Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for Chinese Zodiacs

Jan 302011
 

Recently, I wrote about the Swarovski certificate of authenticity included with Swarovski Crystal figurines. After posting the article, I remembered that the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines do indeed include a unique Swarovski certificate of authenticity.

Starting off with some background information, Swarovski has a crystal collection known as the Chinese Zodiac.  These crystal figurines are produced in silver shade crystal.  While there are 12 different animals representing the Chinese astrology, Swarovski presently has only six Chinese Zodiac figurines (under $300):
  • Swarovski Zodiac Dog (2006)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Horse (2002, 2014)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Pig (2007)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Rabbit (2011)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Sheep (2003, 2015)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Tiger (2010)
In the Asian market, the company produced some limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These crystal figurines are different from the six above in that they are:
  • Limited by year of production
  • Crystal golden shine in color (not clear silver shade crystal)
  • Include a special Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (stating limited edition figurine)

Two golden shadow limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiacfigurines have been produced to date:

  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger
  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Rabbit

All these Chinese Zodiacs have a fold-out card titled ‘The Chinese Zodiac’.  The information is printed in both Chinese and English.  This is not a Swarovski certificate of authenticity; it is a brochure that discusses the Chinese Zodiac astrology personalities.  It is included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines.  However, the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines also have a certificate of authenticity specific to the figurine.

Swarovski Chinese Zodiac fold-out card (included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines)

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for the Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger

All this being said, in 2011, Swarovski is making two more Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These are in crystal golden shine, but are NOT limited editions. The 2011 releases are much larger and much more expensive (over $850 retail). While I would assume that these Large Chinese Zodiac figurines include ‘The Chinese Zodiac’ fold out card, since I don’t have either of them in my collection, I cannot say for certain.  The 2011 Chinese Zodiac introductions are

Since the limited edition Chinese Zodiacs were only available retail market in China, most Swarovski crystal fanatics wanting them were forced to turn to the online auctions or Swarovski secondary market dealers to secure the figurines for their collection.  Crystal Exchange America presently has listings for the limited edition Zodiac Tiger and limited edition Zodiac Rabbit.  No matter who the supplying source is, be sure that your limited edition Chinese Zodiac includes the Swarovski certificate of authenticity for maximum resale value.



Swarovski SCS Siku Arctic Polar Bear Framed Print

Jan 272011
 

I have learned about another ‘gift with purchase’ item available to Swarovski SCS club members: a Siku Polar Bear print.

Swarovski SCS Siku Polar Bear Picture

This polar bear picture is 7.5″ wide x 5.5″ high, including the lavender matte frame.  The picture is a hand-drawn polar bear.  It features a facsimile signature of Anton Hirzinger, the Swarovski designer credited with the creation of the 2011 SCS Siku.  The Swarovski system # for the Siku print is 1271720.

Swarovski club members who purchase a  Swarovski figurine in early 2011 may receive the SCS Siku print.  It is my understanding that some retailers offer the Siku print as a gift with purchase, while others have the SCS Arctic Flower jewelry purse.  So, if you are specifically wanting the Siku polar bear print or the SCS Arctic Flower purse, be sure to check with the retailer to ensure that the free gift is the one you want for your collection.



Swarovski Paradise Retirements at RetiredSwarovski.com

Jan 262011
 

Swarovski introduced the Swarovski Paradise figurines in 2000.  I think the real significant feature of the Paradise line is that it was the first line to be in all color, not just using color for highlights.  In this initial launch of the crystal creations, all the Paradise figurines were insects:  Swarovski Paradise Bees / Bumblebees, Swarovski  Paradise Beetles, Swarovski  Paradise Butterflies, Swarovski Paradise Dragonflies, Swarovski Paradise Flies, Swarovski Paradise Grasshoppers, & Swarovski Paradise Scarabs.

Swarovski created the Paradise ‘Exotic Fish and South Sea’ in 2004.  There were approximately 19 different figurines in this collection.  Nearly all of the ‘Exotic Fish and South Sea’ were retired by 2007.

The Paradise ‘Exotic Flowers’ was launched in 2006.  As of today, there are about 11 items in this collection.  Some of the Exotic Flowers are retired and some are still being produced.

