Swarovski Jubilee Mo …. A “Mo”st Expensive Swarovski Mo!

Mar 232015
 

Our favorite crystal brand has the newest Swarovski Mo on the online shoppe: the Swarovski Jubilee Mo.

Swarovski Jubilee Mo, Lovlots Limited Edition 2015

Swarovski Jubilee Mo, Limited Edition 2015

The Swarovski Mo herd welcomes the largest, priciest mo cow to the ever expanding Swarovski Lovlots family. There are other tall cows in the Mo Herd, but they are only about 3.5″ tall. The retired tall mos include

Swarovski Jubilee Mo is clear, with a golden shadow coating. It features laser engraved floating chatons. Jubilee Mo is like the Swarovski Grandmother Mo of all the mo cows…. the Swarovski giant mo stands over 7″ tall!

On the crystal brand’s web site, it indicates that Limited Edition Jubilee Mo will be available only in 2015.

Congratulations to the Lovlots Mo character celebrating 10 mo-arvelous years!



Swarovski Cinderella Slipper – 2015 Limited Edition of 400 Shoe Figurines!

Mar 162015
 

On March 13, 2015 Disney released a new Cinderella movie, and no doubt, Swarovski played an important role keeping the sparkle alive.

Swarovski NLE Cinderella Slipper 400

Swarovski Limited Edition Cinderella Slipper, NLE 400 shoe figurines

Swarovski teamed up with the Academy Award® winning costume designer Sandy Powell to add sparkle to the film, providing 1.7 million finely cut Swarovski crystals to adorn costumes, jewelry, hair and makeup. A long-time Swarovski collaborator, Powell also designed Cinderella’s iconic slippers, which play such a pivotal role in the plot. The slippers are hewn from solid crystal and feature 221 light-reflecting facets. In addition to these unique creations, Swarovski opened its archives to provide over 150 tiaras and jewelry pieces to light up the famous ball scene in the film. Sandy Powell commented: “For me, Swarovski crystals are a key creative ingredient to add light, depth and color and to my costumes. ‘Cinderella’ is perhaps the ultimate romantic fairy tale, and working with Swarovski has added a new level of enchantment, illuminating the characters and bringing them to life in a magical way.”

Outside of the movie, the crystal giant has created a replica Swarovski slipper.  This Limited Edition Swarovski Slipper is 85% of the size of the movie slipper.  This 2015 Limited Edition slipper is recognized by Swarovski using the following identification numbers: 9100 000 622 and 5179692.

The Swarovski Limited Edition Slipper is approximately 6 1/2″ X 2 1/2″ X 6 1/4″. It features 220+ facets in clear crystal.  It is decorated with a (silver) rhodium-plated butterfly, set with light blue crystals. It is available as a numbered limited edition of only 400 pieces.   Each slipper is uniquely numbered on the underside of the slipper and includes a certificate of authenticity.  One website showed a selling price over $2100, but I did not find the Swarovski Slipper on the official Swarovski  web site to confirm the actual retail price.

Disney Numbered Limited Edition Cinderella Slipper, 500 Shoe Figurine

Disney Limited Edition Cinderella Slipper embellished with Swarovski crystals

This Limited Edition Swarovski Cinderella Slipper should not be confused with another Limited Edition Swarovski Cinderella’s Slipper.  This Cinderella slipper has an identification number of 5035515 and is significantly smaller and less expensive.  While it may be sold out on the Swarovski website, it can be easily found on the internet for original MSRP of $100.

Disney also produced their rendition of a Limited Edition Cinderella Slipper.  The Disney Slipper is a Limited Edition of 500 units. The Disney  Slipper features golden butterfly encrusted with Swarovski crystals.  It too is individually numbered on the bottom side of the slipper and includes a Certificate of Authenticity as well.  This figurine is successfully selling at the online auctions at $550 – $1150!

In the early 2000’s, in the Silver Crystal product line, there was a Swarovski Cinderella figurine, complete with a mini crystal slipper.  When collectors purchase this figurine from any source, make certain that the slipper is still with the Cinderella figurine as it can be very difficult to locate a replacement Swarovski Slipper to go with it. For 2015, there is another Limited Edition Swarovski Cinderella, that retails for nearly $600.

