Swarovski Unicorn Stand for the SCS Unicorn (Fabulous Creatures)

Oct 272012
 

The first SCS figurine in the Fabulous Creature trilogy was the Swarovski Unicorn.  Like some of the previous trilogies, Swarovski offered an optional display stand for 1996 AE crystal figurine as well.

The Fabulous Creatures Unicorn stand measures 6” in length.  It originally retailed for $45.  The Unicorn Stand Box features a line drawing of the Unicorn, so any collector easily confirm when the stand is in the correct box.

The Swarovski Unicorn Stand is 2 colors with an opaque plastic piece for the Unicorn base.  The remainder of the Unicorn Stand is painted wood: mostly black with a forest green trim along the very bottom edge.  Trying to describe it any further would be difficult, so it is best to rely on the picture.

Unicorn Stand for the Swarovski Fabulous Creatures Unicorn

Swarovski SCS Unicorn Stand

The identification # for the Swarovski Unicorn Stand, as established in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski and recognized by other professional brokers is # DO1X961S.

As time has passed, we have notice the black paint peeling or chipping on the corner edges.  This is one place in particular that crystal fanatics should look at when buying a SCS Unicorn Stand for their figurine display.

At present, there are not many SCS Unicorn Stands available on the secondary market or at auction.  Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books recommends an insurance value of $210, based on research done in January 2012.  Recent trends on the secondary market indicate trading prices in the $130 – $175.  At the online auctions, there were some completed auctions near $50 for stands, and those stands were minus original factory packaging.  In summary, the replacement value of the Swarovski Unicorn Stand will vary greatly depending on condition (good paint vs peeling paint) and whether or not original factory packaging is included.



Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque

Aug 172012
 

The first trilogy created exclusively for Swarovski SCS members was the ‘Caring and Sharing’ trilogy.  The series of 3 figurines consisted of the Swarovski Lovebirds, Swarovski Woodpeckers, and Swarovski Turtledoves.  These figurines were available for a single year only, the Lovebirds in 1987, the Woodpeckers in 1988, and the Turtledoves in 1989.

It was not until 4 years later, in 1993 that the crystal giant created the Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque.   Why the 4-year delay?  Let’s jump forward a bit!  Following the Caring and Sharing crystal figurines, Swarovski created the ‘Mother and Child’ series.  The Mother and Child trilogy consisted of the Swarovski Dolphins in 1990, Swarovski Seals in 1991, and Swarovski Whales in 1992.  Upon completion of that series, the Mother and Child Plaque was created, which would have been 1993.  Once SCS members purchased this trilogy and plaque, collectors insisted on a matching crystal plaque for the ‘Caring and Sharing’ trilogy.  (Swarovski also used the same blank component for the Inspiration Africa series 1993 – 1995 as well as the Fabulous Creatures series 1996 – 1998.)

Caring and Sharing Plaque for the Swarovski Lovebirds, Woodpeckers, and Turtledoves

Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque

The Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque is approximately 2.75” long and 1” high.  The plaque is smooth on the front side, and the back side comes to a point to allow it to stand independently on an angle.  The front side has a white Swarovski swan along with text in white.  The text says:

S C S
“ Caring and Sharing “
First Series

The Swarovski Caring and Sharing Plaque was available in four different languages.  This list includes the language, followed by the Swarovski system # for the plaque:

  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – English, 002 804
  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – French, 002 805
  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – German, 002 803
  • Caring and Sharing Plaque – Italian, 002 807

The Caring and Sharing Plaque (with no reference to language) is known by SCPCSNR1 in the popular Swarovski book Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.

The Swarovski Caring and Sharing plaque originally retailed for just $28.  It was packaged in a white cylinder.  Today, this plaque generally sells $140 – $250 on the secondary market.  If you have the Caring and Sharing series and desire to have the plaque to display with your crystal figurines, the plaque can be found at the Crystal Exchange America web site in the SCS category, sub-category Plaques and Stands.



Swarovski Turtledoves Stand for the 1989 AE Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves

Aug 142012
 

The final crystal figurine in the Swarovski ‘Caring and Sharing’ trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves.    These Turtledoves were a lovely crystal figurine, for the SCS member to add to the Swarovski colletcion.  In addition to the figurine, Swarovski provided collectors the opportunity to buy an optional display stand made specifically for the 1989 SCS annual edition.

