Dec 072010
 

Swarovski has provided its SCS members with a sneak peak of the 2011 Limited Edition Dumbo. Swarovski Limited Edition Dumbo is the fourth limited edition of the Swarovski Disney line.

The first Swarovski Disney Limited Edition was Tinkerbell in 2008. The second Swarovski Disney Limited Edition was Sorcerer Mickey in 2009. Mickey Sorcerer was available in two sizes, large and small. The third Swarovski Disney Limited Edition was Pinocchio 2010.

The 2011 Limited Edition Dumbo is not the only Swarovski Dumbo has been produced. Swarovski made crystal Dumbo figurines for the Arribas stores in Disney World and Disneyland in 1987 and 1988. These Dumbo elephants looked teddy-bear-like in the design. Some variations of Dumbo even had frosted tusks. In 1990, Swarovski made another Dumbo figurine wearing a clear hat for Arribas with large flying ears and black eyes. The 1990 Dumbo was produced for only one year. In 1993, Swarovski made another Dumbo figurine wearing a frosted hat for Arribas with large flying ears and baby blue eyes. This Dumbo with blue eyes was available for approximately three years.

Swarovski 1993 Dumbo

Arribas brothers had a Jeweled Dumbo creation available from 2002 – 2005. This Limited Edition Dumbo had a maximum production of 5,000 units. Each Dumbo included a certificate with a unique number on it. The Arribas Dumbo had inlaid Swarovski crystal pave stones.

Arribas Limited Edition Dumbo (max 5000 figurines)

If you like Dumbo, check out the Swarovski Dumbo figurines that Crystal Exchange America has available. If you’re simply Swarovski crystal fanatics, get ready to purchase this new limited edition piece that should be available online as of January 4, 2011.



Dec 062010
 

This is the time of year when Swarovski Ornaments are most popular on the secondary market and Ebay auctions.  The current Swarovski 2010 ornament is available as well as very old, hard-to-find, and rare ornaments.

Presently, there is a rare Swarovski Ornament on Ebay:  the 1996 Cadillac Ornament.  The 1996 Cadillac Ornament is a teardrop-shaped Swarovski crystal, customized for the Cadillac company.  It has a Christmas tree etching in the middle.  Below the etching is the word “Cadillac”, and the feature year 1996.  This ornament is in a green box, with a velvet-like lining on the inside.

1996 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament

1996 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament

1996 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament Packaging and Paperwork

1996 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament Packaging and Paperwork

I did find other Cadillac ornaments in addition to the 1996 Swarovski Cadillac ornament on Ebay.  1998 and 1999 Cadillac ornaments were listed, but closed at ‘unsold’.  From my research, I found even more:  1997, 1998, 1999, and 2000.  All the Cadillac ornaments I found utilize the teardrop crystal.  The 1997 Swarovski Cadillac ornament features a snowman in the etching. The 1998 Swarovski Cadillac ornament features bells in the etching.  The 1999 Swarovski Cadillac ornament features a wreath etching.  Lastly, the 2000 Swarovski Cadillac Ornament features a penguin in the etching.  All ornaments contain the word Cadillac, with the issue year below.  All are packaged in similar green boxes, with red interior.

The same Swarovski Crystal teardrop component was used for the 1984 Swarovski Ornament, 1987 Swarovski Ornament, 1989 Swarovski Ornament, and some 1986 Swarovski Holiday Etchings.  The 1987 ornament displays at candle.  The 1989 Ornament displays a dove and the teardrop crystal is framed by gold-tone metal in the shape of Christmas tree.  The 1986 Holiday Etchings display bells, angels, holly, mistletoe, and other designs.  These 11 Holiday Etchings are among the rarest of Swarovski Ornaments.

All these Swarovski ornaments mentioned here (from the 1980’s) have the year etched below the feature design.  They were all released by Swarovski by their “Giftware Suite” division, so they were only available in the USA at the time of production.

Some of these Swarovski Ornaments can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site.  If you have one of these and wish to sell, now is the time to do it with Swarovski crystal fanatics collectors naturally looking at this time of year.



