Swarovski Unicorn – the SCS Swarovski Box (Fabulous Creatures)

Oct 252012
 

The first crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS “Fabulous Creatures” trilogy was the Swarovski Unicorn.  The Unicorn is a mystical creature, the 1st non-natural figurine that Swarovski has produced for an SCS figurine.  The purpose of the Swarovski Unicorn Box  is to safely protect the crystal figurine while it is not on display.

The SCS Unicorn is the first SCS figurine to be ‘double-boxed’.  The crystal Unicorn is situated in a white box, containing the SCS logo. This white box has a fuzzy green plastic liner form-fitted to the Unicorn.  The white box measures 7” x 7” X 3”.  The white box is placed into a larger box, held in place by foam glued to the outer box, that is approximately 10” x 10” x 4 ½”.  On the 4 sides of the box, in 11 different languages, the text states” Annual Edition 1996 “Fabulous Creatures” – The Unicorn. The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Box (meaning the set of 2 boxes) can be found using reference # DO1X961B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  There does not appear to be a factory-assigned identification number printed anywhere on the box, inside or outside.

Swarovski SCS Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Box from 1996

Swarovski SCS Unicorn Box (Complete Packaging)

In the photo, #1 is the inner Swarovski Box for the Unicorn.  #2 is the outer Unicorn Box.  #3 shows the SCS Unicorn placed in the inner box (with the fuzzy green insert), which is located inside the padded outer box.  The slot on the left side of the outer box is to hold the Unicorn Certificate in place.

The SCS Unicorn Box is not presently available at Crystal Exchange America; It would be in the Empty Boxes category.  Previously, the SCS Unicorn packaging (includes both boxes) has sold in the $40 – $100 price range.  Collectors should use care when purchasing the Unicorn in the online auctions or after-market sales agents that they are indeed getting all original packaging, and not simply the inner box.



Swarovski Unicorn – the Swarovski COA (Fabulous Creatures)

Oct 242012
 

SCS membership had significantly increased over the years…..crystal fanatics were fully engulfed in collecting and secondary market values were at an all-time high in the late 1990’s, which indirectly encouraged collectors to continue spending  money  on Swarovski, especially the SCS annual editions.  The Swarovski Unicorn was well-liked and by now, collectors knew that to retain and increase in value (which was true at that time), the box and certificate must be saved and included for resale on the secondary market.

Swarovski Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Certificate, 1992

Swarovski SCS Unicorn Certificate for the 1992 Fabulous Creatures Unicorn

As time passed, the Swarovski annual edition certificates changed to include even more languages The Swarovski Unicorn certificate was now printed to include the “Certificate” wording in eleven different languages:  English,  German, Italian, French, Dutch, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Flemish, Chinese, and Japanese.

The genuine Swarovski Unicorn Certificate measures 4 1/8” wide and 8 ¼” tall.  The picture on the front of the certificate matches the picture on the Unicorn Box.

The Swarovski–assigned reference number is printed in a very small font on the back side of the certificate.  Officially, the Swarovski Unicorn certificate is DO4MM96XX.  The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X961C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

SCS Swarovski Unicorn Certificate is readily available at this time at Crystal Exchange America, the range of $50 – $75. However, there is never any guarantee that the Fabulous Creatures Unicorn Certificate will be easy to find, so we do urge collectors to buy  Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a complete package including the original box and certificate.



Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

Oct 012012
 

The third crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS “Mother and Child” trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Care For Me’ Whales.    The Whales were an enchanting figurine demonstrating a new mother and her young whale calf over an ocean wave.  The purpose of the Swarovski Whales Box is for protection and storage of crystal figurine.

The SCS Whales Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  It is similar to the Turtledoves Box and Dolphins Box, and Seals Box at a glimpse.  On the Whales cylinder, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1992 “Care For Me” – the Whales in English and in 5 other languages on the cylinder container. The Swarovski Whales Box can be found using reference # DO1X921B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  The factory-assigned identification number cannot be found on the cylinder.

Swarovski SCS Care For Me Whales Box from 1992

Swarovski SCS Whales Box

The foam in the cylinder is designed exclusively for the Swarovski SCS Whales figurine. This particular setup employs a single piece of hinged foam with cutouts to perfectly fit the Whales.  The Whales Certificate is simply placed on the top foam prior to placing the lid covering.

The SCS Whales Box can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Empty Boxes category.  One is available at this time for $125.  The Care For Me Whales box includes the original foam insert.