Turtledoves Stand specifically for the 1989 Swarovski SCS Turtledoves

Swarovski SCS Turtledoves Stand

The Swarovski Turtledoves Stand is primarily thin plastic with a cardboard base underneath.  The SCS Turtledoves  Stand is blue with soft flocking on the top.  The underside is black cardboard.  The indentations on the top are an exact complement to the frosted Turtledoves branch.

The Stand for the Swarovski Turtledoves Amour can be found using reference # DO1X891S, which is used by Crystal Exchange America.  The Swarovski Turtledoves Stand is not shown in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Using information shared from our clients as well as transactions completed, it seems that the Swarovski Turtledoves Stand and Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque were sometimes sold as a pair.  Crystal Exchange America has seen just a couple of them that come together, in a little Swarovski box that matches the silver / blue design of the SCS Swarovski Caring and Sharing boxes used for the Lovebirds and Woodpeckers (Remember, the Turtledoves box is a white cylinder).

The SCS Swarovski Turtledoves Stand is not effortless to find in good condition.  It is not uncommon to see the outer edges fraying / cracking, so this is something to be aware of when purchasing. Crystal Exchange America has a single listing for the Turtledoves Stand at $135.  However, it would appear that this price may be more than most crystal collectors are willing to pay for such a fragile stand that does not really add anything to the overall appeal of displaying the Swarovski Turtledoves.



Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque for the 1989 AE Swarovski ‘Amour’ Turtledoves

Aug 092012
 

The Swarovski Turtledoves ‘Amour’ was the third and final Swarovski SCS crystal figurine in the “Caring and Sharing” trilogy.  The Swarovski Turtledoves were another spectacular piece of art.  A title plaque for the 1989 SCS annual edition was available to SCS members for the AE Turtledoves, but was a separate purchase.

1989 SCS Plaque for the Swarovski Turtledoves

 

The Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque is an oblong square, with curved corners.  It measures about 1.5” high and 3” long.  It is identical in design to the Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque and Swarovski Woodpeckers Plaque.   Like the other Caring and Sharing individual title plaques, the SCS Turtledoves plaque is cobalt on the back with self-standing moveable hinge.  The front is grayish and has a simulated  brushed finish.  The frame is dark blue just like the imprinted design and text on the Turtledoves plaque.  The text below the SCS logo reads:

Annual Edition 1989

“Amour” – the Turtledoves

The Turtledoves Plaque is identified using reference # SCMRP89, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Catalog of recommended insurance values.

We wish to extend a thank you to Jane Warner, co-author to Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski for consulting on the Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque article.

The SCS Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque can be hard to locate to determine approximate replacement cost.  Crystal Exchange America, presently has a single listing for Swarovski Turtledoves Plaque that is over $200 with their commission, but being a new listing, it does not yet appear in their store inventory.  No completed auctions were found within the past 9 months there or in the online auctions to determine actual resale prices.



Swarovski Woodpeckers Plaque for the 1988 AE Swarovski ‘Sharing’ Woodpeckers

Jul 232012
 

The Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ was the second Swarovski SCS crystal figurine.  These Woodpeckers were another amazing work of art.  A title plaque for the 1988 SCS annual edition was offered to SCS members an an optional accessory to the AE Woodpeckers, from the Caring and Sharing trilogy.

Swarovski Woodpeckers Plaque, accessory for the SCS 1988 AE

1988 SCS Plaque for the Swarovski Woodpeckers

The Swarovski Woodpeckers plaque is rectangular in shape, with rounded corners.  It measures about 1.5” high and 3” long.  It is identical to the Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque, but with obviously different verbage.   The SCS Woodpeckers plaque is dark blue on the back side with a fold-out hinge allowing it to freely stand.  The front side resembles has a silver-colored brushed finish.  The outer edge is dark blue as is all the engraved text and design on the Woodpeckers plaque.  In addition to the SCS logo at the top, the text reads:

Annual Edition 1988
“Sharing” – the Woodpeckers

The Woodpeckers Plaque is identified using reference # SCMRP88, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski catalogue of recommended insurance values .