There are certainly a variety of Cinderellas available, as well as Limited Edition Cinderella Slippers available that are either Swarovski figurines or Disney figurines embellished with Swarovski crystals.  So if you are a Cinderella fanatic, you won’t want to miss out looking for one of these to add to your collection!



Happy Pi Day to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics! (π to Pineapple)

Mar 142015
 

Today is the Pi Day of the century, the ultimate for math fanatics!  Pi, known by mathematicians as π, is an irrational number that begins with to 3.1415926535…  Today is 3.14.15 (we have the first five digits so far!).  At 9:26:53 am or pm, that’s the next five digits.  So, at 2 different times day, we have the first 10 digits of π!  The next time that will happen will be in 2115, and just how many crystal fanatics might be around for that celebration!

Swarovski Pineapples

Swarovski Trimlite Pineapple (left) and Swarovski Silver Crystal Pineapple (right).

With the play on numbers on Pi Day, how about a play on words and symbols?  I’m unaware of any Swarovski pie figurines, so let’s go with π-neapple figurines!  (Hope that wasn’t TOO bad??)

Dating back to the late 1980’s, the crystal giant produced 2 different Trimlite Pineapple figurines:

  • Small Pineapple – 52622.  Production dates for this Trimlite Pineapple was 1985 to 1988.  It measures about 2″ tall, including the crystal and gold metal topper.
  • Medium Pineapple – 52623.  Production dates for this Trimlite Pineapple was 1985 to 1988.  It measures about 2.75″ tall, including the crystal and gold metal topper.

The famous crystal brand also made Swarovski pineapple figurines in the “Silver Crystal” product line:

  • Small Pineapple with a gold leaf topper – 7507060001 / 012 726.   Production dates for this Silver Crystal Pineapple was 1986 to 2004.  Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 2.5″.
  • Small Pineapple with a silver / rhodium leaf topper – 7507060002  / 012 727.   Production dates for this Swarovski Crystal Pineapple was 1981 to 2007.  Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 2.5″.  This small pineapple has been documented with smooth leaves or  textured (hammered) leaves.
  • Large Pineapple with a gold leaf topper – 7507105001 / 010 044.   Production dates for this Swarovski Pineapple was 1981 to 2007.  Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 4.125″. This large pineapple has been documented with smooth leaves or  textured (hammered) leaves and even with different shaped crystal components.
  • Large Pineapple with a silver / rhodium leaf topper – 7507060002  / 010 081.   Production dates for this Silver Crystal Pineapple was 1981 to 1986.  Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 4.125″.  This large pineapple has been documented with smooth leaves or  textured (hammered) leaves.
  • Giant Pineapple with a gold leaf topper – 7507260001 / 010 116.   Production dates for this Silver Crystal Pineapple was 1981 to 2008.  Total height of this super-sized pineapple is about 9 3/4″ and a massive weight of over 10.5 lbs. This giant pineapple has been documented with textured (hammered) leaves only, but with and without special markings indicating whether it is a part of the ” Signed Collection” European series.
  • Giant Pineapple with a silver / rhodium leaf topper – 7507260002 / 010 258.   Production dates for this Swarovski Pineapple was 1981 to 1986.  Total height of this super-sized pineapple is about 9 3/4″ and a massive weight of over 10.5 lbs. This giant pineapple has been documented with textured (hammered) leaves only, but with and without special markings indicating whether it is a part of the “Signed Collection” European series.

The Crystal Exchange America website has some Swarovski Pineapple figurines in their online store.  They can be found in the Fruit category (on the left side of the screen)

Swarovski Vintage Jewelry: Swarovski Savvy History

Mar 132015
 

Following up on our last post on Swarovski Savvy,  I have been able to get a bit more information about the history of the Swarovski Savvy Jewelry line!

The  Swarovski Savvy line was live from 1986 through the end of 1999.  Here is a timeline of the milestones during its years in production:

  • 1986:  Swarovski Savvy was launched in the United States.
  • 1987:  Swarovski Savvy was launched in Europe and Asia.
  • 1995:  Swarovski phased out  the Savvy line in Europe and Asia.
  • 1995 – 1999: Swarovski Savvy line remained available in the United States.
  • 1999:  Swarovski Savvy was merged with the Swarovski Jewelers Collection, so the line  Swarovski Savvy was ended.