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 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 Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

Aug 242012
 

The first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the “Mother and Child” series was the Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins.    The Dolphins were a beautiful figurine depicting the nurturing relationship between a mom and her calf.  The protective box is important to safely store the crystal figurine.

Swarovski SCS Lead Me Dolphins Box from 1990

Swarovski SCS Dolphins Box

The Swarovski Dolphins Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  On the Dolphins cylinder, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1990 “Lead Me” – the Dolphins.  This same text is repeated in 5 other languages in the silver stripe on the container. The Swarovski –assigned reference number can be found near the bottom edge in a very small type.  The Swarovski Dolphins Box reference number is DO3MM90XX. The Dolphins Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X901B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalogue.

Lead Me Dolphins properly seated in the factory Foam

Proper placement of the SCS Dolphins in the Foam

The foam was specially formed to securely store or ship the SCS Dolphins figurine and certificate.  The dolphins foam contains a slot to be used for keeping the certificate unbent or wrinkled.  The SCS Dolphins have been the most difficult figurine to correctly place into the foam.  Good news though….this article contains proper placement instructions for correctly putting the crystal figurine into the Swarovski ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins Box.  The dolphins foam should opened and placed such that the certificate will be underneath the crystal.  In your hands, hold the Swarovski Dolphins, so that the dolphin’s nose is facing right (3:00) and the base is toward the foam.  Press the Dolphins downward into the foam so that the tails are in the largest oval slot.  Note: If the SCS Dolphins have been on display (not stored in the foam and box), the fit may feel firm and incorrect, but this is normal.  Since putting the Dolphins in the foam may feel erroneous, many collectors have taken scissors or knives to the foam cutting it and eliminating placement confusion.  This could potentially devalue the SCS Dolphins which is complete with box and certificate to a Swarovski fanatic who demands a ‘top-notch’ package since technically the foam has now been altered.

A special thanks to Swarovski expert Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the ‘Lead Me’ Dolphins Box article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Dolphins Box is not readily available.  The last one that sold was over 5 years ago, and those prices are too out of date to even mention.



Swarovski Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ – the Swarovski COA

Aug 222012
 

Swarovski offered the SCS membership in many countries when the Dolphins were revealed as the 1990 SCS Annual Edition.  The multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Dolphins was necessary to avoid the need for language-specific certificates like the Swarovski Lovebirds certificate.

Swarovski Lead Me Dolphins Certificate, 1990

Swarovski Dolphins Certificate for the 1990 'Lead Me' Dolphins

The authentic Swarovski Dolphins Certificate is an accordion style document with the certificate verbage in seven different languages:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, and Flemish.

The Swarovski –assigned reference number is located on the back side of the certificate in a very small font.  The Swarovski Dolphins certificate is DO4MM90XX.  The Dolphins ‘Lead Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X901C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalog.

The Swarovski Dolphins COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and has the familiar Swarovski Swan logo on it and below that the letters SCS on the front side.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Dolphins Certificate article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Dolphins Certificate is not readily available.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the neighborhood of $100 – $125, but that was in 2007.  It is nearly always best to purchase the Swarovski SCS AE figurine complete with box and certificate, as it may not always be easy to find a replacement box or replacement certificate at what a collector deems a reasonable price to pay for it.



Swarovski Turtledoves ‘Amour’ – the Swarovski COA

Aug 022012
 

As Swarovski SCS membership was growing globally, the need for the multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Turtledoves was now a serious requirement.  The Swarovski Turtledoves certificate was most like the accordion-style Woodpeckers, but with 2 additional languages.

Swarovski Amour Turtledoves Certificate, 1989

Swarovski Turtledoves Certificate for the 1989 Amour Turtledoves

The genuine Swarovski Turtledoves Certificate  is a multi-folding pamphlet with the certificate wording in the languages of:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Flemish and Dutch.

The Swarovski – assigned reference number is positioned on the very back of the certificate in a tiny print..  The Swarovski Turtledoves certificate is DO4M882.  The Turtledoves  ‘Amour’ Certificate can also be found using the reference # DO1X891C, which was initially employed in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalog.

The Swarovski Turtledoves COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and has the familiar Swarovski Swan logo on it and below that the letters SCS on the front side.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Turtledoves Certificate article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Turtledoves Certificate is not readily available.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last completed sales were in the neighborhood of $50 – $125, but that was in 2008 through 2011.  It is almost always wisest to purchase the Swarovski SCS AE figurine complete with box and certificate, as locating replacement packaging or COA documentation may be easier concept than accomplished idea.



