Tag: Swarovski Crystal Fanatics

Swarovski Puzzle Contest – Up to the Challenge?

At the Swarovski web site, there is a Swarovski Puzzle for visitors and SCS members to play.  The Swarovski puzzle allows a user to select various images to play the ‘slider game’.  I found about 5 different images to select from.  The images I was presented were all related to Siku, the polar bear cubs, or the SCS arctic  flower products  The Swarovski puzzle has varying levels of difficulty:  3×3, 4×4, and 5×5.  The higher the level of difficulty, the more time the puzzle player has to complete the challenge.

The first step was to install Adobe Shockwave to play.  I was anxious to get started!  I selected the image for the Swarovski puzzle.  I then selected the easy mode. Sadly, I did not have good luck in the small amount of time provided. It’s probably not that difficult, but I found myself ready to give up after a few tries.  Guess I need to bookmark the Swarovski puzzle page and try again before the end of the month.

The Swarovski crystal puzzle is a cool idea.  The Swarovski site indicates that prizes are available for a monthly drawing to users who are able to solve the puzzle within the allotted time.  I did not see any indication as to what the prizes are or how many are available.  Good luck to all Swarovski fanatics who take the challenge of the Swarovski puzzle!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

SCS Arctic – Flower Swarovski Figurines in the Snow

The arctic air remains upon us (-6 degrees Fahrenheit!), so it’s time to pull out the camera today for more pictures of SCS figurines.  Well this time, when I say SCS figurines, I’m actually referring to “Super Cold Swarovski” figurines.

Today, the photography focus was on Swarovski flowers in the arctic snow and ice.  Two more Swarovski figurines were selected for today’s photo challenge: the Swarovski Poinsettia and the Swarovski Star Blossoms.

The Swarovski flower Poinsettia glistened in the arctic snow¦.it’ s amazing that the snowflakes can be seen on the crystal figurine.  If you look closely at the image, the frosty snow can be seen resting on the flower petals of the SCS figurine (remember, that’s Super Cold Swarovski). The Swarovski Poinsettia was introduced in 2007 can be found at the Swarovski web site for $95.

 

Swarovski Poinsettia
The Swarovski flower Star Blossoms also had a neat appeal when photographed in the chilly outdoors.  The arctic snow surrounding the Swarovski Star Blossoms can be seen in the background.  The Swarovski Star Blossoms were introduced in 2009 and are now a part of the retired Swarovski collection.  There is still some left inventory of the online store and they are on sale for $55!  What a bargain for a Swarovski crystal figurine that once retailed for $90.
Swarovski Star Blossoms
Hopefully,  Swarovski fanatics remaining warm, or better yet in a much more pleasant climate, away from the chilly arctic blast!  Perhaps there will be some more pictures of Swarovski flower arctic-style in the snow posted here again!  If there are any retired Swarovski flowers on your wish list, check out Crystal Exchange America  web site http://www.crystalexchange.com/  there’s a good bit listed there.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Ornaments & Swarovski Crystal Ornament Sets

It’s been snowing A LOT here, and I thought it would be neat to experiment with a camera and Swarovski ornaments in the snow and ice!

Swarovski Ornament – Santa’s Hat

I picked out 2 colorful ornaments, the Swarovski Santa Hat and the Swarovski Festive Hearts Ornament.  The Swarovski Santa Hat Ornament was hung from a branch in a frozen tree (it’s only 10 degrees F here!)  This Swarovski Ornament was introduced in 2008 and it is still current.  The price on the Swarovski web site is $75.

Swarovski Ornament – Festive Hearts
The Swarovski Festive Hearts Ornament was resting in the snow (about 6″ of snow in the last day!).  This Swarovski Ornament can be purchased as a single ornament at the Swarovski web site at $41.

It is worthwhile to mention that Swarovski Festive Hearts is also included in two different ornament sets:  the Swarovski Mini Ornament Set (Sparkling Cookie, Twinkling Mittens, and Festive Hearts) and the Swarovski Stocking, Hearts, Candy Cane Set.  The Swarovski ornament set with the candy cane retails for $110 at the Swarovski site.

However, the Swarovski ornament set with the twinkling mittens is presently on sale for $55!  This Swarovski crystal figurine group is three ornaments in the same package (not three ornaments in three separate boxes sold as a group).  Since it is on sale, I’m thinking that this will soon be retired / discontinued “as a set”. This is speculation…I have not checked with any Swarovski retirements listings.

I hope that all Swarovski fanatics are staying warm and safe in the frigid winter season!  Perhaps there will be some more pictures of Swarovski crystal in the snow posted here again!  If there are any retired Swarovski ornaments on your wish list, check out Crystal Exchange America web site http://www.crystalexchange.com/ .there are a lot listed there.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity – How Significant is it?

