Tag: Swarovski Crystal Fanatics

Swarovski Kris Bear with Skis Variations

Swarovski introduced a cute Kris Bear figurine holding his skis and poles in 1999.  The official name of the crystal figurine is Kris Bear with Skis.

The Swarovski Kris Bear with Skis was produced with 2 different variations, but both recognized with the same Swarovski part number 7637 000 004 and system numbers 234 710.   Kris Bear with Skis was designed by Martin Zendron, and it retailed for $85.  While the Kris Bear tradition continues, the Kris Bear with Skis figurine was ultimately retired in 2004.

Swarovski Kris Bear with Skis

Swarovski crystal fanatics are probably asking about the history and reasoning of the variations on the Kris Bear with Skis figurines.

Viewing the picture, collectors can see that the figurine with the crystal disc base is likely to be more stable and less likely to tip over.  It is widely believed that this is the reason that the base was added to the Swarovski Kris Bear with Skis figurine.

So how long was the variation without the base produced?  The production time or quantity is unknown.  The theory is that the unsteadiness was discovered fairly early, and the ones without the base may have been samples for Swarovski representatives to take to the retail stores and the remainder of the first bulk production ended up on store shelves.  One thing for sure, the Kris Bear with Skis (no base) is a Swarovski HTF figurine, and it does command higher prices on the secondary market.

Swarovski Swan logo

When crystal figurines appear on the market in multiple variations, collectors sometimes wonder about authenticity and counterfeiting.   Both variations of the Kris Bear with Skis would not likely be counterfeited simply by removing/adding a base.  This is because of the location of the Swarovski Swan logo on the figurine.  For the variation without the base, the swan logo is directly on the foot.  For the variation with the base, the swan logo is on the base.  Taking a crystal figurine, and carefully removing the base would result in a figurine without the swan logo at all.  For this particular Swarovski figurine, a Kris Bear with Skis (no base variation), this should raise a BIG RED FLAG as being altered (base removed).

If I were to purchase the Swarovski Kris Bear with figurines for myself or as a gift, I would select the one with the base.  I would not want one that would be more likely to tip over and break, complicated by the fact that it would be more difficult to replace.

If you are looking for any of the retired Kris Bear crystal figurines, Crystal Exchange America has nearly 70 available for purchase.  Swarovski Kris Bear figurines.  They can be found in the “Other Silver Crystal” category, “Toys” subcategory.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Rare Swarovski Find…. Hand-Painted Bitters Bottle and Glasses

Through some business relationships, we recently learned about bottles with the Swarovski label affixed to them.  The bottle has been referred to as abitters bottle.

Background:  According to Wikipedia, “bitters is an alcoholic beverage that is flavored with herbal essences and has a bitter or bittersweet flavor. There are numerous brands of bitters that were formerly marketed as patent medicines but are now considered to be digestifs, rather than medicines. They commonly have an alcoholic strength of 45% ABV and are used as digestifs as flavoring in cocktails.”

Dating back as far as the early 19th century, bitters bottles were known for their unusual shapes, colors and ornate designs. Bitters were supposedly cures for stomach illnesses, but in reality alcohol disguised as medicine.  Bitters were popular wherever and whenever alcohol was not acceptable.

Swarovski Bitters Bottle and Glasses
Swarovski Label

 

The bottle in the picture is about 7″ tall.  The 6 glasses are slightly taller than 2″.

From the information we have gathered from our reliable contacts, the container and glasses were purchased from a Tyrolean glass-blowing company and an artist at Swarovski hand-painted them.  It is for this reason that the Swarovski sticker label is attached to the bottle and glasses.  The bitters bottle and glasses were available for purchase in a shoppe that was likely open to Swarovski employees only.

What a tremendous find on rare Swarovski!  Who would have thought there to be any connection between the bottle, glasses, and our favorite crystal brand?  It was only because of the Swarovski sticker label, still attached that it was possible to make any such connection.  Because of the octagonal shaped label, this suggests dating of the bottle and glasses in the 1970’s and mid-1980’s.

Other rare Swarovski finds and sales have been documented on the Kristall Buzz in 2011:

Look for more rare Swarovski stories on the Kristall Buzz, and check out the Crystal Exchange America web site www.CrystalExchange.com for rare Swarovski figurines!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Orange Panther – Crystal Limited Online Edition Officially Released!

Great news for Swarovski crystal fanatics….The Swarovski Orange Shine Online Limited Edition is available online for purchase

This Swarovski Panther is identical in design to other panthers produced by Swarovski.  That being said, this panther is Orange, and is limited to 888 units of production.  The system number for the Orange Shine Panther is 1096050.  This Swarovski Panther has a price tag of $1100.

Other Swarovski Panthers available for purchase from the crystal brand include:

  1. Swarovski Panther (clear) – 9600 000 074 / 874 337.  Introduced in 2007 and retired in 2011.
  2. Swarovski Black Panther – 9600 000 151 / 1060325. Introduced and sold out in 2010.
  3. Swarovski Moroda Panther 1096051.  New release for 2011.

