Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – the Swarovski COA

Sep 262012
 

When the Whales were introduced as the 1992 SCS Annual Edition, SCS membership was steadily increasing in numbers.  More Swarovski fanatics were becoming members in this exciting Swarovski Club.

The authentic Swarovski Whales Certificate was the second certificate to be like a stapled pamphlet, with each page featuring a different language:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Chinese.  The certificate has a mostly-white cover and measures 5.5” high and 3.5” wide.  The first page of the Whales Certificate features a picture of the Annual Edition, which can be matched up with the picture on the Swarovski Whales Box.

Swarovski Care For Me Whales Certificate, 1992

Swarovski SCS Whales Certificate for the 1992 'Care For Me' Whales

The reference number for the Whales certificate, assigned by Swarovski, is located on the reverse side of the certificate in a tiny font.  Officially, the Swarovski Whales certificate is DO4MM92XX.  The Whales ‘Care For Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference #DO1X921C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

With respect to availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Whales Certificate is not presently available at reputable broker site or auction sites in the USA.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the range of $50 – $100.  Crystal Exchange America recommends buying Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a complete package with original box and original certificate.



Swarovski Disney Winnie the Pooh and Friends

Sep 252012
 

Just within the past month, Swarovski launched a colorful series of the Disney favorites Winnie the Pooh series.  This full-color series consists of:

Swarovski Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore: 2012 Colorful Crystal Figurines

Swarovski Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet, and Eeyore

  • Swarovski Eeyore – 9100 000 390 / 1 142 842.  Eeyore was designed by Dominic Schöpf and retails for $290.
  • Swarovski Piglet – 9100 000 387 / 1 142 841. Piglet was designed by Elisabeth Adamer and retails for $120.
  • Swarovski Tigger – 9100 000 389 / 1 142 841.  Tigger  was designed by Anton Hirzinger and retails for $300.
  • Swarovski Winnie the Pooh – 9100 000 385 / 1 142 889.  Winnie the Pooh was designed by Anton Hirzinger and retails for $230.

The 2012 Swarovski Disney figurines are quite lively with their new coloring and will certainly allow for Disney fanatics to get in on the Swarovski Crystal-collecting action!

In 2007, Swarovski and Disney collaborated to launch a (mostly) clear series for these same four Pooh friends.  All the Swarovski Disney crystal caricatures in the clear series were designed by Mario Dilitz.  The figurines with identification numbers and retirement dates are:

Swarovski also produced a title plaque for the clear Swarovski Disney Pooh friends: Winnie the Pooh Title Plaque – 9100 000 083 / 905 772.  The plaque was also designed by Mario Dilitz and retired in 2010.

If you like the new colored figurines, place your order with Swarovski.com or any authorized retailer.  If you prefer the clear Swarovski Disney figurines, those would have to be purchased from a secondary market dealer like Crystal Exchange America.



Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – SCS 1992 Annual Edition

Sep 242012
 

The Swarovski Whales is the third crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the “Mother and Child”.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were designed by Michael Stamey, and to date, is the only trilogy by a single designer.

Swarovski SCS Whales- 'Care For Me' 1992 Annual Edition

Swarovski 'Care For Me' Whales, 1992 SCS AE

In 1992, the Swarovski Whales could be purchased by SCS crystal collectors who possessed membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Whales measures about just over  4” in height.  This crystal figurine features  a clear mother whale and a clear baby whale, with a gentle wave under them.

The SCS Whales contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “92” on the bottom side of the wave.  “MSt” is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Care For Me’ Whales can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X921 or system number 164 614.

In addition to the 1992 SCS Whales, Swarovski has released a number of crystal whale figurines:

  • Swarovski Whale – 7628 080 000 / 014 483.  This Swarovski Whale was available 1987 through 1991.  It can be found with either the Block SC Logo or the Swan logo.
  • Swarovski Walter the Whale – 9460 200 023 / 680 508.  This small blue whale was in the Swarovski Crystal Moments line, and was available in 2005 and 2006 only.
  • Swarovski Paikea Humpback Whale – 9100 000 337 / 1 095 228.  This is the 2012 SCS Annual Edition designed by Stefanie Nederegger
  • Swarovski Young Whale, SCS – 9100 000 338 / 1 096 741.  This is the companion whale to the 2012 Swarovski Annual Edition Whale designed by Stefanie Nederegger.