Dec 052010
 
Swarovski’s weekend special is the Swarovski Limited Edition Flower Heart Pendant.  As per advertising several weeks ago, it should have had a maximum production of 500 units. This pendant featured a silver colored chain and setting.  Four heart-shaped light amethyst crystals were set in a floral design. (The Swarovski system number is 183011.)
Swarovski has been doing weekend events since mid-November selling limited edition jewelry.  I noticed that the past two events ended on Sunday evenings as advertised, and it appeared that the limited edition issues were still available for purchase.
Today (Sunday) when I checked the Swarovski Limited Edition Flower Pendant, it appeared that the item has sold out!  All 500 necklace pendants gone!
Swarovski crystal fanatics should be on the lookout for the final limited edition online exclusive to become available December 10: the Swarovski Limited Edition Heart Parcel Pendant .  Be sure to share the link with that special someone if this Swarovski Limited Edition is on your wish list.



Dec 022010
 

Swarovski has provided its SCS members a sneak preview into a “Good Luck” series that will soon launch.  Swarovski’s delightful figurines, “Lucky Gifts”, should have a global appeal, embracing many cultures and their symbols for “good luck”.

Per the sneak peek on the Swarovski site, I found five Swarovski Lucky Gifts:  Swarovski Lucky Cat – this crystal gift represents Japanese tradition; Swarovski Lucky Clover – a world-wide symbol of good luck; Swarovski Lucky Elephant;  Swarovski Lucky Dragon – this gift inspired by Chinese tradition; and Swarovski Lucky Lady Bird – a crystal ladybug that is also a multi-cultural symbol of luck.

The article did not make any obvious reference to the size or the Swarovski product line they will be a part of.  I was a bit surprised when I read that they will each come in a blue velvet pouch with a gift card.  I can’t help but wonder why the items would not be sold in the popular blue Swarovski box or cylinder with an accompanying Swarovski certificate.  A cost savings measure for Swarovski collectors?  Or perhaps the pouch and gift card are in addition to the standard packaging?

These Swarovski Lucky Gifts are quite cute!  They remind me of the colored figurines: Swarovski Lovlots.  Color pictures are on the company web site for Swarovski collectors who want more information about them.



Dec 012010
 

As soon as the Christmas rush is over, Swarovski is already thinking about the next holiday….Valentine’s Day!  In late December, Swarovski is launching an online exclusive limited edition apparently with the early shoppers in mind.

The Limited Edition feature product is a Swarovski Pen and Notebook Set.  The commencement date for this online event is December 27, 2010.  As with all other Swarovski online shopping events, it is limited to 22 countries, which do include USA and Canada.

The Swarovski Crystal exclusive is a little pink notebook (4.1 x 5.8 inches) and a Crystalline Ballpoint Pen.  The pen sounds pretty, especially if you like pink.  It contains 150+ sparkling vintage rose crystals and has “Swarovski” engraved on the clip.

There is no mention of the price on the Swarovski Limited Editions, nor how many sets are available.  While I’m not willing to speculate on the cost, I do know that Swarovski produces pens in many colors with a price point of approximately $20 – $24 each.  So add in a notebook, the “limited edition” factor, and shipping charges to come up with your own guess.



Nov 302010
 

Just as if Swarovski read my last posting wanting to see the Hong Kong Christmas Tree light show….here it is!  Swarovski crystal fanatics….you’ve got to see this!

This is phenomenal!  The Swarovski Christmas Tree is synced to the lively music for an awesome holiday light display. I’m curious to know where the 200 2010 Swarovski Ornaments are placed.  And the 20 million Swarovski crystals…..it must certainly look like sparkling glitter.  Impressive job Swarovski!



Nov 302010
 

I am finding Swarovski’s presence in worldwide this year during the Christmas season.  Yesterday, I found this Swarovski Crystal video clip about the assembly of the Swarovski Hong Kong Christmas Tree.

This amazing tree structure is 30+ meters tall, decorated with 20,000,000+  Swarovski crystals, and 200 Swarovski Ornaments (2010 Annual Editions).