The designer for the Swarovski Soulmate Panther figurines is Heinz Tabertshofer .  All the crystal figurines are fully faceted animals attached to black spot granite bases.  The limited editions are engraved in the granite base with a unique # and the words limited online edition.

Get your order in quickly if you wish to secure your limited edition orange panther!  The Limited Edition Black Panther sold out in under 48 hours according to the Swarovski web site.  While this one has a higher price tag (about $110 more) and an increase in production of 78% more units, history could very well repeat itself with a quick sell out.

The Limited Edition Black Panther is performing well on the secondary market, with trading prices in the $3000 to $3500 range.  If this is any indication of success for the Limited Edition Orange Shine Panther, you’ll want place your order now, so that you won’t have to pay secondary market prices to add it to your Swarovski crystal collection.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski News: A Swarovski Limited Online Edition 2011 Christmas Set

Swarovski has announced to its SCS members that beginning August 29, residents of 23 select countries will have the opportunity to purchase Swarovski Christmas Set, an online limited edition.

 

Swarovski Christmas Set, Online Limited Edition
Swarovski Christmas Set, Online Limited Edition

So you are wondering what is in the Swarovski Christmas Set?  It consists of the

  • Swarovski Christmas Ornament Home Display, Retail cost $28
  • Swarovski 2011 Annual Edition Ornament, Retail cost $75
  • Swarovski Little Star Ornament, Retail cost $40

What is not mentioned in the announcement is the price for the Online Limited Edition, only that there is a considerable savings.

By now, Swarovski crystal fanatics may have already purchased the 2011 Christmas Ornament, so they might not be interested in a complete set.

It is also worth mentioning that for several weeks now, the 2011 Christmas Ornament has NOT been available for purchase at the Swarovski web site (at least for USA residents).  The Swarovski Christmas Set is also NOT available for purchase at the Swarovski web site.  Speculation is that they are SOLD OUT from the manufacturer.   So if this is the case, you may find this to be great news that you have opportunity to still get the ornament if you are willing to purchase the set, which also includes the little star and stand accessories.

Also, the Swarovski 2011 Ornament is available at the Crystal Exchange America web site: www.CrystalExchange.com .  Simply look in the Christmas and Ornaments category to find the 2011 Swarovski Ornament as well as Swarovski ornaments from prior years!

The Kristall Buzz is always an exceptional source of reliable information on Swarovski figurines and collectibles.  Catch the buzz….check back frequently for the latest in Swarovski News.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Bald Eagle NLE 2011 is available at CrystalExchange.com

The Swarovski Bald Eagle (Numbered Limited Edition in 2011) is a spectacular statuette by Heinz Tabertshofer .  These Bald Eagle figurines have a unique number engraved on the crystal base, and a matching special Swarovski Certificate stating the edition number.  The Swarovski Bald Eagle exceeds 11″ in height.  Its accessories include gloves, brochure, and a locking blue storage case.

This crystal Bald Eagle is a Swarovski NLE, limited to 10,000 units.  It was initially available to SCS members only, but beginning in July, 2011, any Swarovski collector can purchase it in a store or online at the Swarovski site.

The Swarovski Bald Eagle has come with some criticism by Swarovski crystal fanatics.  Many are not sure that they like the colored figurines.  And some are quite skeptical since the last couple of NLEs were not near-immediate sell-outs, instead taking nearly a year to close out inventory (some speculate that they never sold out).  At the MSRP of $3800, my opinion is that you should REALLY like it before making the purchase.

Other SCS Number Limited Edition figurines include:

  • Swarovski Eagle, NLE 1995
  • Swarovski Peacock, NLE 1998
  • Swarovski Wild Horses, NLE 2001
  • Swarovski Bull, NLE 2004
  • Swarovski Elephant, NLE 2006
  • Swarovski Rhinoceros, NLE 2008

If you are wanting to add the Swarovski Bald Eagle to your crystal collection, go to CrystalExchange.com and view the  category Collector Society / SCS, then sub-category Annual and Limited Editions.  The Bald Eagles on the Crystal Exchange America web site are priced under the MSRP of $3800.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski launches Hello Kitty Video on YouTube

It has been about 6 weeks since Swarovski added the new Hello Kitty merchandise in the online shoppe.  Several days ago, I found an official Swarovski Hello Kitty video on YouTube.

In the short video, the model shows off mostly the Swarovski jewelry offerings.  Most of the Hello Kitty jewelry  in the Swarovski shoppe is in the price range of $70 – $160.  In the video, the model also poses with the Swarovski Hello Kitty Bag that retails for $650.

The video does not give much time to the crystal figurines, as only one of them is shown, and that is at the very end.  The crystal giant is selling 3 different Swarovski Hello Kitty figurines, all which retail just over $200 each.

