New Swarovski Model? Goo Hara has presence at the Swarovski and ‘House of Hello Kitty’ Event!

Jun 302011
 

I’ve been seeing more on the internet about Goo Hara and Swarovski, but I still was uncertain as to how much is truth and just how much is rumor.

We all know who Swarovski is and all the history of the Swarovski crystal brand.  But how many USA Swarovski collectors know who Goo Hara is?  Goo Hara is from South Korea.  She’s 20 years old.  She is a singer in a group called Kara.  And now, it seems that she may be a model for Swarovski!  Information obtained on the internet indicated she participated in photo shoots and was well-liked by Swarovski.  Since Swarovski has NOT made any official press release, I don’t have any other details on the veracity.

Goo Hara posing with Swarovski Swan necklace, earrings, and barrette

Along with a number of other Japanese celebrities, Goo Hara did attend the event in Japan “Swarovski presents ‘House of Hello Kitty’ held June 29.  I saw video of Goo Hara posing with the Swarovski Hello Kitty purse launching very soon at the Swarovski and Hello Kitty.

Goo Hara at the Swarovski Hello Kitty event June 29

The Swarovski and ‘House of Hello Kitty’ event runs June 30 to July 10, 2011 at Omotesandou Hills in Japan.  Attendees have the option to purchase 31 Swarovski Hello Kitty goods directly.  Proceeds from purchases at this event go to the Japanese Red Cross for the earthquake relief fund.

If the Goo Hara – Swarovski relationship is true, she may be appearing in our Swarovski crystal quarterly magazines soon!



Crystal Fanatics share Rare Swarovski Canadian Olympic Plaques

Jun 292011
 

In 1988 the International Winter Olympics were held in Calgary, Canada.  Swarovski Canada officially licensed at least 2 Swarovski crystal plaques to commemorate the event.  I have heard rumors about a plaque with bears and a flag being previously discovered, but there was no year on the plaque.  The Swarovski plaques are not marked with a Swarovski logo on the crystal, so finding a rare one with a Swarovski box was a real treat.

The Saddledome plaque was numbered 9503M2692, and officially referred to by Swarovski as Saddledome, Iceberg.  Unfortunately, the original box for the rare plaque featuring the bears hoisting the Canadian flag has been lost.  The Saddledome Iceburg can be found in Warners Blue Ribbon Books Beyond Silver Crystal as well as the plaque with bears using the Warner’s assigned product number of BSC201000007.  The bears plaque itself is very interesting, with Calgary, 1988, Winter Olympic Games, in English and French, engraved.  The same blank crystal plaque was used for both Olympic memorabilia.  It has physical size of 3 3/4″ wide and 3″ high.

Swarovski Olympic Iceburg Plaques
Swarovski Box for a Swarovski Crystal Olympic Plaque

These plaques indeed are rare Swarovski crystal plaques to find.  They may also be sought after by avid Swarovski crystal collectors, Canadians, or any participating Olympic athlete.

Thank you to our Swarovski fanatics friends for passing along the information for us to share with crystal collectors around the world!



Swarovski Orange Panther – Crystal Online Limited Edition Available in August

Jun 272011
 

The famous crystal brand has announced that they are releasing another wild cat… the Swarovski Soulmate Orange Shine Panther Limited Online Edition.  The Orange Shine Panther is the 4th variation of the panther to be produced Swarovski crystal fanatics to add to their collection:

  1. Swarovski Soulmate Panther (clear) – 9600 000 074 / 874 337.  Introduced in 2007and retires in 2011.
  2. Swarovski Soulmate Limited Edition Panther (black) – 9600 000 151 / 1060325. Introduced and sold out in 2010.
  3. Swarovski Soulmate Panther (moroda) – 1096051.  New release for 2011.
  4. Swarovski Soulmate Limited Edition Panther (orange shine) – 1096051.  New release for 2011.
Swarovski Orange Shine Panther

The designer for the Swarovski Soulmate Panther figurines is Heinz Tabertshofer .  All the panther crystal figurines are fully faceted animals attached to black spot granite bases.  The limited editions are individually numbered and engraved in the granite base.

The Kristall Buzz has featured previous articles about the gorgeous Swarovski Panther cats:

So what are the differences between the Swarovski Online Limited Edition Panthers? As much as I know at this time, the colors are different and the production quantity is different.  Swarovski Black Panther – Limited to 500 units.  Swarovski Orange Shine Panther – Limited to 888 units.  I have not heard any news about the price.  The retail price on all the colors released to date has been just under $1000 each.

