sale.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Chinese Ornaments – Fu, Shou, Coin Branch, and Coin Flower

According to a press release from Swarovski, the crystal brand will be offering Swarovski Chinese Ornaments in July, 2012.  There are four small ornaments that are a part of the Chinese Window Ornament collection.

All four of the Swarovski Chinese Ornaments utilize the newest Crystal Pixel technology, which allows the crystal to sparkle from both sides.  The ornaments are decorated with a red silk tassel and retail for $55 each.

Left to Right, Swarovski Chinese Ornaments: Fu, Shou, Coin Flower, and Coin Branch

The Swarovski Fu Ornament is a Chinese character symbolizing prosperity, well-being, and luck.  The Swarovski System is 117350.  The overall length of the Swarovski Fu Ornament, including the tassel, is over 7 .75″ long.

The Swarovski Shou Ornament is a Chinese character that translates as longevity.  The Swarovski System is 117351. The overall length of the Swarovski Shou Ornament, including the tassel, is over 7 .75″ long.

The Swarovski Chinese Coin Ornaments stand for money and wealth.  There are two Swarovski Coin Ornaments in the collection.

Swarovski Coin Flower Ornament – Swarovski System # 1175346.  The overall length of the Coin Flower Ornament, including the tassel, is over 7 .75″ long.

Swarovski Coin Branch Ornament – Swarovski System # 1175348.  The overall length of the Coin Branch Ornament, including the tassel, is over 8.5″ long.

Swarovski’s news indicates that the new Window Ornaments could be hung in the home, car, or any other small place.

Great news…these new Chinese Window Ornaments do not look nearly as fragile as the Annual Edition Swarovski Ornaments that Swarovski fanatics typically purchase.  That should make them substantially easier and more fun to display!  The new technology used in the Chinese Ornaments is a terrific idea to the innovations by the crystal giant.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Peak Corporate Award Gift

Swarovski often uses a standard crystal component or design and allows for companies to have it customized to sell or use as a company incentive or award.  We have seen many Swarovski ball paperweights, keyrings, hexagons and so forth with specialized company names or logos.  Common examples are the 40mm colored paperweights seen with the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book logo, Crystal Affair colored paperweights, and Crystal Exchange America keyrings.

In 2011, I saw some of the more unique contemporary designs implemented for the same use.  These designs were called the Swarovski Crystal Peak figurines.  The Crystal Peak is available in 2 different sizes:

The Swarovski Crystal peak gifts have a topaz-like colored stone, affixed to dark-brownish granite pillars.  The Crystal Peak figurines that I have personally seen are in a traditional blue Swarovski Box do have the Swan logo on them.

 

Kristall Buzz wants to take this opportunity to celebrate July 4th with some fireworks, over the Swarovski Crystal Peak of course.  So Happy July 4th to Swarovski crystal fanatics across the USA!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Steiff Bear Cookie, Limited Edition Teddy Bear for 2012

Swarovski Steiff Bear Cookie – Limited Edition in 2012

In June, I wrote about some limited edition Swarovski – Steiff Bears that launched earlier in the year.  Now, there is official news about another limited edition teddy bear…the Swarovski Steiff Bear ‘Cookie’, the Holiday Bear.

The Steiff description states that this teddy bear, Swarovski Steiff Cookie, is made of mohair and alpaca.  Cookie’s necklace is the Swarovski Twinkling Gingerbread Man.  The Twinkling Gingerbread Man Ornament was introduced in 2011, and presently retails for $45 at the Swarovski online shoppe. How fitting of the name, Cookie the Holiday Bear, wearing a gingerbread man cookie on her neck!

Steiff Bear Cookie is a Limited Edition Bear with a maximum production of 1500 units. The Steiff USA web site and stores in North America will be accepting orders for this Swarovski teddy bear very soon.  The suggested retail price on the Steiff Holiday Bear Cookie is $310.  Steiff Cookie may be at a slightly lower price at Sunny-Bears.com .

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 Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds.  These Lovebirds were a remarkable work of art. Swarovski as efforts on the overall presentation and package would not be overlooked.

The SCS Lovebirds were the first figurines to have a custom box, which would be suitable for use with no other figurine.  This Swarovski SCS box was primarily silver and royal blue in color.  On all 4 sides, collectors can read the text Annual Edition 1987 Togetherness the Lovebirds. The Swarovski-assigned part numbers can be found on bottom in tiny type.  The Swarovski Lovebirds Box reference number is DO3E861. The Lovebirds Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X861B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Swarovski SCS Lovebirds Box

The foam was specially made to securely package and transport the Swarovski SCS Lovebirds.  As can be viewed in the image, the back side of the Lovebirds rests in the largest indentation.  The smaller indentation in the foam closes over the base keeping the figurine firmly in proper position when the foam-enclosed figurine is placed into the box.

Lovebirds Box

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

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Box is becoming harder and harder to find.  For one, early on, collectors were unaware of how important it would become to save the original boxes.  Even for collectors who did save them, the Lovebirds boxes did not tolerate frequent usage..the cardboard was thin and would easily tear.  Opening and closing them even a few times could result in tears on several sides of the box.  While the picture shows a box in excellent condition, for the most part, collectors should not expect boxes to look this clean.  I did not find any in the online auctions. In the last completed transaction at Crystal Exchange America, Swarovski Lovebirds Box  sold in excess of  $700 with their commission!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – the Swarovski COA

The Swarovski Lovebirds crystal figurine included a special Lovebirds Togetherness Certificate and custom Swarovski Togetherness Box. The crystal giant only offered the SCS membership to five English-speaking countries when it came about in 1987.  For this reason, it was not necessary to have a multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Lovebirds.

However, at Crystal Exchange America, we have seen a variety of authentic Swarovski COA documents for the Swarovski Lovebirds:

Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate for the 1987 Togetherness Lovebirds

Both variations of the Swarovski Lovebirds COA is identical on the front, and includes the same picture of the crystal figurine on the inside.  The only difference is whether or not there is the authenticity information in French on the left side of the interior of the Togetherness COA.

The Swarovski-assigned part numbers can be found on the back side in a very small font.  The Swarovski Lovebirds English certificate is DO4E861. The Swarovski Lovebirds English and French certificate is DO4E86.  The Lovebirds Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X861C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds Certificate, Envelope on left, Certificate Front on Right

The Swarovski Lovebirds COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  However, we do not commonly see the envelope when there is a sales transaction pending on the Swarovski Lovebirds.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and bears the Swarovski Collectors Society logo on the front side.

It is important to remember that the Swarovski Lovebirds does have a COA that is specific to this figurine.  Less knowledgeable collectors have posted online auctions selling their figurine to include the original box and certificate, yet posted a picture of the Lovebirds with a generic product booklet instead.

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

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate is on the more-difficult side to find.  I was able to locate on ebay for $139 with free shipping.  It is the English only certificate with the envelope.  At Crystal Exchange America, the only listing for the Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate does not specify language is priced over $300 with their commission.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America