Tag: Swarovski Crystal Fanatics

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 Crystal Journey – a Digest from Fanatics on the Journey

Swarovski has organized cruises several times for Swarovski collectors world-wide to come together buzzing about their common interest in Swarovski crystal.   In 2012, Swarovski planned another commemorative cruise, celebrating 25 years of the SCS.

This Swarovski Crystal Journey began August 17.  We know a couple of dedicated Swarovski fanatics, lucky enough to be on the cruise, who are providing us with cruise updates to share with our Kristall Buzz readers!

On Friday, guests were welcomed on board the TUI Melodia by Swarovski representatives Karin and Christine.  Gifts for the cruise attendees include:  a Medium Swan, USB Writing Pen, a small crystal on a ribbon, and the 2012 Baby Whale, signed by the designer.

Swarovski Reps Christine and Karin Greeting Guests

Saturday, some of cruise attendees selected to go on an optional side tour to Budapest.  Tourists stopped at Heroes’ Square and learned more about this historic location.

Swarovski Experts at Heroes’ Square

 

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz Swarovski Blog 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 Crystal Fanatics Selling Unusual Trimlite Bear

Here at Crystal Exchange America, we occasionally see figurines produced by Swarovski that have not been previously documented in publications written about Swarovski crystal figurines.  Not long ago, one such undocumented figurine, a Trimlite Bear, appeared in a collection that arrived here on consignment.

This recent Swarovski figurine is a crystal bear that very much resembles the Trimlite Bears that were sold in the Zales and Dillards stores in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

This newly discovered bear is approximately 1.5″ tall.  This bear, like many  other Zales / Dillards bears, has a crystal head, crystal body, and gold-colored accents for the hat, scarf, and paws.

Trimlite Logo on Bear Bottom
Trimlite Bear, wearing Baseball Cap Holding Red Tulips

This Trimlite bear is wearing a baseball cap covering his left ear and slightly tipped on his head.  The bear is holding 3 red tulips in his right hand / paw.  Around his neck, he is wearing a gold bow.  This bear features the Trimlite ‘T’ logo confirming its authenticity in the gold trim underneath the body.

This Trimlite bear will be a new addition to the 2013 Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski: Beyond Silver Crystal Book.  Jane Warner indicates that it will be referenced using BSC2012010 in the next edition, to be released in about 8 more months.  There are presently about 15 Zales / Dillards figurines in the book.

Other Dillards / Zales bears may be found hold flowers, a candy cane, or nothing.  Some bears wear bows, bonnets, or santa-type hats.  Some wear bows, scarves, or bow-ties on their neck.

The new baseball-tulip Trimlite Bear will be available for purchase from Crystal Exchange America in the coming weeks.  The company will be checking with other Swarovski expert dealers and stores in an attempt to establish a fair selling price which is attractive to the buyer and gainful to the seller for the unusual bear figurine.

Crystal Exchange presently has a listing for the Swarovski Trimlite Dillard Zales Bear Twinkles the Sparkling Bear on eBay, with a Buy It Now price of $59 with FREE shipping.  Other Trimite bear figurines previously seen in the online auctions include ‘Joey Jingles’ and ‘Holly’.  Both Holly and Joey Jingles are presently available at Crystal Exchange America near $125 each.

Swarovski crystal fanatics should check the site after the next inventory update near the end of August for availability.  Collectors can use the search feature to quickly find the figurine using search term ‘BSC2012010’.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Hello Kitty 2012 Crystal Figurine Size Update

Last week I posted about the 2012 Releases in the Swarovski Hello Kitty product line.  In the post, I included size information taken directly from the crystal brand’s own web site, but included my own questions about the accuracy of the Hello Kitty dimensions as the price seemed incredibly low for such big crystal figurines.

It is a great compliment to know that Swarovski does read our blog!  A few days after the blog article posted, I received an email from Swarovski with the correct size dimensions for each of the 2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty releases:

2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty Figurines
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition 2012 (in Pointiage) – 7 inches high x 4.8 wide x 4.4 deep.  This one is the Hello Kitty figurine with the highest price tag!
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Hearts, Limited Edition 2012 – 4 1/4 inches high and 2 15/16 wide.  This one is the largest Hello Kitty crystal figurine.
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Gold Bow – 2 3/16 inches high and 1 9/16 wide.  This Hello Kitty figurine is the one not made from mostly clear crystal
  • Swarovski Hello Kitty Santa – 2 inches high and 1 13/16 wide.  This one is the smallest Hello Kitty crystal figurine, not likely available until closer to Christmas.  (I think the hat and candy cane are so cute!)

The email did not state when the web site would be updated with correct dimensions, so make a mental note of these sizes before placing your final order at the Swarovski Shoppe to avoid size-disappointment.

All Hello Kitty Swarovski fanatics can head on over to the Swarovski site for more information about the figurines and place their orders!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Book, the 2012 Edition Now Available

I have good news for Swarovski collectors…the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski Silver Crystal Swarovski book is now available!

This Swarovski book is in its 19th year of publication.   The book authors, Tom and Jane Warner, are serious Swarovski collectors and update / re-publish the set of Swarovski books each year.