Swarovski Turtledoves ‘Amour’– the SCS Swarovski Box

Aug 012012
 

The final Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the “Caring and Sharing” series was the Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves.    The Turtledoves figurine was a lovely cherished collectible illustrating the companionship between the two birds.  The Swarovski Turtledoves Box, or in this case, the Swarovski cylinder, is key to securely house the crystal figurine while it is not being displayed.

Swarovski SCS Turtledoves Box for the 1989 SCS AE

1989 Swarovski SCS Turtledoves Box

The Amour Turtledoves container measures about 7 5/8” in height and 7 ¼” in diameter.  The Swarovski Turtledoves cylinder is mostly white in color, with silver-gray end caps.  On the Turtledoves cylinder box, collectors can see ‘Annual Edition 1989 “Amour” – the Turtledoves’ in English and in 5 other languages in the grayish stripe on the cylinder. The Swarovski – assigned reference number can be found near the bottom edge in very small letters.  The Swarovski Turtledoves Box reference number is DO3MM882. The Turtledoves Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X891B, which was firstly found in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Catalogue.

The foam was specially formed to securely transport and store the treasured SCS crystal figurine with its certificate.  The Turtledoves foam contains a special slit for holding certificate.

A special thanks to Swarovski expert Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Dolphins Box article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the Swarovski Turtledoves Box is not easily found at this point in time.  The last one that sold was over 5 years ago, and those prices are too out of date to even mention.  However, Crystal Exchange America does have listing for the box and certificate set that can be purchased for $375 if there is a true need for original packaging and documentation.



Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – the Swarovski Certificate COA

Jul 242012
 

As the Swarovski SCS memberships were being offered worldwide in 1988, the need to support multiple languages was a growing concern.  Back then, you simply did not find shelved products, instruction booklets, etc with multiple languages on.  What was purchased in the USA was English, and what was purchased in Spain was in Spanish.  It is MUCH different in today’s world.  So when Swarovski offered the SCS membership more regions, it was becoming increasingly necessary to have Swarovski COA documents available for the Swarovski Woodpeckers in multiple languages.

At Crystal Exchange America, we have seen a variety of genuine certificates packaged with the Swarovski Woodpeckers:

The English and English-French variations of the Swarovski Woodpeckers COA are indistinguishable on the front, and include the same picture of the crystal figurine on the inside.  The differentiation between the two is whether or not there is the authenticity information in French on the inside left side of the COA.  However, the Multi-Language Woodpeckers COA is significantly different.  It is more of an accordion-style with a single photo and 5 different languages on the mini-foldouts.

The Swarovski Woodpeckers COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  However, most of the time, an envelope for the certificate is not presently included with the Swarovski Woodpeckers.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and bears the official Swarovski logo on the front side.

The Swarovski –assigned part numbers are generally found on the back panel in a very small font.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers Multi-Language certificate is DO4M991.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers English certificate is DO4E871. I was unable to locate the Swarovski Woodpeckers English and French certificate number.  The Woodpeckers Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X861C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

It is important to remember that the Swarovski Woodpeckers, like all other Swarovski AE figurines, does have a COA that is specific to it.  Less knowledgeable collectors and ebay traders have posted online auctions selling their figurine to include the original box and certificate, but the auction picture revealed Woodpeckers with a generic product booklet instead.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Woodpeckers Certificate article.

If the language of the certificate is important to a client, then I would recommend that this be taken into account when determining a value for the Woodpeckers certificate.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers English and French Certificate recently sold on Ebay Canada for under $15.  And the Swarovski Woodpeckers Multi-Language Certificate may be more readily available in the Euro community, so checking with a professional brokerage service or Ebay sites there would be the best venues for determining a replacement value or obtaining them as they are harder to find here in the USA.  The SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers Certificate (English version) can normally be found in the $75 to $150 price range.  Crystal Exchange America does have the English version of the Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers Certificate  at their store website.



Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – the Swarovski Box

Jul 182012
 

The second Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the Caring and Sharing trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Sharing’ Woodpeckers.  These Swarovski Woodpeckers would have a special presentation and package that would be very similar to its predecessor, the Lovebirds.

Swarovski Woodpeckers Box, SCS Box for 'Sharing' in 1988

1988 Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers Box

The SCS Woodpeckers had a custom box, which would be so unique, no other figurine would fit in it.  The box was primarily silver and royal blue in color.  Since the SCS was growing its distribution channels, the packaging would also be available in other languages.

"Sharing" - The Woodpeckers on the Swarovski Woodpecker Box

The English Woodpeckers Box that we most frequently see in the USA features a blue top.  On all 4 sides, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1988 “Sharing” – the Woodpeckers.