A quick comparison of the 1992 Swarovski Whales to the 2012 Swarovski Whale reveals these primary differences:

  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales is a SINGLE figurine.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are 2 separate figurines purchased individually.
  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales are completely clear figurines.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are Shadow crystal with Crystal Moonlight accents.

The SCS Swarovski Whales retailed for $265 USD in 1992.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a white cylinder with fitted- foam specific to the Whales, and a Swarovski  Certificate of Authenticity (Swarovski COA).    Presently, the Swarovski Whales, in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $305 – $345 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

Sep 162012
 

The second crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS “Mother and Child” trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Save Me’ Seals.    The Seals were a charming figurine illustrating a new mom and her young seal pup resting on an iceberg.  The Swarovski Seals Box is designed to protect and store the crystal figurine.

The SCS Seals Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  It is much like the Turtledoves Box and Dolphins Box at a quick glance.  On the Seals cylinder, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1991 “Save Me” – the Seals.  This same text is repeated in 5 other languages on the cylinder container. The Swarovski Seals Box can be found using reference # DO1X911B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  There is no number on the Seals Box to indicate a factory-assigned identification number.

Swarovski SCS Save Me Seals Box from 1991

Swarovski SCS Seals Box

The custom foam in the cylinder is specific for the Swarovski SCS Seals figurine. This packaging for the Seals is the first to use two completely separate pieces of foam vs a single foam utilizing a (foam) hinge.  The Swarovski Seals Certificate is simply placed on the top foam before putting the gray cap on it as it is small enough that bending does not occur.  Proper placement of the Save Me Seals in the box is fairly simple.  The Seals tail should be placed over the ‘round’ holes / bubbles in the foam and the figurine will easily fit into the foam.  The top foam has similar bubbles / holes that also go over top the tails.  Then aligning the notches along the foam sided allow for the Swarovski-designed fit.  (Hint… When I put the top foam in, I gently twist / untwist the top foam, with a slight downward pressure, to ensure that the foam is pressed down as much as it is supposed to be.)  When in proper position, there is about a ½” of the cylinder showing above the foam for the lid to fit on.

The SCS Seals Box can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Empty Boxes category.  A number of them are available in the $90 – $110 price range at this time.  All the Save Me Seals boxes include original foam inserts.



Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – the Swarovski COA

Sep 122012
 

SCS membership was continuing to grow across more countries when the Seals were introduced as the 1991 SCS Annual Edition.  Whereas the Swarovski Dolphins Certificate included 7 different language translations, the Swarovski Seals was the earliest certificate to include yet one more language.

Swarovski Save Me Seals Certificate, 1991

Swarovski Seals Certificate for the 1991 'Save Me' Seals

 

The genuine Swarovski Seals Certificate was the first certificate to be like a stapled pamphlet, with each page featuring a different  languages  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Chinese.

The Swarovski –assigned reference number is located on the back side of the certificate in tiny print.  Officially, the Swarovski Seals certificate is DO4MM91XX.  The Seals ‘Save Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X911C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Seals Certificate easy to find at the moment.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the neighborhood of $50 – $150, there are not a high number of transactions on them for a consistently reliable replacement value.  We recommend purchasing Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a total package with original box and original certificate.



Swarovski Seals ‘Save Me’ – SCS 1991 Annual Edition

Sep 062012
 

The Swarovski Seals is the second crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the “Mother and Child”.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were constructed of completely clear crystal components, which is a unique characteristic of all the Swarovski SCS figurines.

Swarovski SCS Seals - 'Save Me' 1991 Annual Edition

Swarovski 'Save Me' Seals, 1991 SCS AE

 

The Swarovski Seals could be purchased only in 1991 by SCS collectors with membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Seals measures about 4” long.  It is a figurine with 2 clear seals, a mother seal and a baby seal, resting upon a clear iceberg.

The SCS Seals contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “91” on the underside of the iceberg.  “MSt” is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Save Me’ Seals can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X911 or system number 158 872.