For the most part, I have addressed the question about the importance of the Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity at the Crystal Exchange America web site.

First and foremost, if the crystal figurine in question is a Swarovski Limited Edition figurine, or a Swarovski Annual Edition, the Certificate of Authenticity is important to retain the highest value, and sell-ability of the figurine.  This is because avid Swarovski Crystal collectors prefer to have ‘the complete package’ when purchasing retired Swarovski.

When the Swarovski figurine in question is not any type of special edition, then Swarovski includes a ‘generic product booklet’ titled ‘certificate’ with the figurine when produced.  Given this type of certificate is generic and interchangeable between products, the significance is lower.  Nonetheless, some Swarovski fanatics will certainly pay extra money when purchasing discontinued Swarovski crystal figurines to ensure they have that ‘complete package’.

Regarding current Swarovski products, the company states that they cannot replace a Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity.  They do recommend that customers retain their receipts for any warranty issues that may arise.

The company has used at least eight different Swarovski certificates since 1976.  The first three have an octagonal shape.  They were used from approximately 1976 to 1988.  From 1988 to 1995, a square white Swarovski certificate was used.  The only round Swarovski certificate was used from 1995 to 2000.   Since 2000, a variety of square certificates have been used, including issues in white, blue, and reddish-orange.

If you have a special edition figurine missing the certificate, Crystal Exchange America has some Swarovski certificates listed on their site.  If you are seeking the Swarovski Certificates more generic in nature, Crystal Exchange America has a few sets listed in the online auctions running for the next 30 days.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Lovlots Circus Crystal Figurines

Swarovski crystal fanatics will be excited about the upcoming release of the new Swarovski Lovlots Circus!

Among the new Lovlots Circus crystal figures are: Swarovski Benny Bunny,  Swarovski Jade Dancing Horse (Limited Edition 2011), Swarovski Jasmine Dancing Horse, Swarovski Leo Lion, Swarovski Rolly Monkey, Swarovski Rosalie Dancing Horse,  Swarovski Toby Elephant,  and Swarovski Tony Elephant.

Some of the new Swarovski Lovlots circus characters are very vibrant in color.  Others circus characters have softer coloring.

Pictures of eight Swarovski Lovlots Circus figurines can be found at the Swarovski web site.  The site also states that they should be available in the online shop for purchase in March of 2011.  There is no mention of the price on any of them.

The Swarovski Lovlots Circus is the 4th series of Lovlots figurines.  Other series of Swarovski Lovlots are: Swarovski Gang of Dogs, Swarovski House of Cats, and Swarovski City Park.  Another “unofficial series” are the Lovlots Pioneers which are the very first Lovlots figurines.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Lovlots, Crystal Exchange America has a large selection. There are figurines from all four series as well as the special limited edition Lovlots.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Crystal Designers

The Swarovski Designers of crystal figurines are amazing….the natural talent that they possess, the desire to be a part of the process creating the crystal designs, their inspiration.

Swarovski has launched over 2500 figurines under various product lines, including Silver Crystal, Crystal Memories, Trimlite, Paradise, Disney, and others. While many of the figurines are credited as a team design (meaning that a group of people are given credit for the creation), many others are credited directly to a single designer.
I’m presently aware of about 65 designers credited exclusively for creation of figurines.  This list can be found on the RetiredSwarovski.com web site:  Swarovski Designers.   This listing of Swarovski designers was recently updated.  It now also includes links to the designer profiles on Swarovski’s web site so that Swarovski crystal fanatics can get more information about what makes these designers tick.  Swarovski also has a link to a PDF containing all figurines by the designer.

I’m looking forward to seeing the new Swarovski creations for 2011…..kudos to those Swarovski designers with all the talent!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Database of Crystal Figurines on the iPad

Recently, I learned that you can view the Swarovski Database of Crystal by Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on the iPad!

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Crystal has been publishing books on Swarovski figurines since 1994.  In 2000, they put their Swarovski Database online at http://www.wbrbonline.com/  and incorporated it into a subscription-based service that allows Swarovski Crystal collector users to run queries to access the same information as their printed books at virtually half the cost.  Subscribers can view Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number, Swarovski System Number, Swarovski Designer, MSRP, ERV (better known as the Swarovski Value for insurance purposes), dimensions, Swarovski Introduction Date, Status (year retired or current), which Swarovski Logos are on the figurine, and a paragraph of information on the crystal piece.