Ebay presently has  150+ Swarovski Savvy jewelry items in the online auctions.  That includes: Swarovski Savvy Necklaces, Swarovski Savvy Pendants, Swarovski Savvy Bracelets,  Swarovski Savvy Earrings, Swarovski Savvy Brooches, and Swarovski Savvy Pins.  Most of the jewelry has original cards and tags, which is amazing for jewelry that is likely 20+ years old!

Crystal Exchange America has put some of Swarovski Savvy  jewelry on ebay .  If you like auctions, check them out.  Swarovski Savvy jewelry is also available in our online store at www.CrystalExchange.com .



Swarovski Savvy – Vintage Jewelry by Swarovski

Mar 042015
 
Savvy Jewelry by Swarovski

Swarovski Savvy Jewelry Logos

 

About a year ago, Crystal Exchange America took in a Swarovski crystal collection for consignment.  There was a good bit of jewelry in the collection, including a few Swarovski Savvy pieces.

 

There’s really not much known about the Swarovski Savvy product line.  I decided to  peruse through Amazon and Ebay to see what I might learn.   Amazon did not show any Swarovski Savvy jewelry offerings.  On the other hand, there were 150+ Swarovski Savvy products that appeared in the Ebay search results.

 

I found Swarovski Savvy Necklace items, Swarovski Savvy Bracelet items,  Swarovski Savvy Earrings, Swarovski Savvy Pins, Swarovski Savvy Brooches, and Swarovski Savvy Pendants.  To my surprise, a lot of the Savvy Jewelry on Ebay still had original merchandise tags.

 

From various product descriptions and a bit of other research, It appeared that the Swarovski Savvy line was sold mostly in department stores,  like Dilliards (who has also sold some Trimlite-like figurines).  And  I did notice that many original tags indicated “Swarovski full lead crystal”.

 

Swarovski used a number of different text fonts and styles during its limited production years in the 1990s.  And it seems that Savvy was not trademarked, possibly due to its short lifespan?

Crystal Exchange America has put some of Swarovski Savvy Jewelry necklaces and earrings on Ebay . If you love to bid and win, check them out on Ebay.  If you prefer the buy-it-now style for purchasing, the very same Swarovski Savvy Jewelry is available in our online store.



Swarovski Software using the Swarovski Database at WBRB.com

Mar 022015
 

In September 2014, WBRBOnline added features to the Swarovski Database that has over 3300 items in it.  The new functionality in the software allows subscribers to record and keep their inventory of their Swarovski crystal collection.

Swarovski Software using WBRBOnline Swarovski Database

Swarovski Software using WBRB Swarovski Database

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Crystal has been annually publishing books on Swarovski figurines for over 20 years!  Their online counterpart, http://www.wbrb.com/, allows subscribers to access the very same Swarovski factual information as their printed books for a fraction of the price.  Users may view a plethora of information on current and retired Swarovski figurines:  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.

In the recent enhancements, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books added new functionality to the site that should be pleasing to Swarovski collectors looking for an all-inclusive solution to inventory their Swarovski figurines. This has been welcomed by many former Star Track Software users, who found their Swarovski software was no longer being updated or supported as of 2009.  Just like Star Track Software, users can add custom figurines and over-ride the ERV for their insurance values.  The WBRB Swarovski Software also allows users to download a text file that can be used with programs like MS Excel to format data to their liking for a printed report.  A complete Swarovski Software Demo can be found on the WBRB web site.

This is wonderful news for Swarovski crystal fanatics who might be missing Star Track Software.  This may just be the time to get a Swarovski Software subscription and get your inventory updated!



Swarovski Starburst in Las Vegas

Feb 282015
 
Swarovski Starburst

Swarovski Starburst in Las Vegas

 

Just this week, the crystal giant has officially launched their Swarovski Midnight Celebration in Las Vegas.  It is a spectacular light and sound show, lasting about 3 minutes.  Swarovski’s vision in the starburst was that it would create a New Year’s Eve excitement 365 days / year!

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski StarBurst at Midnight

Swarovski Starburst at Midnight

 

 

 

This unique starburst is the only one in the world.  Measuring about 14 feet in diameter, it features 911 custom-cut Swarovski spheres and over 1800 points of LED lights.  The light-action show is choreographed to music.