In the evening, several light shows are held daily from the end of November until early January that seemingly bring the Swarovski Christmas Tree to life.

More images and details of the Swarovski Christmas Tree in Hong Kong can be found at the Discover Hong Kong web site.

You can believe I’ll be on the lookout for videos of the Swarovski tree lighting as this will be the closest I’ll ever get to seeing it!



Nov 292010
 

On November 18, 2011, Swarovski Canada and the Toronto Eaton Centre hosted a kick off celebration unveiling the Swarovski Crystal Wish Tree in support of the Children’s Wish Foundation of Canada. This is the sixth year of the collaboration and Swarovski has donated approximately $100,000 each year to the foundation granting wishes to children and families across Canada.

The crystal giant has a special limited edition Swarovski ornament produced each year for the celebration. The 2010 ornament resembles the Swarovski Samantha Snowflake Ornament (which retired in 2008) with a special inscription applied to the front side. The Swarovski Crystal ornament is just over 1.5″ in height. It comes in the Swarovski blue box, with generic Swarovski certificate, and another card indicating that it is a limited edition figurine. The part number for the ornament is 9400 000 074 (same as Samantha Snowflake) and the system # for the ornament is 1094095 (different from Samantha Snowflake). Only 1200 of the commemorative ornament were produced. These Swarovski crystal ornaments are available at Swarovski gallery stores across Canada and retails for $55, with all proceeds going toward the Children’s Wish Foundation.

Swarovski 2010 Crystal Ornament Canada Children's Wish Foundation

Swarovski Ornament 2010 Canada Children's Wish Foundation

I was able to locate information for some of the previous Children’s Wish Swarovski Ornaments:
2007 – limited to 1200. This one is like the Swarovski Twinkling Stars ornament that retired in 2007.

Swarovski 2007 Crystal Ornament Canada Children's Wish Foundation

Swarovski Ornament 2007 Canada Children's Wish Foundation

2009 – limited to 1100. This one is like the Swarovski Little Snowflake ornament that retired in 2008.

Swarovski 2009 Crystal Ornament Canada Children's Wish Foundation

Swarovski Ornament 2009 Canada Children's Wish Foundation

More information about the wonderful dreams filled can be obtained at the Children’s Wish Foundation web site.



Nov 272010
 

Overnight, Swarovski emailed Swarovski voucher codes to some people on their email list.  The voucher is good only on cyber-Monday.  This Swarovski discount can be redeemed for a $20 credit toward a Swarovski crystal purchase exceeding $150 on November 29, 2010.

I’m not sure who all received the discount Swarovski voucher.  I am an active Swarovski SCS member and I purchase a couple Swarovski crystal figurines online each year, yet I did not receive the voucher.  Another family member, with an expired Swarovski SCS membership, did receive the voucher coupon.  Additionally, another family member, with an expired Swarovski SCS membership, did not receive the voucher coupon.  To me, it does not matter how Swarovski determined the Swarovski coupon recipient list, I’m glad to have any coupon to be able to save $20 on shopping.

Keeping with the cyber-Monday spirit, Crystal Exchange America is also offering one-day shopping discounts.  At www.crystalexchange.com , Swarovski collectors who purchase $300+ in Swarovski crystal and checkout using the shopping cart system, can save money too!

The discount Swarovski codes are as follows: buy $300+ and save $20 using coupon code CYBRMON20 during the checkout process.  Buy $500+ and save $30 using coupon code CYBR30MON during the checkout process.  Swarovski discounts only apply to orders placed on November 29 with the appropriate coupon code entered during checkout.  It is are NOT valid on fax or phone orders.  Vouchers are limited to the first ten redemptions for the day.

Happy Holidays and good luck shopping cyber-Monday to all Swarovski Crystal collectors!



Nov 262010
 

Swarovski is now its second round of online weekend events.  This weekend’s Swarovski Limited Edition feature is the Laser Pendant and Earring set. Just as the first weekend, this feature set is limited to a quantity of 500. The Swarovski Laser set is available online beginning Friday November 26 and ends when stocks are depleted or in the evening of Sunday November 30, whichever comes first.

