Mar 232012
 

I have good news for Swarovski collectors…..the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski Silver Crystal Swarovski book is now available!

This Swarovski book is in its 19th year of publication.   The book authors, Tom and Jane Warner, are serious Swarovski collectors and update / re-publish the set of Swarovski books each year.

The Swarovski Silver Crystal book contains photos with detailed information about Swarovski SCS crystal figurines and Silver Crystal figurine releases (as well as product variations on them) for the past 35 years! That’s approximately 1300 Swarovski Crystal collectibles in the Silver Crystal Book.

2012 Swarovski Catalogue 2012 Silver Crystal figurines

Warner's Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski, 2012 Ed.

There principle reasons for publishing the Swarovski book annually:

  • Include prior year Swarovski introductions and retirements
  • Update Swarovski Value (Swarovski ERV in the publication)

Research for the 2012 Swarovski book was performed just 2 months ago in January 2012, so the calculated Swarovski ERV values for the retired Swarovski figurines for the 2012 edition is hot off the press.

For Swarovski fanatics ready to purchase the newest, most accurate information, the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski Silver Crystal, the order can be placed at www.wbrb.com or www.crystalexchange.com/c-PUB.html



Mar 172012
 

St Patrick’s Day is definitely known as the day of the green.  For kids, they must wear green or suffer through the consequences of a pinch.  For the older crowd, many indulge in a green beer at the local pub / eatery.  It’s all about green!

Swarovski collectors can display their crystal in support of the green day by displaying green Swarovski figurines on St Patrick’s Day.  Just to name a few….below is a list of four Swarovski green crystal figurines in the Silver Crystal and Lovlots product lines.

Green Swarovski Lovlots and Silver Crystal Figurines

Swarovski Lovlots and Silver Crystal Figurines in Green

Green Swarovski Silver Crystal Figurines:

#2 – Swarovski Green Siamese Fighting Fish.  The Swarovski Siamese Fighting Fish (Green) was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and produced 2000 – 2004.  It was a part of the “South Sea” theme group.  The Siamese Fighting fish was also produced in blue and in red.

#4 – Swarovski SCS Gecko.  The Swarovski Gecko was designed by Heinz Tabertshofer and was available only in 2008 to SCS members at special Swarovski events.

Green Swarovski Lovlots Figurines:

#1 – Swarovski Flower Mo.   The Swarovski Flower Mo was designed Edith Mair and available only in 2009.  This Limited Edition Flower Mo is green period, decorated with tiny flower decals.

#3 – Swarovski Lucky Mo.   The Swarovski Flower Mo was designed Edith Mair and available only in 2009.  Swarovski Lucky Mo is green period, decorated with tiny four-leaf clover decals and a cute ladybug near the back-end.  This Limited Edition Lovlots Lucky Mo is available in 2011 while supplies last for $65.

So to all the younger ones…wear your green. To all Swarovski crystal fanatics…. display your green!  And to many others, find some lime kool aid (or any other green beverage), and drink your green.



Mar 162012
 

Have you heard of the holiday “Pi Day”?  It was a “new” one for me, despite having 3 school-age math enthusiasts in the family. Pi, more commonly recognized as π, is an irrational number, that roughly translates to 3.1415926535…  So now, it may be more clear that Pi Day was 3/14/2012 …. Wednesday, March 14th.   My math enthusiasts created π shirts, memorized many sequential digits in π (about 200!), and made π food treats.

Swarovski Crystal Moments Dessert Figurines

Retired Crystal Moments Dessert Figurines by Swarovski

So wouldn’t it be appropriate for Swarovski fanatics to celebrate with a yummy slice of Swarovski Pie?  I don’t believe that there are any Swarovski Pie figurines, but there are some dessert figurines in the Swarovski Crystal Moments product line that have an equally good imaginary taste to crystal fanatics.  These sweet desserts include:

  1. Swarovski Ice Cream Sundae – 9460 000 046 / 182 046.  This figurine was designed by Anton Poppinger.  The Ice Cream Sundae was produced from 1994 through 1998.  It was a part of the “Childhood Dreams” group and originally retailed for $25. The Swarovski Ice Cream Sunday is a crystal goblet with ice cream topped with a metal umbrella and a straw for sipping.  The Crystal Moments Ice Cream Sunday typically sells in the $50 – $70 range on the secondary market.
  2. Swarovski Piece of Cake – 9460 000 026 / 174 106.  This figurine was designed by Gabriele Stamey.  The Piece of Cake was produced from 1993 through 2000.  It was a part of the “In Familiar Surroundings” group and originally retailed for $25.  The Swarovski Piece of Cake is a crystal slice of cake with a metal fork and pottery-type decorated plate.  The Crystal Moments Piece of Cake typically sells in the $40 – $60 range on the secondary market.
  3. Swarovski Fruit Bowl – 9460 000 069 / 200 226.  This figurine was designed by Edith Mair.  The Fruit Bowl  was produced from 1996 through 1999.  It was a part of the “In Familiar Surroundings” group and originally retailed for $40. The Swarovski Fruit Bowl is a crystal bowl with three pieces of metal fruit: a banana, a pear, and grapes .  The Crystal Moments Fruit Bowl typically sells in the $40 – $60 range on the secondary market.

So if you are looking for any of these retired Crystal Moments figurines, be sure to check out the Crystal Exchange America website, and look in the Crystal Moments category (on the left side of the screen)

Mar 062012
 

Swarovski has announced to its SCS members that they are releasing another Limited Online Edition Panther.  The impending NLE release is for the Swarovski Lime Panther.

Swarovski NLE Lime NC Panther

Third Eclectic Panther: Swarovski Lime Panther

The crystal brand’s article states that the Lime Panther is the third issue of the Eclectic Panther collection.  The other two panthers are the Swarovski Black Panther available in April, 2010 and Swarovski Orange Shine Panther available in August 2011.  All three Swarovski Soulmates panthers are Limited Online Editions with a maximum production of 888 units.

When I initially heard the color Lime (Lime NC in the article), I immediately thought it would be a shade of green.  However, when I see the pictures on the Swarovski site, to me, it appears much more yellow, like a banana yellow.

There is no mention of the price, but I expect it to be similar to the other Swarovski Eclectic Panthers in the $900 – $1100 range.  The Black Panther sold out in days.  The Orange Shine Panther took several months to become a sell-out.  It will be interesting to see the time frame that the Swarovski Lime NC Panther remains online prior to sell-out.  It is worthwhile to mention that the crystal giant plans to impose a maximum quantity for purchase to 3 per person.  I would think that if the company wants everyone to have a reasonable chance to purchase, that they should limit to 3 per address.

For Swarovski crystal fanatics ready to purchase the Swarovski Lime NC Panther, mark your calendar for April 16, 2012.  For cat fanatics looking for the other Eclectic Panthers, Crystal Exchange America has the Swarovski Black Panther and Swarovski Orange Shine Panther in their online store in the ‘Limited Edition Swarovski’ category!



Feb 292012
 

February 29, is a day that we seldom see on newspapers, checks, bills, etc.  But in 2012, here it is…..so enjoy the unusual date.  Happy Leap Year Day!

Swarovski has produced about 4 different leap frogs which are a part of the Silver Crystal product line.

Swarovski Crystal Leap Frogs

Swarovski Silver Crystal Frogs

  1. Swarovski Frog – This Swarovski frog has the product identification #7642 000 001 / 183 113..  This leap frog is clear and is a part of the “In the Secret Garden” theme group.  The Frog was produced 1994 – 1996, so it will only have the Swan logo.
  2. Swarovski Baby Frog – This Swarovski frog is clear and is a part of the “In the Secret Garden” theme group.  The Baby Frog was introduced in 2002, but is current so it can be purchased at the online shoppe for $50.  The Swarovski Baby Frog identification #’s are 7642 000 002 / 286 313.
  3. Swarovski Prince Frog (Black Eyes) – This Swarovski frog has a clear body, a clear crown, and black eyes.  The Prince Frog was introduced in 1984, and this variation was retired in 1991.  Because of the timeframe it was produced, it can be found with either of the Swarovski logo markings:  Block SC logo OR Swan logo.
  4. Swarovski Prince Frog (Clear Eyes) – This Swarovski frog has a clear body,a clear crown, and clear eyes.  It has the same crystal body as the black-eyed Prince Frog, but with different eyes.  This variation of the Prince Frog was discontinued in 1985, and for this reason, an authentic variation can be found with only the old Block SC logo.  Swarovski crystal fanatics should use caution when purchasing a Prince Frog with Clear Eyes, paying close attention to possible eye alteration and the logo to ensure that is is an original Swarovski factory creation.