 

 

 

Swarovski Starburst Light Show

Swarovski Storefront with Starburst

 

 

The Swarovski Starburst is located above the 400-foot free-standing pavilion store on the Las Vegas strip.  Even the design of the pavilion store architecture was to have the store resemble  cut crystal utilizing many angular facets.

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Starburst

Swarovski Starburst Light Show

 

The Grand Bazaar shops, which Swarovski is a part of, opened the outdoor shopping attraction on February 26.  Following the motif that bazaar shops allow bartering, there will even be items that shoppers can do some price-negotiating….can you imagine…..bartering at a Swarovski store!  The featured items may change daily.  Store hours for this location are 9:30am to 12:30am daily.

 

So, whether you want to see the Swarovski Starburst Light Show, visit and barter in the Swarovski shop, or simply have a great time in Las Vegas, this sounds like a must see stop for Swarovski crystal fanatics!



Swarovski Disney Myriad Donald Duck available in 2015

Feb 112015
 
Swarovski Disney Donald Duck Myriad

Donald Duck…the 2015 Swarovski Disney Limited Edition Myriad

Swarovski is about to release another Swarovski Disney Myriad…Donald Duck!

Myriad Donald Duck is a 2015 Swarovski Limited Edition that stands about 9.5 inches high.  Donald Duck is limited to 150 units worldwide, probably because each one takes about 110 man-hours to make!  Swarovski Myriad Donald Duck is decorated using their exclusive Pointiage® technique.  Retail price at launch time is $8900. The Limited Edition Donald Duck has been assigned the Swarovski system number 5 063 919.

This Myriad is the 4th Limited Edition Disney statue to be released since 2013, all of which have sold out.  Among these Swarovski Crystal Myriads are:

 

The Swarovski Disney Myriad…Donald Duck should be available at the Swarovski web site near the end of 1st quarter, 2015.  This is expensive news for Crystal Fanatics and Disney Fanatics alike!



Swarovski Limited Edition Nativity Set in Germany

Feb 062015
 

Swarovski fanatics are generally excited to learn about limited editions.  We recently learned about an unusual limited edition Swarovski Nativity Set available in a European country.

This Swarovski Nativity Set was available in Germany.  At some point, Swarovski made a decision to not be involved in religious motifs (according to information I  received).  However, this Nativity set had already been made.  A German company agreed to purchase 100 from this lot already produced and sell them under their own name around 2004.

Swarovski German Nativity Set

Swarovski Limited Edition Nativity Set from Germany

The Limited Edition Nativity Set consisted of crystal Joseph, crystal Mary, and crystal Baby Jesus.  The base is black lacquered wood.  Since they are not sold under the Swarovski name, they would not have any Swarovski marking on them.   And instead, ALL of the crystal figurines have “Artfides” on the bottom of them.  The clothing of the people figurines are clear crystal.  Faces, hands (basically flesh areas) are frosted.  Joseph is approximately 18 cm high, Mary 11 cm high, and Baby Jesus 9 cm wide.  A Swarovski system # associated with this set is 680865.

 

What a find for the collectors who have Swarovski Limited Edition Nativity Set in their collection!

The crystal brand has previously produced ‘The Cross of Light’ and other Swarovski Nativity Figurines:

At the Crystal Exchange America website, Swarovski Nativity figurines can be found in the Christmas & Ornaments category when there are listings available for purchase.



Swarovski Crystal Cigarette Holder: A Functional Smoker’s Accessory

Jan 262015
 

The crystal giant has produced a very small quantity of items specifically with a smoker in mind: the Swarovski Ashtray, the Swarovski  Cigarette Lighter, and last but not least the Swarovski Cigarette Holder.

While there were 5 crystal ashtrays, and 3 crystal cigarette lighters, there were basically 2 crystal cigarette holders:  a solid crystal one, and one with various metal accents.

The most common Swarovski Cigarette Holder is 100% crystal with no metal accents.  Known by the Swarovski part number 7463 062 000, this piece was designed by Max Schreck, and produced 1981 to 1990.  With a height of about 2.25″, it was designed to hold unused cigarettes.