Within the past month, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books has put their online subscription services to the test on one of the newest computing platforms available.the Apple iPad.  The web site passed with flying colors. Users found the WBRBOnline subscription service to the Swarovski database to be easy to use and easy to view.  Using the iPad to view the database of 2800+ Swarovski figurines was just like using the computer, but the benefits of having the iPad meant that the Swarovski database is available for use anywhere there is an internet connection!  I would imagine that the same may hold true for ‘smart phones’, but do think that the smaller screens on phones could provide challenges with reading the smaller text.

Swarovski Database
Swarovski Database available at www.wbrbonline.com

 

This is great news for Swarovski crystal fanatics who may have gotten the Apple iPad for Christmas.  If not, perhaps this new information is enough to justify purchasing a new Apple iPad.

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Dumbo, 2011 Limited Edition Figurine, Now Available

About a month ago, Swarovski SCS members received a sneak preview of a 2011 Limited Edition figurine…the Swarovski Dumbo. Now, it has launched in the online Swarovski store.
Swarovski Disney Dumbo 2011
Swarovski Limited Edition Dumbo in 2011
Swarovski Dumbo is 4th in line of the Swarovski Disney collaboration of  limited edition crystal figurines.  Swarovski Tinkerbell launched in 2008.  Swarovski Sorcerer Mickey launched for 2009.  And in 2010, it was Swarovski Pinocchio.
Swarovski 1993 Disney Dumbo
Swarovski 1993 Dumbo
Swarovski Arribas Dumbo
Arribas Limited Edition Dumbo (max 5000 figurines)

Swarovski Dumbo figurines have been  produced by Swarovski or using Swarovski pave components since 1987.  The rarest Swarovksi Dumbo figurines are those  made  in 1987 and 1988.  These Dumbo elephants were made in several variations.  Some crystal figurines were made with larger ears and some with smaller ears..  Some crystal figurines were made with frosted tusks and others were made without any tusks.  While the ears and tusks varied within the two years of production, they all were all seated in a teddy-bear-like position.  These limited edition Dumbo elephants were made with and without a Swarovski logo only available through the Arribas Brothers stores in the Walt Disney theme parks.

So, all Swarovski crystal fanatics….if you like the new 2011 Dumbo and wish to purchase some of the previous ones….Crystal Exchange America has a number of different retired Swarovski Dumbo figurines available for purchase in their online store.
Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs – SCS 2011 Companions

2011 is officially here and I’d like to wish a Happy New Year to all Swarovski crystal fanatics collectors!

I’m excited to have a photo of the Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs to contrast the two Swarovski crystal finishes.

Swarovski Polar Bear Cubs for 2011

 

The ‘Crystal Moonlight’ Polar Bear Cub is shown on the left.  The ‘White Opal’ Polar Bear Cub is shown on the right.  I want to stress that the Cubs CANNOT be purchased as shown.  This is an illustration only for collectors to be able to see the differences between the coloration if they cannot personally view them prior to placing an order.

The ‘Crystal Moonlight’ cubs are designed to match the Polar Bear Siku.

The Swarovski system number for the ‘White Opal’ Cubs is 1080774.  The Swarovski system number for the ‘Crystal Moonlight’ Cubs is 1079156.  (It’s a good thing the system numbers are substantially different to avoid ordering confusion.)

The Polar Bear Cubs are optional accessories to go along with the 2011 SCS Polar Bear Siku.  Each Polar Bear Cub pair retails for $350, so I’m curious to know the statistics of Swarovski SCS members that purchase both pairs.  Or….if a Swarovski collector chooses to purchase only one pair, will it be the ‘Crystal Moonlight’ or the ‘White Opal’ set?

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America

Swarovski SCS 2010 Annual Edition Tiger

2011 will arrive within minutes.  “Endangered Wildlife”, the final Swarovski SCS Club trilogy, will be concluded as we Swarovski crystal fanatics anxiously await the arrival of Swarovski 2011 SCS Polar Bear Siku to our displays.

The Swarovski 2010 Annual Edition was the Tiger.  The Swarovski Tiger retailed for $450.   Swarovski also offered separate tiger cubs to its Swarovski SCS members.  The Swarovski Standing Tiger Cub retailed for $180. The Swarovski Sitting Tiger Cub also retailed for $180.

The Swarovski 2010 Annual Edition Tiger, Standing Tiger Cub, and Sitting Tiger Cub were designed by Elisabeth Adamer.  The Swarovski video on youtube briefly shows the Swarovski designer and how she began he journey into the development of this Swarovski figurine for the Swarovski Crystal Society members.

Crystal Exchange America commonly has additional information about the 2010 Swarovski Tiger.

Since I like felines, both domestic and wild, I’m delighted with the design and that I have the 2010 SCS Tiger in my Swarovski crystal collection.

Happy New Year to all Kristall Buzz readers and Swarovski collectors!

Swarovski Article posted by Angie / Crystal Exchange America