So if you are a crystal fanatic or Hello Kitty fanatic, you’ll want to check out the Hello Kitty of the Swarovski web site for their newest product line offerings!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lion Fish – Pretty Crystal vs Poison Critter

Last week, I saw an article on Good Morning America about lionfish that made me think about the Swarovski Lion Fish.

Swarovski Lionfish

 

 

The Swarovski Lion fish I’m accustomed to seeing is a retired crystal figurine.  It was designed by the well-known Martin Zendron.  The Swarovski Lion fish was released in 2002 and retired in 2005.  Swarovski placed the crystal lion fish in the “South Sea” theme group.  The attractive lion fish figurine featured light salmon shiny crystal fins.  The overall size is about 2.5″ in length.  The Swarovski Lion Fish originally retailed for $185 USD and is presently found in online auctions and in the secondary market for $150 – $200.

 

 

 

Natural Lionfish
Natural Lionfish

The poison critter that I am less familiar with is the live and venomous lionfish.  I had no idea they got so big! National Geographic states they are normally about 12″ long!  They have red and white zebra fins and elongated, flashy pectoral fins.  The poison is in the lionfish’s dorsal fins.  The lionfish sting is generally not fatal, but is extremely painful.  Also known as the turkey fish, dragon fish, or scorpion fish, their native area is the central and western Pacific oceans.  As reported on Good Morning America, these are making their way to US waters, and may potentially become “good eats”.

 

 

Hoping that this little bit of information about the poison critter behind the pretty crystal design has been as interesting to the many crystal fanatics as it was to me.  If you are looking have lionfish in  your aquarium (another popular use for the lionfish), check in a tropical fish store.  If you are looking to add the retired  Swarovski Lionfish to your crystal collection, visit the Crystal Exchange America web site in the “Sea Life” category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Black Panther NLE is available at CrystalExchange.com

The Swarovski Black Panther (Numbered Limited Edition in 2010) is a stunning sculpture by Heinz Tabertshofer .  All Black Panther figurines have a unique number engraved on the base and has the Swarovski swan logo on the back leg.  The Swarovski Black Panther weighs over 4 lbs and measures over 8″ tall.

Swarovski Limited Edition Panther

This crystal Black Panther is a Swarovski NLE, limited to 500 pieces.  It was available online only, and sold out in a mere 2 days its unveiling in the online Swarovski shoppe.  While it originally sold for just under $1000, the price quickly sky-rocketed to $3000.  Now, it is becoming even more difficult to find, and boasts prices at nearly $4000.

The Swarovski Soulmate Panther design has been a well-liked design by Swarovski crystal fanatics.  Other Soulmate Panther figurines include:

  • Soulmate Swarovski Clear Panther – 9600 000 074 / 874 337.  2007 to 2011.
  • Soulmate Swarovski Moroda Panther – 1096051.  New release in June, 2011.
  • Soulmate Swarovski Limited Edition Orange Shine Panther – 1096051.  New release in August, 2011.

If you are looking to add the Swarovski Black Panther to your collection, go to CrystalExchange.com and look in the Limited Edition Swarovski Category.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Nirvana Ring Secret

Earlier this month, I posted information about the Swarovski Nirvana Ring Sweepstakes.

Swarovski Nirvana Ring

While I was doing some research for the post, I found that the crystal brand had run another Swarovski Nirvana Ring contest, which ended in June, 2011.

The contest question was something like ‘What is the secret behind the 93 facets of the Nirvana Ring?‘  The good news is that I have the answer and I will gladly share it with our Swarovski fanatics friends in a few days.

The secret is interesting!  In the meantime, good luck with this Swarovski crystal mystery question!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Limited Editions in 2011

Customers have asked us about the availability of some Swarovski Limited Editions available this year, 2011.  Some Swarovski crystal fanatics tell us of rumors about the Swarovski NLE Bald Eagle being sold out.  Others have asked us about the Swarovski NLE Hello Kitty production.

I took a moment to check the crystal brand web site.  What I was able to see was that both items are still appearing on the online shoppe, so I do not believe that either is sold out.

The Swarovski Bald Eagle indeed displays the ‘Add to Shopping Bag’ button.  Retail price of the Bald Eagle, Swarovski Numbered Limited Edition 2011, is $3800.  A maximum of 10,000 Swarovski Bald Eagles are to be produced.  As of July 4, 2011 Swarovski SCS membership is no longer required to purchase.

The Swarovski Hello Kitty, Limited Edition 2011 also displays the ‘Add to Shopping Bag’ button.  Retail price of the Hello Kitty, Numbered Limited Edition, is $8000.  A maximum of 88 Swarovski Hello Kitty, Limited Edition 2011 are to be produced, so this is a true exclusive.

Crystal Exchange America has a large selection of retired Swarovski LE figurines (Limited Editions) and Swarovski NLE figurines (Numbered Limited Editions) available on their web site.  Simply check out the Limited Edition Swarovski category of the online store.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America