The other, far more unique and hard to find Swarovski Cigarette Holder was produced 1977 to 1983 with a variety of metal accents:  Swarovski Polished Rhodium Cigarette Holder (shiney silver), Swarovski Brushed Rhodium Cigarette Holder (brushed silver), and Swarovski Polished Gold Cigarette Holder (shiney gold).  This item stands about 5 1/2″ tall and is documented by the Swarovski part number 7503 050 000 regardless of the metal trim.

A Swarovski Polished Rhodium Cigarette Holder was recently available on ebay.  Last week, it failed to get an opening bid of $79.   A few days later, it was relisted at a fixed price of $115, and sold in < 12 hours.

Swarovski Cigarette Holder figurines can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the “Useful Swarovski” , “More Functional” sub-category.  Using and cleaning cigarette holders, they are more likely to become damaged than if they were only displayed in cabinets. If  you plan to actually “use” them, I would not recommend paying top dollar to ensure it is in MINT condition or that it includes original box and coa certificate/paperwork.



Swarovski Fitness Tracker – a Shiney Partnership with Misfit

Jan 242015
 

It seems that nearly everyone is using fitness trackers these days, measuring their activities as well as their sleep.  There are pros and cons to every device ranging from price, accuracy, battery life, and color.  I found one that is a definite ‘PRO’ in terms of fashion and bling with a sweet battery life and features a waterproof activity tracker!

Swarovski Slake Set Misfit Fitness Activity Tracker

Misfit Swarovski Slake Set Fitness Activity Tracker

 

Yesterday, I saw that Misfit Wearables (a hardware company that designs and manufactures wearable products that utilize sensor technology) and Swarovski have teamed up for some useful, blingy, fashionable fitness trackers!  The activity tracker is a fully faceted crystal in a Swarovski exclusive cut, that measures your activities and sleep, and syncs with your smartphone. A battery is included, which from several sites appears to be replaceable and lasts 4 to 8 months.

The Swarovski Shine Vio Set, Swarovski Shine Slake Set, and Swarovski Shine Piofioria Set are shown on the Swarovski web site, however, at this time, the pre-order must be done at the Misfit web site.  These sets include the actual activity tracker.  Prices for the sets are $169 – $249.  One article indicated that the sets would be available at Swarovski.com in the spring of 2015.

Additionally, pendant and wristband accessories (without the device tracker) can be pre-ordered at the Misfit web site: Serora Pendant, Lisea Pendant, Vio Pendant, Cardoon Leather Wristband, Cleyera Wristband, Piofioria Wristband, and Slake Bracelet (in light gray, medium gray, and black). Prices for the accessories are $69 – $149.

 

Misfit Swarovski Purple Solar Powered Activity Tracker

Misfit Swarovski Purple Solar Activity Tracker

And that’s not all…. while I was researching for the article, I learned that yet another Swarovski Misfit tracker seem to be on the horizon!  I found pictures of a purple stone in a navy or purple slake bracelet.  The article with it sites that the purple one (Violet Swarovski Shine) is going to be a solar-powered fitness tracker!  The launch date of the Swarovski solar powered activity tracker was not evident anywhere I looked.

The Misfit Solutions are shown in their store for pre-order: Swarovski Shine Collection as well as the Swarovski site:  Swarovski Activity Tracker.  Naturally, Misfit’s  apps in Google Play and the Apple App Store allow users to get tracking information on their phone.

Seriously….seeing all this makes me want to track my activities just so I can get one!  This is exciting new for fitness fanatics and Swarovski crystal fanatics alike!

 

 



Swarovski Crystal Ashtray: More Useful Cigarette Accessories

Jan 222015
 

Swarovski collectors can appreciate when the crystal giant makes products that are not only beautiful, but also useful (if you are a serious collector, you probably wont “use” something that is functional). Cigarette Smokers may be interested in the Swarovski Cigarette Lighter, as well as the Swarovski Crystal Ashtray products that have been available through the years.

The oldest Swarovski Ashtray figurines were like small bowls with a rim of polished silver or polished gold which included an extension to hold a cigarette.  These units are known as the Rhodium Polished Ashtray and Gold Polished Ashtray.  These Swarovski Ashtrays used the part number 7501 061 000 and system number 011 157.  These figurines were the smallest of the ashtrays made, measuring about 2″ in diameter. The ashtrays feature the old Swarovski logo since they were produced 1977 to 1983.