The multi-lingual Woodpeckers Box is a box that we only occasionally see.  This box has the text for “Sharing” – the Woodpeckers in four different languages, depending on the side:

  • “Donare – I Picchi” (Italian)
  • “Compartiendo” – los Carpinteros (Spanish)
  • “Partnershaft” – die Spechte (German)
  • “Partager” – les Pics (French)

The Swarovski –assigned part numbers can be found on the rear side in a very small type.  The English Swarovski Woodpeckers Box reference number is DO3E871.  The multi-languange Swarovski Woodpeckers Box reference number is DO3M881. The Woodpeckers Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X881B (same reference number regardless of the language), which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

The foam was specially made to especially protect the SCS figurine.  As can be seen in the image, the trunk rests in the largest indentation on the left side.   The egg-shaped indentation on the right fits over the mother woodpecker wing and head.  There is also a slot in the foam below from the crystal for the mirror.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Woodpeckers Box article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers Box is becoming harder to find.  One reason is that collectors simply did not keep the packaging.  Even for collectors keep it, the Woodpeckers boxes was thin and would easily tear.  I did not find packaging boxes for the SCS Woodpeckers in the online auctions, nor at Crystal Exchange America.  However, in their last completed transactions,  Swarovski Woodpeckers Box in good condition sold in the range of $350 – $500!



Swarovski Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

Jul 022012
 

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds.    These Lovebirds were a remarkable work of art.  Swarovski ‘s efforts on the overall presentation and package would not be overlooked.

Swarovski SCS Togetherness Lovebirds Box from 1987

Swarovski SCS Lovebirds Box

The SCS Lovebirds were the first figurines to have a custom box, which would be suitable for use with no other figurine.  This Swarovski SCS box was primarily silver and royal blue in color.  On all 4 sides, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1987 “Togetherness” – the Lovebirds’. The Swarovski–assigned part numbers can be found on bottom in tiny type.  The Swarovski Lovebirds Box reference number is DO3E861. The Lovebirds Box can also be found using another reference # DO1X861B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

The foam was specially made to securely package and transport the Swarovski SCS Lovebirds.  As can be viewed in the image, the back side of the Lovebirds rests in the largest indentation.  The smaller indentation in the foam closes over the base keeping the figurine firmly in proper position when the foam-enclosed figurine is placed into the box.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Lovebirds Box article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Box is becoming harder and harder to find.  For one, early on, collectors were unaware of how important it would become to save the original boxes.  Even for collectors who did save them, the Lovebirds boxes did not tolerate frequent usage…..the cardboard was thin and would easily tear.  Opening and closing them even a few times could result in tears on several sides of the box.  While the picture shows a box in excellent condition, for the most part, collectors should not expect boxes to look this clean.  I did not find any in the online auctions.  In the last completed transaction at Crystal Exchange America,  Swarovski Lovebirds Box  sold in excess of  $700 with their commission!



Swarovski Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – the Swarovski COA

Jun 302012
 

The Swarovski Lovebirds crystal figurine included a special Lovebirds Togetherness Certificate and custom Swarovski Togetherness Box. The crystal giant only offered the SCS membership to five English-speaking countries when it came about in 1987.  For this reason, it was not necessary to have a multi-lingual Swarovski certificate for the Swarovski Lovebirds.

However, at Crystal Exchange America, we have seen a variety of authentic Swarovski COA documents for the Swarovski Lovebirds:

Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds Certificate, 1987

Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate for the 1987 Togetherness Lovebirds

Both variations of the Swarovski Lovebirds COA is identical on the front, and includes the same picture of the crystal figurine on the inside.  The only difference is whether or not there is the authenticity information in French on the left side of the interior of the Togetherness COA.

The Swarovski –assigned part numbers can be found on the back side in a very small font.  The Swarovski Lovebirds English certificate is DO4E861. The Swarovski Lovebirds English and French certificate is DO4E86.  The Lovebirds Certificate can also be found using another reference # DO1X861C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds Certificate, Complete with white envelope.

Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds Certificate, Envelope on left, Certificate Front on Right..

The Swarovski Lovebirds COA was originally in a square white envelope when it was packaged with the crystal figurine.  However, we do not commonly see the envelope when there is a sales transaction pending on the Swarovski Lovebirds.  This original envelope is tissue-lined, and bears the Swarovski Collectors Society logo on the front side.