So, if you are considering to purchase this army of leap frogs, they can be found at the Crystal Exchange America in the Swarovski Sea Life category.  The Frog starts at $65.  The Baby Frog starts at $35.  The Prince Frog starts at $200 for one with clear eyes and $65 for one with black eyes.



Feb 152012
 

Yesterday, I learned about a new line of Swarovski jewelry with a younger target market.  The new sub-brand called Lola and Grace is in the works geared toward a more youthful audience.  One article indicated a ‘teen market’.  Yet another article suggested young women in their early twenties.  Either way, I’d expect something very trendy and most importantly, affordable by the very consumer they hope to catch.

Apparently, the Swarovski Lola and Grace idea conception was near October, 2010.  For name recognition and brand awareness, the crystal brand launched a website dedicated to Swarovski Lola&Grace.

Lola and Grace by Swarovski logo

Swarovski Lola&Grace

The Lola&Grace logo features black, white, and berry in a simple circular design. Consumers should expect to see these brand colors on their packaging and stand-alone stores (similar to Swarovski boutiques).  The first store, scheduled to open in March, 2012, will be in London’s Westfield Stratford City Mall.  The Swarovski Lola&Grace web site is also supposed to become an e-commerce site so that the new jewelry products can be purchased there as well.  (I did not find any launch date for e-commerce).

Lola&Grace will produce four seasonal collections that Nina Müller, general manager of the Swarovski brand, says “combine the latest catwalk trends with a blend of cultural influences … and marries contemporary and vintage design for all occasions.”

In December, 2011, Swarovski uploaded a brief video to YouTube branding their newest line Lola&Grace.


The crystal giant has a BUNCH of Swarovski Jewelry on their website.  Their selection presently includes bangles, bracelets, brooches, clip earrings, cuff links, necklaces, pendants, pierced earrings, pins, rings, and sets.  As jewelry, by nature, can be quite trendy, designs retire quicker than items like crystal figurines.  For those looking for Retired Swarovski Jewelry, check out the Crystal Exchange America website.



Feb 082012
 

Swarovski boutiques and retailers are hosting Jubilation Events at the end of February.

The Swarovski Jubilation takes place February 23  – 26, 2012. The Jubilation is a celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Swarovski Crystal Society as well as an instant redemption opportunity to purchase the Swarovski Paikea Whale.

Swarovski Paikea Whale offered at Jubilation

Swarovski Jubilation Postcard featuring Swarovski Paikea Whale

Swarovski Tack Pin, Window Gem and Crystallized Chopsticks

SCS Tack Pin, SCS Window Gem and SCS Crystallized Chopsticks

 

 

On February 23, a private SCS member reception is being held from 5:00 – 8:00 where exclusive SCS gifts can be obtained with “qualifying” purchases.  From the postcard images, it appears that these SCS gifts include an SCS Window Gem and SCS Crystallized Chopsticks.

For all SCS members who purchase the Swarovski club Annual Edition Swarovski Paikea Whale during the Jubilation, those members will receive a special SCS Tack Pin.

Swarovski crystal fanatics should contact their favorite boutique or store to see if they are hosting a Swarovski Jubilation Event.

If you are a new Swarovski collector, use the Swarovski store finder to find a boutique or authorized retailer closest to you.  Also, new crystal collectors may be interested in obtaining older (retired) Swarovski club figurines.  Retired Swarovski Club figurines from 1987 thru 2011 can be purchased at Crystal Exchange America.  These Swarovski SCS figurines are in the category  “Collector Society / SCS”, sub-category “Annual and Limited Editions”.