The more commonly seen Swarovski Ashtray is solid crystal and is nearly 4″ in diameter.  The identification numbers for this smoker’s accessory are 7461 100 000 and 010 061. Max Schreck was the Swarovski designer of this ashtray, which was available from 1981 to 1990.

In the late 1980’s and into the mid 1990’s, Swarovski produced some limited edition Swarovski Ashtrays, identifiable by their unique names: Posacenere and Cendrier.

The Swarovski Posacenere Ashtray (Posacenere is the Italian word for ashtray).  Being a part of the Daniel Swarovski line, this ashtray features Ettore Sottass signature along with an identifying serial number.  While the Swarovski Posacenere was limited to 500 units, it was available 1989 to 2001….quite a long time to sell 500 units.  Perhaps this was due to the sticker price of $1720????

Lastly is the Swarovski Cendrier Ashtray (Cendrier is the French word for ashtray).  The Swarovski Cendrier was limited to 2182 pieces and sold 1992 to 1995.  It was designed by Martin Szekely and sold for $190 during its 4 year production run.

Swarovski Ashtrays can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the “Useful Swarovski” category, “Ashtrays and Treasure Boxes” subcategory as well as the online auctions.  If  you plan to actually “use” a Swarovski Crystal Ashtray, I would not suggest paying extra money to ensure it is in MINT condition or that it includes original box/paperwork.  Using and cleaning ashtrays, they are far more likely to get damaged than if they were display only units.



Swarovski Cigarette Lighter: Functional Smoking Accessories

Jan 172015
 

Swarovski produced a number of functional issues for their smoking collectors.  (Aren’t we all totally smoking Swarovski collectors????)

In the crystal brand’s earliest  years, they made a Swarovski Polished Rhodium Cigarette Lighter, a Swarovski Brushed Rhodium Cigarette Lighter, and a Swarovski Polished Gold Cigarette Lighter, all documented in  Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.  These most original releases were more metal than crystal.

These Swarovski Cigarette Lighters were all recognized by a common part number 7500 00 000, despite their obvious visual differences of silver vs gold and polished vs brushed finishes.  Cigarette Lighters  of this part number were introduced in 1977 and retired in 1983.  All had a price tag of $160 US.

In 1981, Swarovski began production of another lighter, which was later retired in 1990.  This Swarovski Cigarette Lighter was more crystal than metal.  It’s part number was 746 062 000.  Over its production run of 9 years,  the crystal component varied slightly with some having a more rounded top and some having a more beveled top.

Some of these Swarovski Cigarette Lighters can be found at the online auctions and both will be ending this week.

If any of these lighters are something of interest, be sure to check out the auctions on ebay before it’s too late!



Fraud Alert: Beware of Fake Websites Using the famous Swarovski Name

Apr 272013
 

A month or so back, I came across an article discussing how many large companies and consumers are being victimized by fraudulent websites.  One company specifically mentioned was Swarovski.   And the number of fake websites modeling theirs is growing.  Sadly enough, consumers and Swarovski crystal fanatics looking for a great deal on their favorite figurines and jewelry are likely to only end up with headaches and frustrated for weeks or months until the matter is closed.

The scenario is this….. a fraudster group of individuals picks a brand to target, in this case Swarovski.  They purchase a domain name (less than $50 for one year) that any normal internet user might believe is the official Swarovski brand.  Then the scammers get to work building the website (or pay to have it done).  Oftentimes, this heartless group will steal images, artwork, logos, and other material directly from the luxury brand’s own web site!  On the fake Swarovski websites, the prices will be so slashed, that it might be hard to resist.  The web site looks real.  The images are indeed Swarovski products.  The prices look great.  Why not!  Well, the ‘Why Not?’ should be easy…..if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.