We believe that the Swarovski Woodpeckers Stand and Swarovski Woodpeckers Plaque were sometimes sold as a set.  Crystal Exchange America has seen just a couple of them that come together, in a small Swarovski gift box that matches the silver and blue color coloration of the Swarovski Caring and Sharing trilogy SCS boxes.

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

The SCS Swarovski  Woodpeckers Plaque is not always easy to find, so placing a replacement value on it can be tricky.  Crystal Exchange America, presently has a single listing for Swarovski Woodpeckers Plaque that is over $175 with their commission.  There are a couple plaques in the online auctions ($135 to $150), but remember that auction items may be sold quickly and then not available for a long time to come.



Swarovski Woodpeckers Stand for the 1988 AE Swarovski ‘Sharing’ Woodpeckers

Jul 222012
 

The second Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski ‘Sharing’ Woodpeckers.    These Woodpeckers, part of the Caring and Sharing trilogy, were certain to be treasured by the SCS member.  Just like the Swarovski Lovebirds, Swarovski offered an optional display stand with the 1988 SCS annual edition.

Swarovski Stand for the 1988 SCS Woodpeckers 'Sharing'

Swarovski SCS Woodpeckers Stand

The Swarovski Woodpeckers Stand is very similar to the Lovebirds stand…It is mostly thin plastic with a cardboard base underneath.  The SCS Woodpeckers Stand is navy on the surface, and has a velvet-like texture.  The underneath side appears to be black cardboard.  The round cut-out on the top is a perfect match to the frosted Woodpeckers trunk, which gives it further stability not seen by many other display stands.

The Stand for Swarovski Woodpeckers Sharing can be found using reference # DO1X881S, which is used by Crystal Exchange America.  The Swarovski Woodpeckers Stand is not included in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

The SCS Swarovski Woodpeckers Stand is not easy to find, so determining a value on this stand is more difficult.  Remember, the Lovebirds were very limited in terms of distribution.  Crystal Exchange America does have a couple Swarovski Woodpeckers Stand units available in the range of $135 – $185.  We have not found too many Swarovski collectors purchasing them, but they are available for collectors who want to have every possible accessory to go with their Woodpeckers.



Swarovski Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ – the Swarovski Mirror

Jul 172012
 

The Swarovski Woodpeckers was the second Swarovski SCS crystal figurine produced.  It was in the Swarovski Caring and Sharing trilogy.  To date, the SCS Woodpeckers are the only SCS figurine to ever include a special mirror.

The Swarovski Woodpeckers Mirror is an octagon shape (8 sides), about 4” in diameter.  The mirror has a beveled edge and is accented with an official Swarovski logo.

There are two different official Swarovski Woodpecker Mirror displays.  The only difference in the mirrors is the Swarovski logo that is present on the mirror.

Swarovski Woodpeckers Swan Mirror on Left; Swarovski Woodpeckers sCs Mirror on Right

Swarovski Woodpeckers Mirror: Variation 2 on Left; Variation 2 on Right

The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ Mirror, variation 1 (as it is referenced in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski) has the sCs logo painted on it.  This Sharing Mirror can be reference using identification # DO1X881M V1, as originally used in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.  Crystal Exchange America presently has this SCS Woodpeckers Mirror available for $175 to $200.

The Woodpeckers ‘Sharing’ Mirror, variation 2 (as it is referenced in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski) has a Swan logo painted on it.  This Sharing Mirror can be reference using identification # DO1X881M V2, as originally used in Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski.  Crystal Exchange America presently has this SCS Woodpeckers Mirror available for $70, but it is not in MINT condition.

Many collectors report to us that their Swarovski Woodpeckers did not include a mirror.  While we do believe them, the crystal brand indicates that all Woodpeckers included a mirror in the box, especially since there is a slit in the foam for the mirror.  The only possible explanation that has been offered is that perhaps it was removed by retailers before the SCS member took the Woodpeckers home.

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

The Swarovski Mirror Variation 1 is the more common of the two mirrors produced, at least that is true in the USA.  It is easier to find this mirror at reputable broker sites and in the online auctions. Replacement cost for either Woodpeckers Mirror is in the $75 – $200 price range, depending on the source.  If purchasing a replacement mirror, carefully inspect it for scratches on the reverse side (they sometimes show through), tarnished edges, and unflaking paint on the logo to ensure the mirror has like-new qualities.



