Swarovski Renames and Reorganizes Crystal Product Lines

Feb 062013
 

Last year we heard rumors of reorganization of the product lines that they classify crystal figures into.  Examples of such product lines include Silver Crystal, Crystal Moments, Lovlots, Soulmates, and so forth.  But now, in 2013, some of those very well known names are a part of history as new product line names have officially rolled out.

There are 4 main product lines: Swarovski Symbols, Swarovski Characters, Swarovski Nature, and Swarovski Art and Statement.  There are further groupings within each of the crystal product lines.

What has to be the biggest surprise is the disappearance of the Silver Crystal name that Swarovski has become so famous for, and even trademarked.  Silver Crystal is now Crystal Nature.  Crystal Paradise has been replaced with Mother Nature.  And Soulmates has been replaced with Contemporary Nature.  These 3 groups: Swarovski Crystal Nature, Swarovski Mother Nature, and Swarovski Contemporary Nature, comprise the product line Swarovski Nature.

Swarovski Characters is a product line that is easier to decipher and understand.  Swarovski Characters consists of: Swarovski Disney figurines, Swarovski Hello Kitty figurines, and all the Swarovski Lovlots figurines.  The Lovlots group consists of: Limited Edition Mos, Emotis, Kris Bears, Bo Bears, Happy Ducks, and the families of Lovlots Pioneers, Lovlots Gang of dogs, Lovlots House of Cats, Lovlots City Park, Lovlots Circus, Lovlots Sealife, Lovlots Birds on Broadway, and new in 2013, the Lovlots Dinosaurs and Lovlots Erika and Elliot.

Swarovski Symbols seems to be more of a catch-all group for the balance of the more affordable crystal offerings.  The symbols group features 3 groups that seem fairly self explanatory:  Universal Symbols (formerly known as crystal moments), Seasonal Symbols (where it seems Swarovski is going to separate offerings that go with spring/Easter, and Christmas), and lastly Asian Symbols (for ornaments and zodiac figurines).

Swarovski Art & Statement to me, simply means things I cannot afford!  The only group in this product line is crystal myriad.  Swarovski is also using this group for other numbered limited editions.

Swarovski discusses this more in the SCS member magazine that has been recently arriving in mailboxes.  The article is on pages 30-31 in ‘ask Ann-Sophie’.

Part of me is wondering if Swarovski is dropping the term ‘Silver Crystal’ due to the change of Swarovski’s new formula….no lead, no silver?  Or perhaps that was just a coincidence?

So, prepare yourself for changes within publications, web sites, or software to see how they may deal with the changes in the Swarovski product lines!



Swarovski Chopsticks: then in 2002 and now in 2012

Mar 022012
 

For those SCS members participating in the Swarovski Crystal Society Event celebrating 25 years, February 23, attending the Private Member Reception and purchased the qualifying SCS product there were special gifts.  One of the special gifts were the SCS Jubilation Crystallized Chopstick Set with the Swarovski system # 1 166 190.

Swarovski SCS Crystallized Chopsticks

Swarovski SCS Crystallized Chop Sticks

These Swarovski Chop Sticks are about 9 1/2″ long tapered sticks, are made from a shiny white material (probably plastic), and have crystal stones encircling the larger end, with a larger clear crystal covering the larger end.  There is also a small white chop stick rest that accompanies the chop stick set.

Swarovski Chop sticks from the Dressed Up Collection

Swarovski Chopsticks from the Dressed Up Collection

The Swarovski Jubilation Chopstick set is the second set of Swarovski chopsticks produced by our favorite crystal brand.    The first set was part of the Swarovski “Dressed Up” collection.  These were of wooden construction, painted black, tapered sticks and 8 rectangular crystals (placed length wise) at the larger end and marked with a Swarovski swan on the opposite side of the taper.  These chopsticks came as part of the ‘Dressed Up’ Plate, 606 978 / 9280 000 058, available from 2002 to 2004 and these Dressed Up Chopsticks could not purchased separately.   The crystal giant also made a crystal Swarovski Chop Stick Holder (set of 2), using the identification #’s 606 984 / 9280 000 066, from 2002 to 2004.

Swarovski Chopsticks Holder from the Dressed Up Collection

Swarovski Chop Sticks Holder from the Dressed Up Collection

The Swarovski Chopsticks gifted at the recent event may be offered at additional store events in 2012, so if you are wanting to add them to your Swarovski crystal collection, you will want to check with stores hosting official Swarovski events.  If you ware wanting the retired Swarovski Chop Sticks that were included with the Dressed Up Plate, they may be found at the Crystal Exchange America website in the Swarovski Crystal Home Accessories category.