Feb 062012
 

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and you may be searching for that ideal gift for that special someone in your life.  Well, if that special someone is among the community of Swarovski fanatics, a Swarovski heart may be a gift to consider purchasing.

If your special someone is a seasoned Swarovski collector, you’ll want to check out the newest Swarovski heart releases to ensure that the heart gift is not already in his/her crystal collection.  Swarovski has created 4 new hearts for 2012:

Swarovski Love Hearts - 2012 Crystal Introductions

Swarovski Crystal Love Hearts

  1. Swarovski  Love Heart, Kakadu Red, large – 1096730.  This crystal heart is about 2.5” high and retails for $165 in the online shoppe.  Despite the colorful description, the heart in the picture on the Swarovski site appears to be pink on the left side, and mauve on the right side.
  2. Swarovski Love Heart, Light Siam, medium – 1096728.  This Swarovski heart is about 1.75” high and has a price tag of $95 on the online shoppe.  According to the image on the crystal brand’s site, the left side appears pink and the right side appears red.
  3. Swarovski Love Heart, Light Siam, small – 1096727.  It measures 1″ high (but is indicated on the Swarovski shoppe with a height of 2”) and it costs only $48.  This Swarovski heart is all red, but divided in half, which slightly different shades on the left and right sides.
  4. Swarovski Love Heart, Crystal Silver Shade, medium – 1096729.  This Swarovski crystal heart is not pink or red;  instead the left side is clear and the right side more of a light grey (Swarovski calls it silver shade).  Then there are about 10 hearts laser engraved on the crystal heart figurine.  This special heart retails for $95 in the Swarovski shoppe.

If your special someone is a new Swarovski crystal collector, you may want to consider the retired Swarovski heart figurines that were available exclusively to Swarovski SCS members in the 1990’s.  These Swarovski hearts are a single crystal stone and have a constant color throughout.

Swarovski Red, Blue, and Clear Crystal Hearts

Swarovski SCS Hearts

  1. Swarovski SCS Heart, Clear – 199 130.  This Swarovski SCS Heart is clear in color and is just over 1.5” in height.  It was not available for purchase, but was a gift to SCS members in 1996.  The clear heart may be found with or without the Swarovski Swan logo.  It can generally be purchased for $45 – $75 on the Crystal Exchange America website.
  2. Swarovski SCS Heart, Blue – 210 899.  This Swarovski SCS Heart is blue in color and is just over 1.5” in height.   It was not available for purchase, but was a gift to SCS members in 1997.  The blue heart features the Swarovski Swan logo.  It can generally be purchased for $55 – $75 on the Crystal Exchange America website.
  3. Swarovski SCS Heart, Red – 215 371.  This Swarovski SCS Heart is red in color and is just over 1.5” in height.   It was not available for purchase, but was a gift to SCS members in 1998.  The red heart features the Swarovski Swan logo.  It can generally be purchased for $40 – $60 on the Crystal Exchange America website.

No matter which Swarovski heart catches your eye, or more importantly, you think will catch the eye of your loved one(s), be sure to get your order in soon to allow for a successful delivery!



Jan 042012
 

Less than a week ago, I wrote about Swarovski Stitch figurines sold at the crystal brand’s website.  At that time, there were two variations available:  the Limited Edition Swarovski Stitch and the Swarovski Stitch Experiment 626 Limited Edition.  Both Swarovski Disney Stitch crystal figurines retail for $325, but the Experiment 626 was slightly different and has a maximum production of 626 units.

Swarovski Disney Stitch Limited Edition: Experiment 626

Disney Swarovski Stitch: Experiment 626 Limited Edition

As of yesterday, and still occurring today, the Experiment 626 Stitch appears to be available on the Swarovski web site, but errors occur when trying to add the item to the cart and checking out.  Might this be an indication that quantity remaining is extremely low or that it might be sold out?  I cannot confirm either scenario, just that at the moment, it is NOT possible to purchase it from the Swarovski web site, the ONLY place that it was originally sold.

Since the ‘not as limited’ Swarovski Stitch is available, and should be available for most of 2012, Swarovski crystal collectors who like the Disney Movie Lilo and Stitch may decide to purchase this variation as it can be easily obtained for $325.