Here are some of the non-official websites I located doing research for this article.  I intentionally did not link to them, so you will have to re-type them into another browser window to navigate to the site.    For legal reasons, I must say that I’m NOT implying that these sites sell fakes;  I am indicating that they are NOT the official brand that we think they are when looking at the products advertised on their sites.  Just like any other websites, consider the potential for malware (though I don’t believe there were any issues when I visited them):

  • Non-Official Site #1:  www.swarovskisale.co
  • Non-Official Site #2:  www.swarovski-store.net
  • Non-Official Site #3:  www.cheap-swarovski.net
  • Non-Official Site #4:  www.swarovski-shop.me
  • Non-Official Site #5:  www.swarovski-onlineshop.com
  • Non-Official Site #6:  www.swarovski-outletuk.co.uk

Just for kicks, I picked a non-official website, and began the process to place an order.  When I picked to pay by credit card, I was transferred to a 3rd party payment domain owned by an individual or company in China.  I switched my method of payment to Western Union, and saw that the recipient address displayed was again in China.  So, lastly I selected Bank Transfer, and again, the recipient information shows a destination in China. Might this be an indicator of a Swarovski scam?  Certainly so!  After all, the official Swarovski brand is NOT in China!

Is this the luxury brand’s official web site……?

Is this an official Swarovski website?

Or Is this the luxury brand’s official web site……?

Is this an official Swarovski website?

Or is this the luxury brand’s official web site……?

Is this an official Swarovski website?

Naturally, Swarovski’s legal team goes after cyber-squatters whose sole purpose is to defraud consumers.  Here is one such domain name that Swarovski has claimed: www.swarovski-sale.com .  From various sites where consumers report scams, this domain name appeared numerous times, so it was very wise for the crystal giant to display a blank page instead of the official Swarovski website.

Despite Swarovski getting control of the swarovski-sale.com domain name, I would be certain that the process is expensive and takes a good bit of time wading through all the proper channels of command, so there is plenty of opportunity time-wise for consumers to be victimized by the scammers.  In most complaints and cases I read posted by the victims themselves, they report:

  • Receiving cheap plastic substitutions
  • Having emails that don’t use the domain name itself, i.e. Swarovski-deal @ xyz-mail.com .  In some cases, there is no email at all.  They use a ‘contact us’ form that essentially does nothing.
  • If there is email correspondence, it contains  very poor and broken English and grammar
  • Social Networking text and graphics on the website pages are not actual links (“Share Your Story”, “Like Us on Facebook”, “Follow Us on Twitter”, “Share This”, etc)

Swarovski crystal collectors and those who enjoy Swarovski jewelry should stick with reliable sources.  Don’t become a victim of Swarovski fraud.  Send emails to the website company for more information about their guarantees and return policies to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate company.  Follow your instinct; if it seems fishy, it probably is fishy.

Crystal collectors can count on the Swarovski Experts at Crystal Exchange America to ensure the figurines purchased from them are indeed genuine Swarovski.  Check out the Crystal Exchange America website at www.CrystalExchange.com for retired and hard to find Swarovski figurines.



Swarovski Beetle Bottle Opener on Ebay

Apr 242013
 

Swarovski crystal fanatics may be interested in bidding on a Swarovski Beetle Bottle Opener on ebay with a tempting starting bid!  The Beetle Bottle Opener presently at auction can be found on ebay – Swarovski Beetle Bottle Opener .

Swarovski Beetle Bottle Opener (Silver-colored shown)

Swarovski Rhodium Beetle Bottle Opener

The Swarovski Beetle Bottle Opener extends about 4.25” in length.  The luxury crystal brand produced the Beetle Bottle Opener in its very early years: 1978 through 1983.  This item was available with 2 different metal finishes, gold and rhodium (silver colored).  Additionally, there are 2 different variations of the figurine, making a total of four different products.

Swarovski identifies the Swarovski Gold Beetle Bottle Opener with the product number 7505 076 001 and system number 011 840.  Similary, Swarovski identifies the Swarovski Rhodium Beetle Bottle Opener with the product number 7505 076 002 and the same system number 011 840.  So, if looking at the system numbers alone, it is not possible to identify if a particular Beetle Bottle Opener has a gold or rhodium finish.

During the 5 years that Swarovski sold the figurine through standard retail channels, the Beetle Bottle Opener (regardless of the metal colored trim) retailed for $80.  This figurine can be found only with the Block SC logo since its entire production run ended prior to the introduction of the Swarovski Swan logo.  The Block SC logo is found stamped in the metal part, not on the crystal component.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Beetle Bottle Opener collectibles, Crystal Exchange America has an array of variations available. The Crystal Exchange America web site is at www.CrystalExchange.com  The Beetle Bottle Openers can be found in the category ‘Other Silver Crystal’, sub-category ‘Functional’.



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