The Limited Edition Black Panther is performing well on the secondary market, with trading prices in the $3000 to $3500 range.  If this is any indication of success for the Limited Edition Orange Shine Panther, you’ll want to save the date of August 29, 2011 to try and purchase this newest one, so that you won’t have to pay secondary market prices to add it to your Swarovski crystal collection.



Swarovski Halloween Kris Bear going Trick or Treating!

Jun 252011
 

It seems that Swarovski is releasing a Halloween companion for Swarovski crystal collectors….Halloween Kris Bear! The news on an authorized retailer site that Halloween Kris Bear will be a Swarovski Limited Edition for 2011.

This Swarovski Trick or Treat Kris Bear is cute.   He is a clear crystal figurine, sporting orange-colored devilish horns, and carrying a matching colored jack-o-lantern to collect plenty of candy.  The Swarovski system number is 1096026.  It seems that the retail price of Halloween Kris Bear will be $95 – $100 USD.

Halloween Kris Bear joins approximately 35 other Swarovski Kris Bear figurines released since 1993.  About 7 of the Kris Bear figurines are current and can be purchased directly from the Swarovski shoppe online.  For the retired or discontinued Kris Bear figurines, crystal collectors can find many available on the Crystal Exchange America web site using this link: Swarovski Kris Bear .

I’m looking forward to seeing the new Swarovski Halloween Kris Bear in person. I bet he’s adorable!  I’m wondering if in 2012, we might see another Limited Edition Kris Bear dressed in a different costume!



Using his Rare Swarovski Violin, Ben Lee of FUSE breaks world record playing “Flight of the Bumblebee”

Jun 242011
 

KristallBuzz has recently completed Swarovski Crystal Bees Video buzzing around to “Flight of the Bumblebee”.   I’m amazed by all the unique variations of this well-known classical piece and how different musicians can add their special touches to the music.

I was surprised when I found that the song is even used setting and breaking “Guinness World Records” for being the fastest violinist!

May, 2008 David Garrett – 1 minute and 6.56 seconds.  David Garrett on YouTube
December, 2008 David Garrett – 1 minute and 5.26 seconds. David Garrett on YouTube

Then, just shy of 2 years later, Ben Lee is successfully setting a new world record using the Rare Swarovski Violin.

November, 2010 Ben Lee of FUSE – 58.51 seconds

January, 2011 Ben Lee of FUSE – 56.07 seconds. Feeling ambitious, Ben Lee does it again!

Congratulations to Ben Lee and FUSE for such an terrific accomplishment…keep up the great work!



Swarovski Lovlots 2011 Releases

Jun 232011
 

Great news for our Swarovski crystal fanatics friends…we’ve received more credible news, from an authorized retailer web site, about the Swarovski Crystal 2011 Lovlots figurines soon to be released!

Swarovski Anna and Emma are mice.  They are just like the Joe and Harry mice, but have fuschia accents.  Joe and Harry are clear mice that were released in 2006.  The system number for these Swarovski crystal figurines is 843090.  At the moment, Swarovski Joe and Harry are current and the set retails for $53.  The Swarovski system number for Anna and Emma mice is 1090726.

Swarovski Coco is a small dog.  Coco is blue in color.  The system number for Swarovski Coco is 1089200.

Swarovski Piggy Sue is….can you guess….a pig!  Piggy Sue is dark pink, but is just like her clear counterpart, Piggy Pong.  Piggy Pong was released in 2007 and is slated for release this year.  Swarovski Piggy Pong sells for $55 and the system number is 894551.  The system number for Swarovski Piggy Sue is 1090725.

Swarovski Scottie is a green dog, likely a terrier. The system number for Swarovski Scottie is 1089199.
I wonder if Coco and Scottie will be added to the Swarovski Gang of Dogs family in the Lovlots product line.  If so, this group will be up to 7 dogs.  Other Gang of Dogs figurines includes: Peppino, Salvatore, Tomaso, Tomasino, and Violetta.

These new Swarovski Lovlots, Anna and Emma, Coco, Piggy Sue, and Scottie, will retail for $55 – $105 depending on the figurine.

Retired and Limited Edition Lovlots can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site, which can be found at www.crystalexchange.com .  I’m looking forward to seeing these Lovlots Swarovski crystal figurines in the near future!