The Swarovski Silver Crystal book contains photos with detailed information about Swarovski SCS crystal figurines and Silver Crystal figurine releases (as well as product variations on them) for the past 35 years! That’s approximately 1300 Swarovski Crystal collectibles in the Silver Crystal Book.

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski, 2012 Ed.

There principle reasons for publishing the Swarovski book annually:

  • Include prior year Swarovski introductions and retirements
  • Update Swarovski Value (Swarovski ERV in the publication)

Research for the 2012 Swarovski book was performed just 2 months ago in January 2012, so the calculated Swarovski ERV values for the retired Swarovski figurines for the 2012 edition is hot off the press.

For Swarovski fanatics ready to purchase the newest, most accurate information, the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski Silver Crystal, the order can be placed at www.wbrb.com or www.crystalexchange.com/swarovski-c-PUB.html

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Happy St Patrick’s Day to all Swarovski Crystal Fanatics!

St Patrick’s Day is definitely known as the day of the green.  For kids, they must wear green or suffer through the consequences of a pinch.  For the older crowd, many indulge in a green beer at the local pub / eatery.  It’s all about green!

Swarovski collectors can display their crystal in support of the green day by displaying green Swarovski figurines on St Patrick’s Day.  Just to name a few. Below is a list of four Swarovski green crystal figurines in the Silver Crystal and Lovlots product lines.

Swarovski Lovlots and Silver Crystal Figurines in Green

Green Swarovski Silver Crystal Figurines:

#2 – Swarovski Green Siamese Fighting Fish.  The Swarovski Siamese Fighting Fish (Green) was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and produced 2000 – 2004.  It was a part of the South Sea theme group.  The Siamese Fighting fish was also produced in blue and in red.

#4 – Swarovski SCS Gecko.  The Swarovski Gecko was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and was available only in 2008 to SCS members at special Swarovski events.

Green Swarovski Lovlots Figurines:

#1 – Swarovski Flower Mo.   The Swarovski Flower Mo was designed Edith Mair and available only in 2009.  This Limited Edition Flower Mo is green period, decorated with tiny flower decals.

#3 – Swarovski Lucky Mo.   The Swarovski Flower Mo was designed Edith Mair and available only in 2009.  Swarovski Lucky Mo is green period, decorated with tiny four-leaf clover decals and a cute ladybug near the back-end.  This Limited Edition Lovlots Lucky Mo is available in 2011 while supplies last for $65.

So to all the younger ones: wear your green. To all Swarovski crystal fanatics: display your green!  And to many others, find some lime kool aid (or any other green beverage), and drink your green.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

How would Swarovski Crystal Fanatics celebrate Pi Day?

Have you heard of the holiday “Pi Day”?  It was a “new” one for me, despite having 3 school-age math enthusiasts in the family. Pi, more commonly recognized as π, is an irrational number, that roughly translates to 3.1415926535…  So now, it may be more clear that Pi Day was 3/14/2012 …. Wednesday, March 14th.   My math enthusiasts created π shirts, memorized many sequential digits in π (about 200!), and made π food treats.

Retired Crystal Moments Dessert Figurines by Swarovski

So wouldn’t it be appropriate for Swarovski fanatics to celebrate with a yummy slice of Swarovski Pie?  I don’t believe that there are any Swarovski Pie figurines, but there are some dessert figurines in the Swarovski Crystal Moments product line that have an equally good imaginary taste to crystal fanatics.  These sweet desserts include:

  1. Swarovski Ice Cream Sundae – 9460 000 046 / 182 046.  This figurine was designed by Anton Poppinger.  The Ice Cream Sundae was produced from 1994 through 1998.  It was a part of the “Childhood Dreams” group and originally retailed for $25. The Swarovski Ice Cream Sunday is a crystal goblet with ice cream topped with a metal umbrella and a straw for sipping.  The Crystal Moments Ice Cream Sunday typically sells in the $50 – $70 range on the secondary market.
  2. Swarovski Piece of Cake – 9460 000 026 / 174 106.  This figurine was designed by Gabriele Stamey.  The Piece of Cake was produced from 1993 through 2000.  It was a part of the “In Familiar Surroundings” group and originally retailed for $25.  The Swarovski Piece of Cake is a crystal slice of cake with a metal fork and pottery-type decorated plate.  The Crystal Moments Piece of Cake typically sells in the $40 – $60 range on the secondary market.
  3. Swarovski Fruit Bowl – 9460 000 069 / 200 226.  This figurine was designed by Edith Mair.  The Fruit Bowl  was produced from 1996 through 1999.  It was a part of the “In Familiar Surroundings” group and originally retailed for $40. The Swarovski Fruit Bowl is a crystal bowl with three pieces of metal fruit: a banana, a pear, and grapes .  The Crystal Moments Fruit Bowl typically sells in the $40 – $60 range on the secondary market.

So if you are looking for any of these retired Crystal Moments figurines, be sure to check out the Crystal Exchange America website, and look in the Crystal Moments category (on the left side of the screen)

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lime Panther NLE Launching in April, 2012

Swarovski has announced to its SCS members that they are releasing another Limited Online Edition Panther.  The impending NLE release is for the Swarovski Lime Panther.