Overall, there are over 190 Swarovski Crystal figurines that have been connected with the Swarovski Paradise line.  Over the course of time, unassigned figurines have been introduced into the Paradise line, perhaps because of the significant use of coloring. The Cockatoo, Macaw, Parrot, and Black Diamond Toucan are examples are some of them.

Swarovski Paradise Black Diamond Toucan Retired in 2009

 

At present, Swarovski does not utilize theme groups within the Paradise line, but the Paradise birds are in the ‘Silver Lake’ collection.

Now, after the brief history lesson, I can reveal that there is a web site with the Swarovski Paradise Retirements in a free and easy-to-use format.  http://www.retiredswarovski.com/ has a series of web pages with Swarovski Paradise Retirements, 2002 through 2010.  If you want to know what year a Swarovski Paradise figurine retired, type it in the ‘search’ box of the site, and the results list will indicate a list of possibilities for a collector to select from to make getting the retirement year (answer) successful.

At RetiredSwarovski.com, it is also possible to print out the fact sheet listings by year of Swarovski Paradise retirements, 2002 to 2009.  The fact sheets are very useful in knowing which figurines retired in which years.  The fact sheets include small photos, Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number, and Year Introduced.

Crystal Exchange America has a selection of Retired Swarovski Paradise figurines in their online store.  If there is a Swarovski Paradise crystal piece missing from your collection, give them a shout to see if they have it available now, or if it is something that they can locate for you.



Swarovski Siku Polar Bear & Swarovski Artic Hare Available at SCS Receptions in February, 2011

Jan 252011
 

For nearly a decade, Swarovski has been hosting instant redemption events at Swarovski stores in February.  This year, the dates have been set for the 4th week of February (February 18 – February 25) and it is a big week for Swarovski crystal collectors.  During this week, over 160 Swarovski retailers in the USA will host Swarovski SCS retail receptions.

These receptions offer special opportunities to Swarovski Club members and crystal collectors who are considering to join the SCS (Swarovski Crystal Society).  One of the many benefits of attending a Swarovski retail reception includes the ability to purchase the 2011 SCS Siku available for immediate take-home.  Other SCS exclusives will be on hand for purchase too.  These crystal exclusives may include:

There are also unique ‘Swarovski Event’ pieces that are available during this special redemption period.  For 2011, the Swarovski Event piece is the Arctic Hare.  The Swarovski system number of the Arctic Hare is 1055005.  The Swarovski Designer is Anton Hirzinger.  The approximate price of the crystal figurine is $110.

The complete list of participating Swarovski retailers for the February events can be found on the Swarovski web site.  Have fun and purchase your Swarovski Siku Polar Bear at your nearby Swarovski store event!



Swarovski Puzzle Contest – Up to the Challenge?

Jan 242011
 

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 SCS Arctic Flower Purse Gift

Jan 242011
 

Swarovski has made available to instant redemption Swarovski club members the SCS arctic flower jewelry purse.  This jewelry purse is lavender in color and features a white arctic flower design along with “SCS 2011″ on the front. The SCS arctic flower purse has a zipper closure and is approximately 2 1/2” in diameter.

Swarovski SCS Arctic Flower Purse
Swarovski club members who purchase the Swarovski SCS Siku in early 2011 at an instant redemption event may receive the SCS arctic purse.  It is my understanding that supplies are limited and cannot be restocked once gone.
There are other SCS crystal creations that capture the arctic flower design:
  • SCS arctic flower pendant
  • SCS arctic flower pierced earrings
  • SCS arctic flower bracelet
  • SCS arctic flower ballpoint pen
  • SCS arctic flower window ornament

I was able to find a listing for this item on eBay for any collectors wanting this item that are not in the official SCS Swarovski club:  Swarovski SCS Arctic Flower Jewelry Purse.

The Swarovski Arctic Flower Jewelry Purse looks cute. The size seems a bit small to me.  It would be nice to see a credit card size zipper purse (to stuff more things in), along with a few crystal embellishments.  Cha ching!  Guess bigger and sparklier means more money.  Just a thought (in case Swarovski is seeking suggestions from Swarovski Crystal collectors!)