Swarovski 2011 Ornament – More Christmas in July!

Jun 222011
 

The Swarovski 2011 Ornament is celebrating 20 years of the Swarovski Annual Edition Ornaments.  The 2011 crystal ornament  is now available in the USA at select retailers and will be available on the Swarovski web site in mid-July.

2011 Swarovski Ornament Set

The 2011 Swarovski Ornament is clear crystal, with a silver-colored metal tag inscribed with 2011, hanging from a white satin ribbon.  The ornament is offered by itself, or in a set with 2 smaller star ornaments.

The crystal brand has been producing Swarovski Ornaments since 1991.  Beginning in the 1990’s, there was a pattern of Swarovski Star Ornaments and Swarovski Snowflake Ornaments.  The odd years were deemed to be stars, while the even years were deemed to be snowflakes.  1999 through 2002, the ornament designs became more abstract, and until 2003, were not labeled as a ‘Swarovski Star’ or ‘Swarovski Snowflake’ ornament.  In 2003, the pattern continued with odd years being stars and even years being snowflakes.

It is interesting to note the ribbon color for the 2011….it is white.  Since 1993, the ribbon color has been navy blue.

If you are starting your crystal figurine ornament collection this year, you may want to consider adding some of the retired ornaments to your collection too.  Crystal Exchange America has many years available of the Swarovski Ornaments on their web site.  They can be found in the ‘Christmas and Ornaments’ category of the store!



Official Swarovski Hello Kitty Announcement

Jun 212011
 

Swarovski has put out a formal statement on their web site about the Swarovski Hello Kitty crystal collaboration this year.

Hello Kitty was introduced in 1974 and has remained popular for over 25 years in pop, art, culture and fashion.  And in 2011, Swarovski is joining in on the force through jewelry, charms and crystal figurines.  The Swarovski announcement indicates that there will be three Swarovski Hello Kitty crystal figurines.

And last, but not least, a limited edition Swarovski Hello Kitty figurine decorated using the signature pointiage technique.  This confirms the news we found earlier on the web that there will be only 88 pieces worldwide with nearly 20,000 Swarovski crystal stones.

Limited Edition Swarovski Hello Kitty figurine, 2011

In May, I wrote several articles about this news.  For convenience, links are below

So, if you are a Hello Kitty fanatic, the release date is just around the corner.  The official Swarovski Hello Kitty collection debut will be at the end of July…. only one more month of waiting.



Happy Father’s Day to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics from the Kristall Buzz

Jun 192011
 

Happy Father’s Day to Swarovski collecting crystal fanatics around the world!  May all Dads, Grandfathers, and Fathers-to-be have a relaxing and enjoyable day!

I recently found this cute story and thought today was an ideal day to remember the simplicity of our kids life and how fortunate we are to have parents to teach us the way, and kids to remind us how wonderful life is….

Father’s Day was near when I brought my three-year-old son, Luke, to the card store. Inside, I showed him the cards for dads and told him to pick one.
When I looked back, Luke was picking up one card after another, opening them up and quickly shoving them back into slots, every which way. ” Luke, what are you doing?” I asked. “Haven’t you found a nice card for Daddy yet?”
“No,” he replied. “I’m looking for one with money in it.”

Dad would be very lucky to get a card with money in it!  Or perhaps a gift hand-crafted by his kids.  Or how about a nice Swarovski Porsche?  From 2002 through 2007, Swarovski produced eight different crystal limited edition Porsche cars:

  • Swarovski Porsche Jubilaumsmodell 40 Jahre 911 – WAP05012614 (2002)
  • Swarovski Porsche 356 Limited Edition – WAP05040015 (2004)
  • Swarovski Porsche 911 Carrera Black Diamond – WAP05040115 (2004)
  • Swarovski Porsche Carrera GT – WAP05040416 (2005)
  • Swarovski Porsche Model Cayman S. – WAP05040016 (2005)
  • Swarovski Porsche 911 Metallic – WAP05041017 (2006)
  • Swarovski Porsche Cayman S Metallic – WAP05043017 (2006)
  • Swarovski Porsche GT Carrera Masterpiece – BSC2007005 (2007)

The original MSRP of the Swarovski Porsche cars was $270 – $650 depending on the exact car model.  All are considered limited editions.  Some are numbered.  Some have a production maximum.  Some were produced or sold for just a year or two.  I did not find any new Swarovski Porsche cars after 2007.