It is important to remember that the Swarovski Lovebirds does have a COA that is specific to this figurine.  Less knowledgeable collectors have posted online auctions selling their figurine to include the original box and certificate, yet posted a picture of the Lovebirds with a generic product booklet instead.

A special thanks to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate article.

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate is on the more-difficult side to find.  I was able to locate on ebay for $139 with free shipping.  It is the English only certificate with the envelope.  At Crystal Exchange America, the only listing for the Swarovski Lovebirds Certificate does not specify language is priced over $300 with their commission.



Swarovski MIB NIB BNIB NRFB Crystal Acronyms

Apr 182012
 

Acronyms continue to be the norm is today’s fast-past environment and abbreviated language used in texting in other situation with writing constraints.   In online auctions, due to the limitation of characters in item titles, it is very common to see abbreviations used in the titles.  While the majority of Swarovski collectors understand the acronyms, I’m sure there are still a lot of inexperienced bidders (aka newbies) on the scene.  I have also seen acronyms misused in titles, so I thought I’d do my best to explain the acronyms, provide history, and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski MIB – Swarovski Mint in Box.  This means that the Swarovski figurine is in original factory condition complete with Swarovski Box.  MINT implies free of damage.  However, this gets a bit trickier on the very old candleholders (and other figurines) where it is fairly common to see “pin pricks”, rough edges, or on large items where it is not unusual to see bubbles.  While these “pin pricks”, rough edges and bubbles still passed Swarovski’s standards of perfection to ship product to the retail stores, some crystal collectors will not accept these characteristics in a figurine described as MINT Swarovski.

Also, the box should be the CORRECT box for the figurine.  This is easiest to discern when the Swarovski product identification label is still attached to the Swarovski cylinder or Swarovski box.  The box included should NOT be ‘just any’ box with the Swarovski logo on it.

Swarovski NIB – Swarovski New in Box.  Swarovski BNIB – Swarovski Brand New in Box.
I don’t feel there is any significant difference in item descriptions for items that are NIB or BNIB.  I do question that if an item is retired, should it really be described as a NIB Swarovski figurine or BNIB Swarovski figurine?  When I think of NEW, I don’t think of pre-owned, retired, or previously displayed crystal figurine.  I think of a current product or new release coming from a store or online retailer.  I’d bet that a lot of sellers would disagree with this perception, but what about the buyers?  Again, that’s just my opinion.

Swarovski NRFB – Swarovski Never Removed from Box. I personally have never cared for this description for a Swarovski crystal figurine.  Can the owner REALLY say that the figurine has never removed it from the box?  They don’t honestly know whether or not their retailer displayed it.   Or if it was purchased on the secondary market what the previous owner did with it.  If it is a NRFB Swarovski figurine….was it ever inspected to know if it was in Mint condition at the store prior to purchase?  And if it were inspected, does the description NFRB still apply since it would have to be removed from the box for the inspection?  It is my professional opinion, that I’d rather know the item is MIB than NRFB.

Beginning several years ago and still used at present, I see ads stating Swarovski NMIB (yes, one that I have not covered).  Reading the description from the original ad, I learned the seller was shortening ‘Nearly Mint in Box’.  Nearly Mint?  REALLY….Nearly Mint means NOT MINT.  It means there is damage somewhere on the figurine.  The seller may mean minor damage, but any damage is significant damage when it comes to Swarovski Value.  It may be minor if the collector is displaying it and the cosmetic damage does not bother the owner when looking at it.  Or to the seller, it may be minor since the hopes are that it will sell at the highest possible price.  So bidders should carefully consider if they wish to purchase a NMIB Swarovski figurine, or spend extra money to purchase a MIB Swarovski figurine.

None of the acronyms Swarovski MIB, Swarovski NIB, Swarovski BNIB, or Swarovski NRFB imply inclusion of the Swarovski COA (aka Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity).  Also, none of them imply anything about condition of the box…they all focus on the crystal inside the box.

Kristall Buzz has also featured articles on acronyms to be of interest to Swarovski collectors:

Some buyers feel more comfortable with unbiased professionals doing the inspection rather than a seller’s description of an item they are attempting to get rid of or possible make money on, especially if the crystal figurine is a high-dollar figurine.  In this case, crystal collectors may inquire about professional brokerage services like those offered by Crystal Exchange America.

However, some collectors like the excitement of bidding in auctions or taking a chance on a bargain.  In conclusion, I feel that the buyer should thoroughly read auction descriptions and ask questions if there might be conflicting information.  When the transaction is completed the buyer needs to be satisfied with the crystal condition and price paid.



 Older Entries