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 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 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 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 Certificate of Authenticity (COA) changes in 2011

Apr 152011
 

Since 1976, Swarovski has generally included a Swarovski Certificate inside the packaging for the majority of crystal figurines. While the paperwork does indeed state certificate on the front side, it served a purpose of advertising other Swarovski crystal figurines in production at that time.  When Swarovski moved away from the octagonal-shaped literature, the ‘certificate’ no longer featured product photos.  All along, these Swarovski certificates were very interchangeable among products, keeping in mind the production eras of the various figurines.

Swarovski Certificates 1976 thru 2010

In 2011, Swarovski has made changes to the paperwork (Swarovski COA) included the crystal figurines. In the last couple of purchases, I have not found any blue certificate, red certificate, or white certificate.  Instead, I find a card labeled Certificate of Authenticity (in both English and French) on the front side, and on the backside, a reference number, date of purchase, and initials of order fulfillment person. I have found only a single card for a multiple unit purchase, not one card per item.  The card is about 3.25 inches long and is enclosed in a pearlized envelope with the word Swarovski in Silver foil on the front.  Plus, in the envelope is a ‘care advice’ booklet.  This booklet includes brief advice on caring for ‘fashion jewelry and watches’, ‘handbags and accessories’, and the ‘crystal living collection’.  This Care Advice booklet is printed in both English and French.

Swarovski COA 2011

Swarovski does continue to include unique certificates for Swarovski AE figurines. The Swarovski Siku Polar Bear has a certificate specific to the 2011 SCS crystal figurine.  It does not use the newer Swarovski COA and care advice unit described above.

It is possible that the Swarovski certificate may be a cost-savings (every penny counts these days).  It could be that this personally-dated card is used to validate a warranty period.  It may be speculated that this may be a technique to close the loop on grey-market purchases…no card…no warranty support.  In any case, it is becoming more important to purchase current products online or from an authorized Swarovski dealer to ensure your full warranty is honored.  Collectors will have to quickly give up the notion that their new Swarovski crystal figurines will have a certificate of authenticity if multiple items are combined into a single order.



Swarovski COA Crystal Acronym

Mar 262011
 

Here are more acronyms used in advertising Swarovski crystal that is offered for sale.  While the many experienced Swarovski Crystal collectors understand the frequently used acronyms, there are still a lot of people buying and selling Swarovski who do not have knowledge of the acronyms or can be mislead by improper use of the acronym.  So, I thought I’d do my best to cover a few more acronyms and offer cautions on the use of them.

Swarovski COA – Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity.  For the majority of Swarovski crystal products, the Swarovski COA is truly a generic product booklet that can be interchanged with other Swarovski crystal products. I have a lengthy page on the Crystal Exchange America site about Swarovski Certificates and two Kristall Buzz Swarovski blog postings on the Swarovski COA:
Swarovski Certificates / Generic Product Booklets 1976 to present
The Swarovski COA is definitely important for some figurines, but the ones in the image above are the interchangeable generic product booklets.  Swarovski SCS figurines and Swarovski AE figurines should have certificates.  In many cases (but not all cases), limited edition figurines have a special Swarovski COA.  Not all sellers are knowledgeable about Swarovski because they are not serious collectors.  For a Swarovski Annual Edition, the seller may include the generic product booklet in lieu the true Swarovski COA.  This would likely be a costly mistake for an unskilled collector who does not know what the ‘complete package’ should include.  Purchasing a special (correct) Swarovski COA may not be an easy task as they are typically harder to find and can be expensive to purchase separately.
Wrapping up, this should serve as a reminder to thoroughly read auction descriptions, view the auction images if there are any, and ask questions if there might be contradictory information.  Use caution when an auction for an Annual Edition states Swarovski COA included, but shows an image of the generic product booklet.  When in doubt, ask questions about the items included for sale and what the seller’s return policy is.  When the transaction is finished, the buyer should be happy with outcome final price.



Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for Chinese Zodiacs

Jan 302011
 

Recently, I wrote about the Swarovski certificate of authenticity included with Swarovski Crystal figurines. After posting the article, I remembered that the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines do indeed include a unique Swarovski certificate of authenticity.

Starting off with some background information, Swarovski has a crystal collection known as the Chinese Zodiac.  These crystal figurines are produced in silver shade crystal.  While there are 12 different animals representing the Chinese astrology, Swarovski presently has only six Chinese Zodiac figurines (under $300):
  • Swarovski Zodiac Dog (2006)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Horse (2002, 2014)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Pig (2007)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Rabbit (2011)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Sheep (2003, 2015)
  • Swarovski Zodiac Tiger (2010)
In the Asian market, the company produced some limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These crystal figurines are different from the six above in that they are:
  • Limited by year of production
  • Crystal golden shine in color (not clear silver shade crystal)
  • Include a special Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (stating limited edition figurine)

Two golden shadow limited edition Swarovski Chinese Zodiacfigurines have been produced to date:

  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger
  • Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Rabbit

All these Chinese Zodiacs have a fold-out card titled ‘The Chinese Zodiac’.  The information is printed in both Chinese and English.  This is not a Swarovski certificate of authenticity; it is a brochure that discusses the Chinese Zodiac astrology personalities.  It is included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines.  However, the limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines also have a certificate of authenticity specific to the figurine.

Swarovski Chinese Zodiac fold-out card (included with all Chinese Zodiac figurines)

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity for the Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger

All this being said, in 2011, Swarovski is making two more Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These are in crystal golden shine, but are NOT limited editions. The 2011 releases are much larger and much more expensive (over $850 retail). While I would assume that these Large Chinese Zodiac figurines include ‘The Chinese Zodiac’ fold out card, since I don’t have either of them in my collection, I cannot say for certain.  The 2011 Chinese Zodiac introductions are

Since the limited edition Chinese Zodiacs were only available retail market in China, most Swarovski crystal fanatics wanting them were forced to turn to the online auctions or Swarovski secondary market dealers to secure the figurines for their collection.  Crystal Exchange America presently has listings for the limited edition Zodiac Tiger and limited edition Zodiac Rabbit.  No matter who the supplying source is, be sure that your limited edition Chinese Zodiac includes the Swarovski certificate of authenticity for maximum resale value.



Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity – How Significant is it?

Jan 192011
 

For the most part, I have addressed the question about the importance of the Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity at the Crystal Exchange America web site.

First and foremost, if the crystal figurine in question is a Swarovski Limited Edition figurine, or a Swarovski Annual Edition, the Certificate of Authenticity is important to retain the highest value, and sell-ability of the figurine.  This is because avid Swarovski Crystal collectors prefer to have ‘the complete package’ when purchasing retired Swarovski.

When the Swarovski figurine in question is not any type of special edition, then Swarovski includes a ‘generic product booklet’ titled ‘certificate’ with the figurine when produced.  Given this type of certificate is generic and interchangeable between products, the significance is lower.  Nonetheless, some Swarovski fanatics will certainly pay extra money when purchasing discontinued Swarovski crystal figurines to ensure they have that ‘complete package’.

Regarding current Swarovski products, the company states that they cannot replace a Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity.  They do recommend that customers retain their receipts for any warranty issues that may arise.

The company has used at least eight different Swarovski certificates since 1976.  The first three have an octagonal shape.  They were used from approximately 1976 to 1988.  From 1988 to 1995, a square white Swarovski certificate was used.  The only round Swarovski certificate was used from 1995 to 2000.   Since 2000, a variety of square certificates have been used, including issues in white, blue, and reddish-orange.

If you have a special edition figurine missing the certificate, Crystal Exchange America has some Swarovski certificates listed on their site.  If you are seeking the Swarovski Certificates more generic in nature, Crystal Exchange America has a few sets listed in the online auctions running for the next 30 days.



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.