If you are among the serious collecting audience of Swarovski crystal fanatics, you may insist on the more limited edition of Swarovski Disney Stitch Experiment 626.  While availability at Swarovski.com is questionable at the moment, I did find one on ebay for nearly $800 + shipping!

I would also expect that we’ll get new listings for the Swarovski Stitch figurine and that they may posted on the CrystalExchange.com website.  It is not unusual for our clients to snatch up exclusive pieces then put them on our website hoping for a quick profit.

Swarovski Stitch will be in the Swarovski Disney category at the Crystal Exchange America web site.  Or if you choose to go directly to the site, look in the “Disney and Arribas” category.



Dec 312011
 

So now, with less than 24 hours til 2012, many Swarovski fanatics have already heard that the 2012 SCS Annual Edition is going to be a Whale named Paikea.  For those that did not know, here are the details about Swarovski Paikea from the Swarovski online shoppe.

The Swarovski 2012 annual edition is a crystal whale that measures 4 3/4 x 6 3/8 inches.  The Swarovski system number is 1095228. The MSRP of the Swarovski 2012 Humpback Whale is $530.  Swarovski Paikea is made of shadow crystal with crystal moonlight fins.  The whale is leaping over a wave and includes a title plaque, which is in the shape of a wave.  The designer of Paikea the humpback whale is Stefanie Nederegger.

Swarovski has begun providing personalities and naming the annual editions….Siku the Polar Bear (siku from ‘ice’).  And now Paikea (meaning tame whale), which also has an interesting origin.   This one is a bit longer more difficult to pronounce (PY keh ah).

Here are links to a few pictures posted on the internet and the Swarovski 2012 Whale on ebay

Swarovski 2012 Humpback Whale

Swarovski 2012 Humpback Whale (Amazon)

Swarovski 2012 Humpback Whale

Swarovski Paikea Whale (Swarovski)

 

Swarovski SCS Whale

Swarovski SCS Whale (Swarovski)

 

The Swarovski SCS Paikea Whale appears very powerful in this 2012 annual edition representation.  A Swarovski SCS Young Whale, also designed by Stefanie Nederegger, is available to members as an optional purchase.  The system # for the Swarovski Young Whale is 1096741 and it has an MSRP of $180.

Swarovski previously produced a whale as an SCS figurine.  The former Swarovski SCS Whales was available in 1992.  This crystal figurine was a mother and baby whale atop an ocean wave. This SCS whale was designed by Michael Stamey and was a part of the ‘Mother and Child’ trilogy.  Retailing for $265, this Swarovski crystal figurine generally sells in the range of $350 – $400 at present day.

Here’s looking forward to a happy, safe, and healthy new year.  I’m looking forward to getting the Swarovski Paikea for my Swarovski collection!



Nov 222011
 

On November 16, the 2011 Star for the Rockefeller Tree was revealed by actress Olivia Wilde.  This is the eighth year that Swarovski has held the honor of designing the Star to be placed on the Rockefeller Tree.  I found a video on Bing where the Today show hosts interview the actress about the Swarovski Star:  Bing Rockefeller Star Video.

Swarovski 2011 Rockefeller Star

2011 Swarovski Rockefeller Star

The 2011 Swarovski Star has 12 rays outfitted with 720 LED bulbs.  It is over 9 feet in diameter and 18 inches deep.  And the weight….I don’t know how they keep in on the tree….550 pounds, which includes 300 pounds of crystal!  The Swarovski Rockefeller Star uses a computer program plus and 25,000 crystals (over 1,000,000 facets) creates an amazing sparkling light show to captivate the Christmas audience.

The effort behind this glittery giant star is equally impressive.  Nine people spent 1200 man-hours, setting up, analyzing, and assessing the star to make certain it would perform in all variations of New York City’s winter climate.

The Swarovski Star Ornament is now on the Norway Spruce, which stands 74 feet tall, where it will remain through the end of the 2011 holiday season.  Visitors can see the lit tree through January 7, 2012 5:30am – 11:30am.  There are special hours on Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

The Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony will be Wednesday, November 30, 2011.  The event will be broadcast on the NBC network 8:00 – 9:00 EST.  Swarovski crystal fanatics should program their DVR for this event!