Swarovski Home Accessories History and Crystal Name Changes

May 012011
 

The Swarovski Home Accessories product line has under gone a number of name changes, since the inception in 1992.

The line was introduced in 1992, as Swarovski Selection.  The initial release was 12 pieces, ranging in price from $325.00 to $995.00.  Some of these Swarovski crystal issues, were limited by the number of pieces Swarovski would produce, believing it would make it more desirable to the collector.  Being failrly simplistic designs, Silver Crystal collectors did not take a fancy to them.  Also, with the price point was on the high side, collectors were indeed selective about what Swarovski Selection figurines were added to their crystal collections.

By 1996, individual Swarovski Selection crystals carried individual numbers on some of the figurines, making each piece distinctive.  This individual numbering system has carried over into 2011, but is now coming to an end.  Even purchasing a pair of flutes, for example, each was marked with an individual number.  (But not all flutes have unique numbers on them.)

In 2002, the product line name changed to Swarovski Crystal Décor.  From 2003 – 2007, the product line was known as Swarovski Crystal Home Accessories.  In 2008 – 2010, it was Swarovski Home & Interior.  Now, in 2011, it is called Swarovski Home Accessories.  While the product line name changes evolved due to times, collector tastes, and other reasons, the constant change does make it more difficult for the collector to keep track of Swarovski product lines offered.

In 2004, Swarovski reassigned some crystal figurines from Silver Crystal to Crystal Home Accessories, probably the most memorable are the Waterlily Candleholders.

There have been numerous theme groups over the years, Mood for Ice was probably the most unique.  Other theme groups included the Jewels collection, Crystal Jewels, Dressed Up, Out of Africa, Op Art, Rainbow, Crystal Leaves, Crystal Celebrations, and Crystalline.  Crystalline is the only theme group still in use today.

Swarovski Home Accessories product literature under older names

Crystal Exchange America has a variety of retired Swarovski Crystal Home Accessories figurines on their web site.  They can be found at http://www.crystalexchange.com/c-CHA.html .



Rare Swarovski Crystal Centrotavola (NLE) sold by Crystal Exchange America

Feb 172011
 

The Swarovski Centrotavola Centerpiece is a rare and unique sculpture that was in the Daniel Swarovski product line.  So you are wondering just how rare it is?  Swarovski produced only 250 of them from 1989 to 1997.  The Centrotavola bowl is a Swarovski NLE. Each of the Centrotavola centerpiece bowls had a numbered certificate (matches the number engraved on the bowl) accompanying the rare figurine.  The original MSRP of the figurine was $5275.

Swarovski Centrotavola Centerpiece sitting on Swarovski Box

The Swarovski artist credited with the design is Ettore Sottsass.  The Swarovski part number is 9980 000 005.  The Swarovski system number is 155 459.  This magnificent centerpiece measures 10″ in diameter.
There are surprising factors in the sale…the length of time listed and the final selling price.  I’d like to think that a Swarovski limited edition figurine of 250 units would definitely hold the original retail price.  And that a Swarovski limited edition figurine of 250 units would have a faster turnaround with respect to how quickly it sells after it is listed on the web site.

This rare Swarovski crystal Centrotavola was listed  on the Crystal Exchange America web site (http://www.crystalexchange.com/) nearly 2 ½ years prior to selling.  Not only that, the list price when it sold was about 33% LESS than the original MSRP.  The Centrotavola bowl was in MINT condition with all original packaging, so condition, certificate, and box did not play a part in the final price.

Swarovski Certificate, engraved number, and engraved designer signature

So what does this mean to Swarovski fanatics?  I believe there are a lot of factors that contribute to whether or not retired Swarovski sells quickly and the final selling price of the figurines.  In this case, I think the biggest factors are the economy and the overall appeal to the collector.  The economy is still weaker, contributing to the overall trading prices on ALL retired Swarovski collectibles.  Since our beautiful Swarovski crystal is not a necessity, people and collectors are spending less money from their expendable budget on it.  While the Centrotavola is certainly a magnificent Swarovski figurine, I think that many collectors still prefer animal-type figurines and sculptures.   My company, Crystal Exchange America, has a much higher turnover rate on animals or cute figurines, than on functional items, like candleholders, bowls, or more artsy-type productions from Swarovski.

My strong recommendation is to purchase the Swarovski crystal figurines that a collector personally likes and will get enjoyment out of displaying.  I used to purchase more Swarovski than I do now….mostly due to the economy and limitations on my budget.  So, it is more important than ever for me to pick my favorite Swarovski figurines when I make that decision to purchase.