Swarovski Lovebirds Stand for the 1987 SCS AE Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds

Jul 082012
 

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds.    These Lovebirds were an outstanding figurine, to be cherished by the SCS member.  Swarovski offered more than just the figurine, they also offered an optional display stand with the 1987 SCS annual edition.

The Swarovski Lovebirds Stand does not compare to the effort and presentation that we think of when the term ‘display stand’ is mentioned along with ‘Annual Edition’.  The Lovebirds stand is mostly thin plastic with a cardboard base underneath.  The SCS Lovebirds Stand is navy on the surface, and has a velvet-like texture.  The underneath side appears to be black cardboard.  (And I’m not going to disassemble it to figure out what is in the middle.)  The cutout on the top is a perfect match to the frosted Lovebirds base, which gives it additional stability not seen by the presentation stands produced in the 90’s and into the first decade of 2000.

1987 SCS Togetherness Swarovski Lovebirds Stand

Swarovski Lovebirds Stand

The Stand for the Swarovski Lovebirds Togetherness can be found using reference # DO1X861S, which is used by Crystal Exchange America.  The Swarovski Lovebirds Stand is not included in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

Based on collector reports, it appears that the Swarovski Lovebirds Stand and Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque were sometimes sold as a set.  Crystal Exchange America has seen just a couple of them that come together, in a petite Swarovski gift box that matches the silver and blue color configuration of the Swarovski Caring and Sharing trilogy SCS boxes.

TogethernessLovebirds Stand, Lovebirds Plaque, with Box

Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque, Lovebirds Stand, and Box

The SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Stand is not easy to find, so determining a value on this stand is more difficult.  Remember, the Lovebirds were very limited in terms of distribution.  So, of those SCS members that purchased the figurine, what percentage actually procured accessories to go with the Lovebirds?  I did find any ongoing transactions anywhere for the Swarovski SCS Lovebirds Stand! I found a couple completed auctions (Feb, 2012) on ebay for “Lovebirds Stand”, but without being able to see a picture or review the item description, I cannot be for certain it is the correct stand.  But if one wants to  assume they are valuation, each were sold at $199. It is not fair to draw conclusion on value based on out-dated pricing as re-sale prices fluctuate based on availability as well as the state of the economy.  That being said, the last two transactions for the Lovebirds Stand at Crystal Exchange America were back in 2007.  Both Swarovski Lovebirds Stand units sold in the price range of $155 – $180.  Would a Swarovski collector pay that now?  Would they pay more than that now?  In short, it all probably all depends on the condition how badly a collector wants it.  If the ebay auctions were indeed for the same stand, this would show that the value of the Swarovski Lovebirds Stand has not dramatically changed in the past 5 years.



Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque for the 1987 SCS AE Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds

Jul 072012
 

The very first Swarovski SCS crystal figurine was the Swarovski ‘Togetherness’ Lovebirds.  These Swarovski Lovebirds were an incredible crystal figurine.  Swarovski offered more than just the figurine, they also offered an optional title plaque to display with the 1987 SCS annual edition.

The Swarovski Lovebirds plaque, by today’s standards, was fairly inexpensive, and perhaps a bit sub-standard looking, after all, the plaque is plastic.  The Lovebirds plaque is rectangular in shape, with rounded corners.  It measures about 1.5” high and 3” long.

SCS Plaque for the Swarovski Lovebirds, 1987

Swarovski SCS Lovbirds Plaque

The SCS Lovebirds plaque is navy on the back side with a fold-out hinge allowing it to freely stand.  The front side resembles brushed silver.  There is a navy border, and all the text and design on the Lovebirds plaque appears engraved in navy.  In addition to the SCS logo at the top, the text reads:

Annual Edition 1987
“Togetherness” – the Lovebirds

The Lovebirds Plaque can be found using reference # SCMRP87, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.

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

Regarding availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque is not easy to find.  Remember, the Lovebirds were only offerered in English-speaking countries.  So, of those SCS members that purchased the figurine, what percentage may have actually purchased any accessories to go with it?  I did find a completed sale (in 2012) in the online auctions for $120! Crystal Exchange America, presently has a single listing for Swarovski Lovebirds Plaque that is over $300 with their commission!  Keep in mind that their selling clients establish pricing, so not all items may be priced appropriately for a quick sale.