Based on the images and information found at the Swarovski web site, I believe that the necklace and earrings are made of a silver-tone metal and each contains a single clear Swarovski stone. While not stated in the product description, the earrings are for pierced ears.  I don’t know if it is possible to purchase this Swarovski Limited Edition with clip style earrings from Swarovski’s standard product line or not.

This beautiful Swarovski Limited Edition Laser Pendant and Earring Set has a price tag of $100. The Swarovski System Number is 1083010.  Standard shipping is free to USA residents (since the price exceeds the minimum order of $95 to obtain free shipping).

Crystal Exchange America does have a selection of retired Swarovski necklaces, Swarovski earrings, Swarovski bracelets, Swarovski pins, and Swarovski brooches. Swarovski jewelry has a much slower turnover since it is not ‘collected’ like Swarovski figurines.



Nov 222010
 

Many Swarovski collectors have either seen, heard of, or own the Swarovski Maxi Swan.  It is a massive piece of crystal, measuring 6.5″ high and weighing in at nearly 6.5 lbs.

But the Swarovski crystal Maxi Swan would look like a cygnet in comparison to the creation for the Toronto Santa Claus parade, which was held November 21, 2010 in Toronto, Canada.

Swarovski commissioned a truly gigantic swan float for the event.  It is over 8′ tall and adorned with hundreds of thousands of tiny Swarovski stones.  The Swarovski float decorator states that she spent 41 hours applying the 22 litres of stones to the float. She would pat handfuls of the Swarovski stone glitter as a time to the swan structure.  It must have been a very shimmery swan and had an over-the-top WOW factor in it!

Swarovski Swan ready for the Toronto Santa Claus Parade

I’ll be on the lookout to see if Swarovski does more floats in holiday parades.  This piece would be very unique for Swarovski crystal fanatics to have in their collection!  By the way….where would you park this thing????



Nov 212010
 

Swarovski has begun a series of online weekend events running for four weekends.  Today is the last day of the first weekend Swarovski event.  The online limited edition is the ‘Mozart Limited Edition Pendant’.  This necklace is a gold tone heart-shaped cutout handing on a gold-plated chain.  The heart is embellished with Swarovski Golden Shadow crystals.

Based on the original advertisements, the quantity was supposed to be a limited edition of 500 units which are only available in the Swarovski site.  When I visited the Swarovski store page for the necklace, I was still able to add the item to my Swarovski cart, so I concluded that these Swarovski Limited Editions has not yet sold out.  This is good news for all Swarovski collectors who wish to purchase, but have not yet done so.

If anyone misses the opportunity to purchase, either because the Swarovski Mozart Limited Edition Pendant becomes sold out, or the deadline is missed, Swarovski does make a very similar pendant.  The pendant design is identical, the differences are that the standard Swarovski Mozart Pendant is silver-tone in color and has clear crystals inset.

Crystal Exchange America does have a selection of retired Swarovski pendant, Swarovski necklaces, Swarovski bracelets, Swarovski brooches, and Swarovski pins.  As Swarovski jewelry is not ‘collected’ like figurines are, these items have a much slower turnover.



Nov 192010
 

One of my clients asked me about purchasing what she called the Swarovski Corvette. I did some detective work and finally found the Swarovski Corvette she was asking about.

The Swarovski Crystal Corvette is a limited edition die cast model Corvette bejeweled with approximately 5300 hand-set Aurora Borealis Swarovski crystals. This brilliant, sparkly sports car is a limited edition piece, with only 500 units produced. The Swarovski Corvette is available exclusively through the Franklin Mint. The Swarovski Ultimate Corvette is 1:24 scale.  One web site indicated a December release date, just in time for the holidays, and pre-orders are presently being taken at the Franklin Mint site. This limited edition has a nice price tag of nearly $1300 which can be made in 3 easy payments to the Franklin Mint.