In addition to the 1991 SCS Seals, the crystal giant has produced other crystal seal figurines, all of which are retired:

  • Swarovski Large Seal – 7646 085 000 / 012 261.  The Swarovski Large Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Large Seal, in some variation, was available 1985 – 1995.
  • Swarovski Baby Seal – 7663 046 000 / 012 530.  The Swarovski Baby Seal was produced with 3 different styles of noses / whiskers.  The Baby Seal, in some variation, was available 1986 – 2005.
  • Swarovski Playing Seal – 7661 000 006 / 622 526, 2003 – 2007

The SCS Swarovski Seals retailed for $225 USD in 1991.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a cylinder with custom foam for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    At this time, Swarovski Seals , in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $350 – $400 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.



Swarovski Limited Edition Christmas Tinker Bell 2012, Dressed Like Mrs Claus!

Sep 052012
 

While I have not seen or heard any news from Swarovski, I have been seeing a Tinker Bell in Red on various authorized retailer web sites and on Ebay too.

Here are my conclusions about the Swarovski 2012 Tinker Bell….

  • Swarovski Red Tinkerbell is a Limited Edition in 2012.  It is not clear if there is a maximum quantity of production or if distribution is limited in some way to geographic area.
  • Swarovski Limited Edition Tinkerbell will retail for $315.
  • Swarovski Christmas Tinkerbell is about 5” tall.

Swarovski Tinkerbell introduced in 2011 (left) and 2012 Limited Edition Tinkerbell (right)

The 2012 Swarovski Tinker Bell looks similar to the Swarovski Tinker Bell that the crystal brand introduced in 2011, but there are differences (other than simply replacing a green outfit with a red one):

  • Swarovski Green Tinker Bell has a more curvy base than Swarovski Red Tinker Bell.
  • Swarovski Green Tinker Bell has green poms on her shoes.   Swarovski Red Tinker Bell has white poms on her shoes.
  • Swarovski Green Tinker Bell has a clear bun on her head.  Swarovski Red Tinker Bell has a red bun on her head.

Both Swarovski Tinkerbell crystal figurines appear to have a silver toned wand and have Aurore Boreale wings that shimmer.

The 2012 Swarovski Christmas Tinker Bell can be identified with the part number of 9100 000 409 and system number 1143621.  At this point in time, it appears to be a pre-order item.  I would imagine that the release date will be similar to the Christmas merchandise in USA, which is early October.  (Nothing official found on launch date.)

This video, posted by an authorized retailer in the USA, shows The 2012 Swarovski Christmas Tinker Bell rotating in 360 degrees for a total view of this limited edition figurine.

In 2008, the crystal giant also produced another Limited Edition Swarovski Tinker Bell which has commands an unusually high price of $700-$900 following retirement.

The newest Swarovski Limited Edition Tinker Bell (Christmas Tinker Bell) looks like a real beauty the Disney fanatics and Swarovski crystal fanatics will certainly want to purchase!



Swarovski Cupcake for the Kingdom of Jewels Extravaganza!

Sep 042012
 

Swarovski is presently running a Kingdom of Jewels contest in September for a chance to win the global prize: a weekend trip for two to Paris, a private styling session with Swarovski’s Creative Director, Nathalie Colin and tickets to an unforgettable Brisa Roché concert.

Kindgom of Jewels Swarovski Cupcake by Magnolia Bakery

Swarovski Cupcake

As a part of this month-long journey, Swarovski has planned some “inspirational experiences” in 15 cities from around the world, one of which is New York City.  Many of these experiences / events require a special “Swarovski Jewel” for admission, which could be picked up from select Swarovski boutiques on September 1.

From September 6 – 9, Swarovski Jewel Holders can get a sweet treat…. a Swarovski Cupcake from the Magnolia Bakery at Bloomingdales.  Swarovski cupcakes may be available for purchase September 10 – September 16, while supplies last.  The cupcake cost is about $3.50, of which some of the proceeds go toward charities.

The Swarovski Cupcakes look sparkly and yummy.  Hopefully all the participants are getting the royal treatment that is Swarovski’s ambition!