Swarovski Limited Edition Crystalline Pen / Notebook Set

Jan 232011
 

On December 1, I learned about another online exclusive….the Swarovski Pen and Notebook Set.  While it was originally announced on the Swarovski site that the Crystalline Pen and Notebook set would be available online between Christmas and New Years, I did not actually find it there until last week.

The description on the Swarovski site states that the ballpoint pen is rose pearl in color with ‘Swarovski’ engraved on the clip and contains 150+ vintage rose crystals in the half of the pen.  The notebook is also pink and the dimensions are an A5 format.

This Limited Edition Swarovski set retails for $60 on the Swarovski web site.  The Swarovski system # of the Limited Edition Crystalline Pen and Notebook is 1097042. Since it is advertised as an ‘online exclusive’, collectors will not find it in authorized Swarovski retailers nor Swarovski boutiques.  The only way to purchase this will be directly from the Swarovski web site.  It still remains unclear if there is any maximum quantity of production or if it is limited by time (i.e. if there is a final date for purchase).
Our original Kristall Buzz article can be found at here: Swarovski Pen and Notebook Set

While I think the pen looks pretty, I’m not sure about paying $60 for the set simply because it is a limited edition set.  I’m more likely to seek out a similar-colored Swarovski pen….I believe they retail for $20 or $25 depending on the Swarovski store.



SCS Arctic – Flower Swarovski Figurines in the Snow

Jan 222011
 

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 Ornaments & Swarovski Crystal Ornament Sets

Jan 212011
 

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 Database includes Arctic Flower Products

Jan 202011
 

The Swarovski Database by Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski has a few new figurines added since the first of the year.  Tom and Jane Warner, the database owners, believed Swarovski crystal collectors would want to have access to the newest SCS member issues that will also be in the next Swarovski book release.

Among the Swarovski figurines in the database are:
  • 2011 Siku Polar Bear, Crystal Moonlight
  • 2011 Polar Bear Cubs, Crystal Moonlight
  • 2011 Polar Bear Cubs, White Opal
  • 2011 Arctic Flower Pendant
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Flower Pierced Earrings
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Flower Bracelet
  • 2011 SCS Arctic Flower Ballpoint pen (with the small Arctic Flower charm)
  • 2011 Arctic Flower Window Ornament (new member and renewal gift)

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski is diligently working on update information for their 2011 printed Swarovski books. Research for the 2011 Swarovski Value (ERVs) is being conducted this month.  Also, all the 2010 Swarovski crystal introductions are being added to the books, as well as a few 2011 introductions.  Once the spiral books have gone to print, Warner’s will begin updating the online Swarovski Database which is hosted at http://www.wbrbonline.com/ .

This Swarovski Database has over 2800 Swarovski figurines which can be accessed totally FREE.  The free queries have limited information for the items.  To view pictures and complete information, Swarovski collectors can purchase a one year subscription to the database.

Swarovski Database sample page at http://www.wbrbonline.com/
One of the nice features about purchasing a subscription is that current Swarovski crystal pictures and statistics are available 24/7 at a collector’s fingertips, at home or anywhere in the world.  The site can be viewed via iPad, laptop, or computer at home.



Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity – How Significant is it?

Jan 192011
 

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 Peter Pan / Tinker Bell Collection Coming in 2011

Jan 192011
 

Avid Swarovski crystal collectors may be eager to get their orders in for a new Swarovski Peter Pan Collection.  The items in this collection include Swarovski Peter Pan, Swarovski Tinker Bell, and a star-shaped title plaque for this collection.

Disney fans may be equally excited to see this new collection collaboration between Swarovski and Disney.  While the Peter Pan collection is the newest, Swarovski has produced other collections cooperatively with Disney:  Swarovski Lion King, Swarovski Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Swarovski Bambi and Friends, Swarovski Winnie the Pooh and Friends, and others.

Swarovski also produced Disney limited edition crystal figurines:  Swarovski Tinker Bell in 2008, Swarovski Mickey Sorcerer in 2009, Swarovski Pinocchio in 2010, and most recently Swarovski Dumbo in 2011.