Swarovski Crystal Embellished Model Corvette available at the Franklin Mint

For Swarovski Crystal collectors who may be interested in a cheaper Swarovski car, Crystal Exchange America does have several different ones available on their web site: Swarovski Limited Edition Porsche 356, Swarovski Porsche 911, and Swarovski Porsche Caymen . The Swarovski Porsches are typically in the $400 – $800 range. And if the Swarovski Porsches are still too pricy for a car gift, there’s always the Swarovski Old Timer Automobile which normally sells in the $125 – $200 range.



Nov 162010
 

Swarovski is breaking new ground doing a series of online Swarovski events! Swarovski has designed and produced 4 unique pieces of jewelry to be offered to Swarovski collectors. The online events will start Friday, November 19, and run for 4 consecutive weekends. According to Swarovski, newsletter subscribers may get a hint as to what the limited edition Swarovski jewelry pieces will be in advance of the event weekends.

The event is open only to the 22 countries which presently offer online Swarovski shopping. The United States and Canada are among the 22 included in this special shopping opportunity.

Swarovski collectors in the United States can use this link: Swarovski Newsletter to receive further details and reminders.

Whether you are serious Swarovski crystal fanatics or casual Swarovski collectors, you won’t want to miss this opportunity to secure your limited edition Swarovski jewelry. This would be a terrific chance to get that special someone a gift that you know for certain would be a crystal treasure in years to come.

More information coming soon at the official Swarovski web site:  www.swarovski.com .



Nov 142010
 

The annual Swarovski 2010 Ornaments are readily available, and by purchasing them well in advance of the holidays, Swarovski collectors are guaranteed the widest choices at the most reasonable prices.

The silver crystal, annual edition Swarovski 2010 Ornament is a stunning design.   As tradition stands, it does resemble the unofficial Star / Snowflake motif.  According to the Swarovski web site description, it is a clear crystal snowflake, hung by a white satin ribbon, with a silver-tone metal tag inscribed with 2010.  The dimensions are approximately 2.5″ wide by 3.25″ tall.

And if you like this ornament, you’ll simply love the SCS Swarovski 2010 Ornament.  The SCS Swarovski figurine is identical to the silver crystal 2010 ornament, however, it is ‘golden shadow’ in color and hangs by a cognac-colored satin ribbon.  This is a Swarovski Club release and does require SCS membership when purchased from an authorized retailer or directly from the Swarovski web site.

Another limited edition Swarovski ornament that is observed less frequently is an exclusive Swarovski 2010 ornament with red tips.  It is a 6-pointed snowflake ornament.  The center part of the ornament is clear cut crystal, with the 6 points highlighted in light siam crystal. “2010” is engraved on the front, and the familiar Swarovski swan is imprinted on the metal tag.  The ornament hangs from a red satin ribbon and the ornament is packaged in the traditional Swarovski blue packaging. The Swarovski artist credited with the design is Verena Castelein.

Swarovski Snowflake Ornament for 2010
Swarovski SCS 2010 Ornament
Exclusive Swarovski 2010 Ornament

Most Swarovski collectors will tell you that Swarovski ornament designs are similar in nature to stars or snowflakes.   Oftentimes, Swarovski collectors refer to the annual edition ornaments as Swarovski star ornaments or Swarovski snowflake ornaments.

Since 1991, Swarovski has produced annual edition star / snowflake ornaments to compliment its holiday product offerings. The Swarovski crystal ornament design has been similar since inception. For each year, the ornament year is imprinted on a metal tag attached to the ornament hangs by a satin ribbon.  The Swarovski ornaments have 6 to 12 crystal extensions creating a graceful image that shines and sparkles in the light.  The packaging for the crystal ornaments is a triangular box, with paperwork included that is specific to the ornament year.

Many retired Swarovski ornaments can be found at Crystal Exchange America’s web site:  www.crystalexchange.com .  We do have a good supply of listings now.  However, with the holiday shopping season now upon us, supplies will diminish, and prices will increase.  Whether you are planning to purchase one of the 2010 Swarovski snowflake ornaments or a retired ornament, get your order in soon!