Swarovski Porsche Carrera GT, Limited Edition of 1500 units

If you are are looking for a Swarovski Crystal Porsche, Crystal Exchange America does have a big selection of them available.  Interested Swarovski collectors can visit the Crystal Exchange America web site at www.CrystalExchange.com and view the ‘Transportation’ category or search for the term ‘Porsche’ in the search box.



Swarovski Satin Stallion Soulmates Horse coming July 11, 2011!

Jun 172011
 

Swarovski has announced to its SCS members about a new Soulmates Horse introduction, the Swarovski Satin Stallion.

Swarovski Soulmates Satin Stallion

This Swarovski crystal horse was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer.  It is made of satin crystal (like the limited edition Swarovski Satin Hare), and attached to a granite base, similar to the other Soulmates figurines.  There is no mention of price, but many Soulmates figurines retail $800 – $1500 depending on the crystal figurine.  Information obtained from a web site of an authorized retailer indicates that the price may be approximately $1025 USD.

The crystal brand has produced a number of Swarovski horses since 2000:

  • Swarovski The Horse by Mario Dilitz – 7685 000 009 / 660 218
  • Swarovski Arabian Stallion by Martin Zendron – 7612 000 002 / 221 609
  • Swarovski White Stallion by Martin Zendron –  7612 000 001 / 174 958
  • Swarovski Mare by Stefanie Nederegger – 9100 000 045 / 860 864
  • 2 different Swarovski Zodiac Horse figurines – 7693 000 005 / 289 908 and 9100 000 133 / 995 744
  • 3 Swarovski Lovlots Horses – Jade, Limited Edition (Dancing Horse) – 9100 000 294 / 1 073 338, Rosalie (Dancing Horse) – 1 073 336, and Jasmine (Dancing Horse) – 1 079 474

All the Swarovski Horse figurines are retired or retiring in 2011 except for one of the Zodiac Horses and the 3 Lovlots Horses, which were just released in March 2011.

One of the largest horse figurines was the Swarovski Wild Horses, which was a limited edition figurine available in 2001.  Only 10,000 were produced.  Designed by Martin Zendron, it had a retail price of $4000 in 2001.

If you are a horse lover, check out the Crystal Exchange America web site at www.CrystalExchange.com  and look in the ‘Animals’ category of the store for availability on any of the horse figurines.   The Wild Horses figurine would be found in the Limited Editions category.



Swarovski releases Santa Mo Christmas figurine July 11, 2011

Jun 162011
 

Just a few days ago, I wrote about the impending release of the Swarovski Santa Mo figurine.

I found out today that the official launch date of this ‘ho ho ho’ Christmas Mo is July 11, 2011 in the online Swarovski shoppe. The article on the Swarovski site did not mention when it would be available at the official Swarovski retailers or Swarovski boutiques.

Swarovski Santa Mo, Limited Edition for 2011

This adorable Swarovski Lovlots limited edition cow (Swarovski system number 1096024) has a light siam (red) body and hat. It is accented with white alabaster balls on the hat and down the front of the cow’s Santa suit. Santa Mo’s face, ears and horn are in clear crystal. This Swarovski figurine will be available only in 2011 ‘while stocks last’.

The Swarovski article does not mention price, however, it is believed that it will retail near $65 – $70 per crystal figurine, which is a similar range to other limited edition Mo figurines.

When the Lovlots cow Santa Mo is sold out or retired by Swarovski, crystal collectors will have to acquire the limited edition crystal cow from online auctions or the secondary market. Crystal Exchange America will advertise any listings for the Swarovski Santa Mo figurine in the ‘Lovlots and Zodiacs’ category of the online store: www.CrystalExchange.com . That being said, it will likely be will be least expensive for any Swarovski collector to secure this figurine while it can be purchased as a current product.



Swarovski Crystal Flight of the Bees Video

Jun 152011
 

The Kristall Buzz, a Blog on Swarovski Crystal, has launched a brief YouTube video starring two Swarovski crystal figurines, both Swarovski Bee crystal figurines! Take a look!

The first Swarovski Bee in the video is the Crystal In Flight Rhodium Bee. This rare Swarovski Rhodium Bee was introduced in 1985 and retired in 1986. This Swarovski Bee was available only in the North American market: USA only (not in Canada like the Gold Bee). During its 2 year production time, it retailed for $200. On the secondary market, a Swarovski MIB Rhodium Bee presently sells in the range of $1500 – $2000.