The crystal brand’s article states that the Lime Panther is the third issue of the Eclectic Panther collection. The other two panthers are the Swarovski Black Panther available in April, 2010 and Swarovski Orange Shine Panther available in August 2011.  All three Swarovski Soulmates panthers are Limited Online Editions with a maximum production of 888 units.

When I initially heard the color Lime (Lime NC in the article), I immediately thought it would be a shade of green.  However, when I see the pictures on the Swarovski site, to me, it appears much more yellow, like a banana yellow.

There is no mention of the price, but I expect it to be similar to the other Swarovski Eclectic Panthers in the $900 – $1100 range.  The Black Panther sold out in days.  The Orange Shine Panther took several months to become a sell-out.  It will be interesting to see the time frame that the Swarovski Lime NC Panther remains online prior to sell-out.  It is worthwhile to mention that the crystal giant plans to impose a maximum quantity for purchase to 3 per person.  I would think that if the company wants everyone to have a reasonable chance to purchase, that they should limit to 3 per address.

For Swarovski crystal fanatics ready to purchase the Swarovski Lime NC Panther, mark your calendar for April 16, 2012.  For cat fanatics looking for the other Eclectic Panthers, Crystal Exchange America has the Swarovski Black Panther and Swarovski Orange Shine Panther in their online store in the Limited Edition Swarovski category!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Happy Leap Day from the Swarovski Leap Frog Army!

February 29, is a day that we seldom see on newspapers, checks, bills, etc.  But in 2012, here it is..so enjoy the unusual date.  Happy Leap Year Day!

Swarovski has produced about 4 different leap frogs which are a part of the Silver Crystal product line.

Swarovski Silver Crystal Frogs
  1. Swarovski Frog This Swarovski frog has the product identification #7642 000 001 / 183 113..  This leap frog is clear and is a part of the In the Secret Garden theme group.  The Frog was produced 1994 – 1996, so it will only have the Swan logo.
  2. Swarovski Baby Frog This Swarovski frog is clear and is a part of the In the Secret Garden theme group. The Baby Frog was introduced in 2002, but is current so it can be purchased at the online shoppe for $50.  The Swarovski Baby Frog identification #’s are 7642 000 002 / 286 313.
  3. Swarovski Prince Frog (Black Eyes) This Swarovski frog has a clear body, a clear crown, and black eyes.  The Prince Frog was introduced in 1984, and this variation was retired in 199.   Because of the time frame it was produced, it can be found with either of the Swarovski logo markings:  Block SC logo OR Swan logo.
  4. Swarovski Prince Frog (Clear Eyes) This Swarovski frog has a clear body,a clear crown, and clear eyes.  It has the same crystal body as the black-eyed Prince Frog, but with different eyes.  This variation of the Prince Frog was discontinued in 1985, and for this reason, an authentic variation can be found with only the old Block SC logo.  Swarovski crystal fanatics should use caution when purchasing a Prince Frog with Clear Eyes, paying close attention to possible eye alteration and the logo to ensure that is is an original Swarovski factory creation.

So, if you are considering to purchase this army of leap frogs, they can be found at the Crystal Exchange America in the Swarovski Sea Life category.  The Frog starts at $65.  The Baby Frog starts at $35.  The Prince Frog starts at $200 for one with clear eyes and $65 for one with black eyes.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lola and Grace Jewelry

Yesterday, I learned about a new line of Swarovski jewelry with a younger target market.  The new sub-brand called Lola and Grace is in the works geared toward a more youthful audience.  One article indicated a ‘teen market’.  Yet another article suggested young women in their early twenties.  Either way, I’d expect something very trendy and most importantly, affordable by the very consumer they hope to catch.

Apparently, the Swarovski Lola and Grace idea conception was near October, 2010.  For name recognition and brand awareness, the crystal brand launched a website dedicated to Swarovski Lola&Grace.

lola and grace Swarovski logo
lola and grace Swarovski logo

The Lola&Grace logo features black, white, and berry in a simple circular design. Consumers should expect to see these brand colors on their packaging and stand-alone stores (similar to Swarovski boutiques).  The first store, scheduled to open in March, 2012, will be in London’s Westfield Stratford City Mall.  The Swarovski Lola&Grace web site is also supposed to become an e-commerce site so that the new jewelry products can be purchased there as well.  (I did not find any launch date for e-commerce).

Lola&Grace will produce four seasonal collections that Nina Müller, general manager of the Swarovski brand, says ‘combine the latest catwalk trends with a blend of cultural influences and marries contemporary and vintage design for all occasions.’

In December, 2011, Swarovski uploaded a brief video to YouTube branding their newest line Lola&Grace.

 


The crystal giant has a BUNCH of Swarovski Jewelry on their website.  Their selection presently includes bangles, bracelets, brooches, clip earrings, cuff links, necklaces, pendants, pierced earrings, pins, rings, and sets.  As jewelry, by nature, can be quite trendy, designs retire quicker than items like crystal figurines.  For those looking for Retired Swarovski Jewelry, check out the Crystal Exchange America website.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America