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 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 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 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 Mask….Limited Edition Crystal Masks

Oct 252011
 

Halloween is just around the corner.  Parties on the weekends with people decked out in their best costumes.  And yet one more chance to enjoy the fun or scary atmosphere on beggars night too!

Nearly every year, we get orders for a Swarovski Mask that some Swarovski fanatic is planning to wear to a party!

Our favorite crystal brand produced four different masks all release in their Jeweler’s Collection line.  All the masks can indeed be worn, but some are on the more fragile side and I would suggest using caution if wearing these Swarovski Limited Edition releases.

Swarovski Limited Edition Mask for 1999

Swarovski 1999 Mask

 

 

The first mask came out in 1999.  It was a limited edition of 2000 units.  While the mask itself was not numbered, the certificate included with it was numbered.  The Swarovski identification # for the 1999 Swarovski mask is 3391.69SN.  The crystal stones for this mask were hand set and are bonded into the mask frame.  The satin-like Swarovski box is burgundy in color.  The Swarovski 1999 Mask retailed for $350 and sells in the $450 – $500 price range on the secondary market.

 

 

 

Swarovski Limited Edition Mask for 2000

Swarovski 2000 Mask

 

 

The second mask came out in 2000.  It was a limited edition of 3000 units.  While the mask itself was not numbered, the certificate included with it was numbered.  This mask has a detachable handle so that the mask is hand-held, not actually worn.  The Swarovski identification # for the 2000 Swarovski mask is 1508853 / 1508982.  The satin-like Swarovski box is grey in color.  The Swarovski 2000 Mask retailed for $375 and sells in the $450 – $500 price range on the secondary market.

 

 

Swarovski Limited Edition Mask for 2001

Swarovski 2001 Mask

 

 

The third mask came out in 2001.  It was a limited edition of 3000 units.  While the mask itself was not numbered, the certificate included with it was numbered.  The Swarovski identification # for the 2001 Swarovski mask is 1806193.   Clear crystal stones and yellow crystal stones were used for this mask. The satin-like Swarovski box is iridescent lavender in color.  The Swarovski 2001 Mask retailed for $395 and sells in the $475 – $525 price range on the secondary market.

 

 

 

Swarovski Limited Edition Mask for 2002

Swarovski 2002 Mask

 

 

 

The final mask came out in 2002.  It was a limited edition of 2500 units.  While the butterfly mask itself was not numbered, the certificate included with it was numbered.  The Swarovski identification # for the 2000 Swarovski Butterfly mask is 1600317.  The satin-like Swarovski box is blue in color.  The Swarovski 2002 Mask retailed for $375 and sells in the $500 – $550 price range on the secondary market.

Whether you attend a party as your favorite celebrity, or a professional athlete, or any other costume, you can always bling it up with some Swarovski Elements or conceal your identity with a Swarovski mask.  Even if you just want to walk around with your kids on Beggar’s night, with a little spunk, you can wear a Swarovski Crystal Mask.   Most importantly, have a safe and fun Halloween event.

 

 

 



Swarovski Hello Kitty (by Sanrio) Collaboration

May 152011
 
I recently learned that Sanrio, the maker of Hello Kitty, has collaborated with Swarovski again, to produce about 10 items in the fall/winter 2011/2012.  Included in the list of items to be launched are ….
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Minaudiere (Purse)
    • Hello Kitty Coin Purse
    • Hello Kitty Card Holder
    • Hello Kitty Bag Charm
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Earrings
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Charm Bracelets
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Necklaces
    • Swarovski Hello Kitty Rings
    • Limited Edition Swarovski Crystal encrusted hand mirror.  Production max of 100, retailing for $350
    • Limited Edition molded Hello Kitty body-shaped case with brush set.  Production max of 100, retailing for $495

 

To no surprise, there is a Swarovski Limited Edition 2011 Hello Kitty Mascot!  There are 88 LE Swarovski Kitties decorated using the pointiage technique.  The mascot has approximately 19,600 Swarovski stones.  This Swarovski Hello Kitty statue will retail for approximately $12,000 USD!