The second Swarovski bee in the video is the Crystal In Flight Gold Bee . The Gold Bee was introduced in 1985 and retired in 1988. This Swarovski Bee was available only in the North American market : USA and Canada only. During its 4 year production time, it retailed for $230. On the secondary market, in MINT condition with original box (Swarovski MIB), it presently sells $650 – $850.

Both Swarovski Bees were produced with the old Swarovski logo, the Block SC logo. Both have been noticed to have different types of supporting feet underneath the flat disk holding the flower petals in place. The feet may be smooth, faceted, or molded. The different feet do not seem to impact the selling prices of these crystal figurines on the secondary market.

Both these Swarovski crystal bees are getting harder to find, but can be found on the Crystal Exchange America web site in the “Insects” category!



Swarovski Santa Mo, Limited Edition Cow, coming in 2011

Jun 142011
 

It has been rumored for some time now that a Swarovski Santa Mo, a new Lovlots figurine would be released this year.  Over the weekend, I have found web site product pages at three different authorized retailers.

This Swarovski Lovlots cow has a light siam (red) body and hat.  It will be decorated with white alabaster balls on the hat and down the front of the Santa suit.  Santa Mo’s face, ears and horn are in clear crystal. The Swarovski system number is 1096024.

Swarovski Santa Mo in 2011

The consensus is that the Lovlots Santa Mo should be available for purchase in July / August 2011.  The marketing on this item is different than Swarovski Sunshine Mo.  Sunshine Mo is an online limited edition and available only at the Swarovski web site, not from authorized retailers.  The Swarovski Santa Mo will be available at authorized retailers in addition to being available for purchase at the online shoppe.

It appears that the retail price of the Lovlots Santa Mo will be similar to Sunshine Mo, perhaps $65 – $70 per crystal figurine.

Once the Lovlots figurine is retired by Swarovski, crystal collectors will turn to online auctions or the secondary market to purchase the crystal cow.   As soon as Crystal Exchange America, web site located at www.CrystalExchange.com, has any listings for the figurine, the Swarovski Santa Mo will be found in the  ‘Limited Edition Swarovski’ category of the store.  That being said, it will be least expensive for any collector to secure their figurine while it can be purchased as a current product, not once it has officially been discontinued.



Swarovski Lady and the Tramp Coming this Fall!

Jun 122011
 

An authorized Swarovski retailer in Europe recently notified their customers that they are taking pre-orders for the newest Swarovski Disney collaboration….Lady and the Tramp.

In the Lady and the Tramp series, there are four characters, a title plaque, and a display to present the five crystal figurines in this collection.  The four characters (followed by Swarovski system numbers) include:

  • Swarovski Lady – 1089113
  • Swarovski Tramp – 1090823
  • Swarovski Danielle – 1089222
  • Swarovski Scamp – 1091119

The anticipated release date of the Swarovski Lady and the Tramp collection is August / September 2011.  It appears that the price range of these four crystal figurines is $90 to $190, depending on the figurine.

The Disney production Lady and the Tramp was produced by Walt Disney and released to theaters in 1955.  Wikipedia has more information on the history, plot and storyline of Lady and the Tramp.

Swarovski Lady and the Tramp is the 7th Swarovski Disney collection produced by the crystal brand.  The first six collections include:

  • Swarovski Disney Showcase Collection, 2005
  • Swarovski Winnie the Pooh Collection, 2007
  • Swarovski Bambi Collection, 2008
  • Swarovski Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Collection, 2009
  • Swarovski Lion King Collection, 2010
  • Swarovski Tinkerbell and Peter Pan Collection, 2011

For information on which Swarovski Disney figurines are retired, check out the www.RetiredSwarovski.com site.  If you are looking for some of the older or discontinued Swarovski Disney figurines, Crystal Exchange America has a large selection available.  Simply go to the web site www.CrystalExchange.com and look in the “Disney and Arribas” category of the store.



Swarovski Voucher issued for 10 year celebration!

Jun 102011
 

This morning I received a Swarovski voucher code to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the Swarovski online shoppe.  The voucher is good only June 10 to June 20, 2011.  This Swarovski discount can be redeemed for a 10% credit toward a Swarovski crystal purchase exceeding $145.

I would imagine that the voucher was sent to all those crystal fanatics that are Swarovski SCS members as well as those who are simply signed up to receive the Swarovski newsletter, but I cannot say for sure.

Congratulations to Swarovski for 10 years of success!



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