Swarovski ERV CRV Crystal Value Acronyms

Here are more acronyms used in advertising Swarovski crystal that is offered for sale.  While the many experienced Swarovski Crystal collectors understand the frequently used acronyms, there are still a lot of people buying and selling Swarovski who do not have knowledge of the acronyms or can be mislead by improper use of the acronym.  So, I thought I’d do my best to cover a few more acronyms and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski CRV – Swarovski Current Replacement Value.  The term CRV was used in Dean Genth’s Swarovski book in 2004. I have not seen it used in publications since.  The basis of his research was not disclosed in the book.  Auction sellers using CRV in an auction may be using very dated values.

Swarovski ERV – Swarovski Estimated Replacement Value.  Swarovski ERV originated in a reputable Swarovski Book, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.  The intended definition and use of the term today is ‘Swarovski value for insurance purposes’.  Swarovski ERV is a recommendation for insurance value based on professional research performed in the past 12 months.  If a Swarovski collector damages or has a figurine stolen, it is likely that the collector can replace the figurine with a MINT one at a cost of the Swarovski ERV or slightly less.

So many times Swarovski ERV is mis-used in the online auctions.  Sellers may not honestly know what the acronym ERV stands for because they have not read the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book preface.   Or perhaps, their auction data was based on another erroneous auction description.  Or, perhaps, the seller has simply manipulated the acronym to imply Estimated Retail Value, thus inflating the value of the crystal figurine for less knowledgeable bidders.  No matter what the case, the important fact to realize is that Swarovski ERV is an insurance value, not a selling value.  No seller should ever expect a Swarovski figurine to sell for a price near the Swarovski ERV.  If the item is sold using a professional brokerage service, the seller will not be able to collect the Swarovski ERV when a transaction for the Swarovski crystal collectible is completed, since ERV is a suggested insurance value, not a selling price.

Another way the Swarovski ERV is mis-used is when a seller cites an outdated ERV in the auction.  It is a natural assumption that a Swarovski value increases over the years.  For many years this was true, but this has not been the case in recent years.  So when an auction seller quotes an ERV from 2005 and then states that the value is on the rise, this is sort of like a trap to a less knowledgeable buyer.  Sadly, in all likelihood, the 2011 ERV is less than the 2005 ERV.

In conclusion, Swarovski Value can have a number of definitions….selling price, insurance replacement value, or a sentimental value.  Be careful not to get caught up with a seller’s version of value when the term Swarovski ERV or Swarovski CRV is used in the auction description.  Thoroughly review the auction description.  Do research when deciding your maximum price:  check recently sold items and brokerage sites.  Know the seller’s return policy.  When the transaction is over, the buyer should be happy with outcome.