Swarovski Hello Kitty Limited Edition

Natalie Cohen (from Swarovski) states, “As a fan from day one, I saw an obvious connection between the magical, sparkle of crystal and the bright, playful world of Hello Kitty.”

One source indicated that this special Swarovski Hello Kitty collection will be available in the Sanrio’s 1900 stores starting in August.  They cite 7 necklaces and pendants, 3 bracelets, 2 rings, a range of leather goods and 3 figurines.

I’m wondering what the packaging for the crystal figurines will look like.  Will it be the traditional Swarovski box in navy?  Or does Hello Kitty have their own packaging style?  Will the crystal figurines bear the Swarovski logo?  Or does Hello Kitty have a special mark they use for figurines?

As the Swarovski stores do carry the Swarovski Disney figurines (a joint venture with Disney) and it appears they will be carrying the Swarovski Aura perfume (a joint venture with Clarins), I wonder if the Swarovski crystal Hello Kitty figurines will be there too?



Authentic Swarovski Lucite Candles for Swarovski Candleholders

Mar 032011
 

Swarovski makes a number of beautiful candleholders in their Swarovski Silver Crystal and Swarovski Home Accessories product lines.  Swarovski candle holders look lovely on tables and in crystal display cabinets.

However, I can tell you that burning candles in them is not something I would recommend.  Cleaning wax from any candle holder can be a job, but cleaning wax from a Swarovski crystal candle holder is a real challenge.  The simplest way to remove wax from candle holders is to heat the wax and removed it in a softer or more fluid state.  But, heating a Swarovski candle holder has a good bit of risk….excess heat can dissolve the glue holding the crystal components together.  Putting in it the dishwasher…..absolutely not!  Putting it in the microwave….I just don’t think so.  Using a hair dryer….I personally would not take the chance.

Swarovski crystal collectors may choose to simply display them with a candle.    At one point in time, the crystal brand produced some lovely Swarovski Lucite candles.  The authentic Swarovski Lucite candles are clear with silver-colored or gold-colored flakes inside.  (Obviously, the Lucite candles should not be burned).

Crystal Exchange America recently sold a set of the Swarovski Lucite candles.  The candles were packaged as a set of four.  They were clear with the silver-colored flakes.  The Swarovski box shows the older Swarovski logo, along with the candle holders that the Swarovski candles would fit into.

Swarovski Lucite Candles, Clear with Silver Flakes, and original Swarovski Box

Crystal Exchange America has a couple more authentic Swarovski Lucite candle sets still available as well as a couple of authentic Swarovski wax candle sets.  Swarovski collectors interested in authentic Swarovski candles can visit the Crystal Exchange America site, then search on the term ‘candles’.



Swarovski Foam for Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

Jan 182011
 

Continuing the discussion about Swarovski cylinders and boxes, I am going to share more information about the foam inserts used in Swarovski cylinder packaging.

There are three main types of Swarovski foam that I have seen in cylinders.  Additionally, I have seen stryrofoam inserts used in Swarovski cylinders.

The first type of foam is rolled foam.  It is a single piece of foam that a figurine can be wrapped or rolled in prior to placing it in the cylinder.  It is generally gray in color and about ½” thick.  Being very generic, it can be used for many types of figurines.  I have seen rolled foam used in both gray cylinders, but not in blue cylinders.

The next type of foam is generic molded foam.  It is may be hinged or in two separate pieces.  It has a cutout, generic enough for many types of figurines to fit into.  The foam  is gray or blue in color.

The last type of foam is specific foam created for use by one and only one figurine.  The specific foam was likely created if Swarovski felt that the rolled foam for generic molded foam would not sufficiently protect the Swarovski crystal figurine for shipping and storage.   It is gray or blue in color.