The Swarovski Peter Pan and Swarovski Tinker Bell feature accents in Olivine (green) crystal, with other colorful effects.  The three crystal figurines in the Swarovski Peter Pan collection can be view on the Swarovski site.  The site further states that the release dates for the figurines is in early March, 2011.

If you are looking for retired Swarovski Disney figurines, Crystal Exchange America has a selection of them. They have figurines dating back to the 2005 introductions and limited edition Swarovski Disney crystal pieces.



Swarovski Foam for Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

Jan 182011
 

Continuing the discussion about Swarovski cylinders and boxes, I am going to share more information about the foam inserts used in Swarovski cylinder packaging.

There are three main types of Swarovski foam that I have seen in cylinders.  Additionally, I have seen stryrofoam inserts used in Swarovski cylinders.

The first type of foam is rolled foam.  It is a single piece of foam that a figurine can be wrapped or rolled in prior to placing it in the cylinder.  It is generally gray in color and about ½” thick.  Being very generic, it can be used for many types of figurines.  I have seen rolled foam used in both gray cylinders, but not in blue cylinders.

The next type of foam is generic molded foam.  It is may be hinged or in two separate pieces.  It has a cutout, generic enough for many types of figurines to fit into.  The foam  is gray or blue in color.

The last type of foam is specific foam created for use by one and only one figurine.  The specific foam was likely created if Swarovski felt that the rolled foam for generic molded foam would not sufficiently protect the Swarovski crystal figurine for shipping and storage.   It is gray or blue in color.

For the very oldest Swarovski cylinders, those with the block SC logo on them, I’ve also seen white styrofoam used.  It is in two separate pieces and may also have the block SC logo on it.

If you have a Swarovski figurine missing the packaging, Crystal Exchange America has a lot of empty Swarovski boxes that include appropriate foam and identification label listed on their site.



Swarovski Lovlots Circus Crystal Figurines

Jan 172011
 

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 Boxes – Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

Jan 162011
 

I get many questions about Swarovski boxes and Swarovski cylinders.  So here’s a chance for some explanation on the packaging that Swarovski uses to protect the ‘silver crystal’ figurines during shipping and storage at the store prior to purchase.

The earliest boxes used are gray cylinders with the old Swarovski logo (block SC logo) printed on them.  Many of the gray cylinders had two removable plastic ends, so that the crystal figurines could easily be taken out from the top or bottom of the cylinder.  (Sometimes the fit was snug with the foam, and it takes more access to pull the figurine out.)  Some plastic ends have the block SC stamped into them, and some do not.   I have also seen ‘metal ends’ on cylinders, but very rarely.

Swarovski Box with Block SC Bottom
Swarovski Box with Tin Lid and Bottom

The block SC logo was replaced by the Swan logo in 1989, so the gray cylinders were modified to have the Swan logo printed on them.  Initially, these gray cylinders also had two removable plastic ends.   Some plastic ends have the Swarovski swan stamped into them, and some do not.  Later,  one end was modified to a permanent cardboard-like bottom, and access is only available opening the top end of the cylinder.  This modification may have been a money-saving opportunity or perhaps a safety concern for the figurine as the plastic ends do not stay snug on the Swarovski cylinders indefinitely.

Swarovski Swan Box.  Also view of Swan Bottom and Permanent Bottom

Around 2002, Swarovski changed their corporate colors to navy blue.  At this time, the cylinders changed colors again, to navy blue.  The navy blue cylinders have the Swarovski swan printed on them and have access via the top only, as only that end is detachable from the cylinder.

Swarovski Blue Box and Permanent Bottom
I do want to mention that when gray cylinders were used, Swarovski crystal logos, certificate style, and box logos did NOT all “match” across the board on the set.  This is especially true for figurines produced during that cross-over time when the logo changed.  Swarovski did not discard the original boxes, they simply used them until the stock was depleted and then began using the newly designed cylinders.  So, a collector should not be alarmed when retired Swarovski is purchased if this is there is not a 100% match on logos for their crystal figurine, certificate, and packaging.
Crystal Exchange America has a lot of Swarovski empty boxes listed for sale on their site, if you have a Swarovski figurine that needs protecting.



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