For the very oldest Swarovski cylinders, those with the block SC logo on them, I’ve also seen white styrofoam used.  It is in two separate pieces and may also have the block SC logo on it.

If you have a Swarovski figurine missing the packaging, Crystal Exchange America has a lot of empty Swarovski boxes that include appropriate foam and identification label listed on their site.



Swarovski Boxes – Swarovski Cylinder Packaging

Jan 162011
 

I get many questions about Swarovski boxes and Swarovski cylinders.  So here’s a chance for some explanation on the packaging that Swarovski uses to protect the ‘silver crystal’ figurines during shipping and storage at the store prior to purchase.

The earliest boxes used are gray cylinders with the old Swarovski logo (block SC logo) printed on them.  Many of the gray cylinders had two removable plastic ends, so that the crystal figurines could easily be taken out from the top or bottom of the cylinder.  (Sometimes the fit was snug with the foam, and it takes more access to pull the figurine out.)  Some plastic ends have the block SC stamped into them, and some do not.   I have also seen ‘metal ends’ on cylinders, but very rarely.

Swarovski Box with Block SC Bottom
Swarovski Box with Tin Lid and Bottom

The block SC logo was replaced by the Swan logo in 1989, so the gray cylinders were modified to have the Swan logo printed on them.  Initially, these gray cylinders also had two removable plastic ends.   Some plastic ends have the Swarovski swan stamped into them, and some do not.  Later,  one end was modified to a permanent cardboard-like bottom, and access is only available opening the top end of the cylinder.  This modification may have been a money-saving opportunity or perhaps a safety concern for the figurine as the plastic ends do not stay snug on the Swarovski cylinders indefinitely.

Swarovski Swan Box.  Also view of Swan Bottom and Permanent Bottom

Around 2002, Swarovski changed their corporate colors to navy blue.  At this time, the cylinders changed colors again, to navy blue.  The navy blue cylinders have the Swarovski swan printed on them and have access via the top only, as only that end is detachable from the cylinder.

Swarovski Blue Box and Permanent Bottom
I do want to mention that when gray cylinders were used, Swarovski crystal logos, certificate style, and box logos did NOT all “match” across the board on the set.  This is especially true for figurines produced during that cross-over time when the logo changed.  Swarovski did not discard the original boxes, they simply used them until the stock was depleted and then began using the newly designed cylinders.  So, a collector should not be alarmed when retired Swarovski is purchased if this is there is not a 100% match on logos for their crystal figurine, certificate, and packaging.
Crystal Exchange America has a lot of Swarovski empty boxes listed for sale on their site, if you have a Swarovski figurine that needs protecting.



Swarovski Good Luck Crystal Gifts

Dec 022010
 

Swarovski has provided its SCS members a sneak preview into a “Good Luck” series that will soon launch.  Swarovski’s delightful figurines, “Lucky Gifts”, should have a global appeal, embracing many cultures and their symbols for “good luck”.

Per the sneak peek on the Swarovski site, I found five Swarovski Lucky Gifts:  Swarovski Lucky Cat – this crystal gift represents Japanese tradition; Swarovski Lucky Clover – a world-wide symbol of good luck; Swarovski Lucky Elephant;  Swarovski Lucky Dragon – this gift inspired by Chinese tradition; and Swarovski Lucky Lady Bird – a crystal ladybug that is also a multi-cultural symbol of luck.

The article did not make any obvious reference to the size or the Swarovski product line they will be a part of.  I was a bit surprised when I read that they will each come in a blue velvet pouch with a gift card.  I can’t help but wonder why the items would not be sold in the popular blue Swarovski box or cylinder with an accompanying Swarovski certificate.  A cost savings measure for Swarovski collectors?  Or perhaps the pouch and gift card are in addition to the standard packaging?

These Swarovski Lucky Gifts are quite cute!  They remind me of the colored figurines: Swarovski Lovlots.  Color pictures are on the company web site for Swarovski collectors who want more information about them.