Nov 222011
 

This year, for the first time probably ever, I’ve decided to try and get a head start on my Christmas shopping.  And for once, I actually have some good ideas for my kids and family.  Now, the challenge will be to stay within the budget.

Today, I got an email from Swarovski about an online Christmas voucher good on crystal purchased in the online store!  Yeah, save money!

The 2011 voucher is for 10% off (probably a single Swarovski crystal figurine or jewelry item), with a minimum purchase of $160.  The voucher is not valid on Swarovski SCS products, binoculars, or the Crystal Myriad sculptures.  There are also limitations on which countries can use the Swarovski discount voucher, but it is valid for USA residents.  While it appears to be active now, the email does not specify an expiration date…only that it is valid for a ‘short period of time’.  (Tell me why the expiration date should be kept secret???)

I recalled receiving the voucher in 2010, so I checked the Kristall Buzz archives to see what offer they gave us last year.  So, in 2011, we have a 10% voucher as of November 22.  In 2010, Swarovski provided a cyber-Monday voucher for a $20 credit valid on cyber-Monday only.  Swarovski also provided a 20% voucher as of December 7, 2010.  So, I’m wondering if Swarovski is giving us a smaller voucher earlier, or if perhaps more and larger vouchers are yet to come?

Crystal Exchange America will also be offering holiday shopping discounts very soon. Be sure and follow Crystal Exchange on Twitter for extra Swarovski News and receive discount Swarovski coupon codes

Swarovski Crystal Fanatics should definitely check their email for the voucher code before heading off to do shopping in the online Swarovski shoppe!



Nov 172011
 

Swarovski CrystalograMs are some of the more unusual items produced and sold by the crystal giant.  Essentially, they are a work of art extending across a canvas medium that extend onto the frame, and accented by Swarovski crystal stones. A more extensive article on the Swarovski CrystalograMs can be found on the Kristall Buzz.

While there is not much information on the internet or in books about the limited edition Swarovski CrystalograM pictures or the artist who created them, there is official Swarovski literature presently on eBay about the collection also known as “The Five by Weidinger”.

This literature is likely something used by a salesperson advertising the Swarovski CrystalograMs.  The literature is nice, and in decent condition.

Swarovski Literature for the CrystalograM Collection by Hubert Weidinger

In addition to the brochure for “CrystalograM Miniatures”, there are separate pages with fairly large photos attached for each of the five CrystalograMs produced by Swarovski included in the folder: Air CrystalograM, Earth CrystalograM, Fire CrystalograM, Nature CrystalograM, and Water CrystalograM.

The auction for the literature has a low starting bid and includes free shipping via US Mail.  Any Swarovski crystal fanatics that may be interested in this sort of thing should check out the auction for the Swarovski CrystalograM Literature on eBay, item #140643320983.  The auction closes in the evening of November 21, so don’t delay!



Nov 132011
 

Some of our crystal fanatics clients recently attended the Swarovski Signing Event at Sofitel in October, 2011.  They were kind enough to provide us with the Swarovski Event Summary to share with other Swarovski collectors.

Swarovski 2011 Event Paperweight

We have since received more emails and images about the wonderful signing event and fantastic stories from those fortunate enough to attend the event.

At the recent signing in Los Angeles, California held at the The Sofitel Hotel on Beverly Boulevard, Swarovski held true to their tradition of gifting a special Swarovski paperweight each registered SCS member attendee.

The 2011 Swarovski Signing Event paperweight is 40mm in diameter.  It is Crystal CAL in color and bears (pardon the pun) the design of Swarovski Siku the Polar Bear.  Look at the Swarovski Polar Bear Key Ring – the Hong Kong Gift with Purchase promotion – and you will see the same design.  The Swarovski-assigned identification # is 1153341 to the 2011 event paperweight.

I know that the event was not cheap to attend….air fare, hotel stays, meals, event fees, etc.  However, now, it is starting to sound like attendees were showered with beverages, Swarovski crystal gifts, and quality entertainment….the Hollywood atmosphere was created by the Hollywood look-alikes included not only Lucille Ball, but also Whoopi Goldberg, Jack Nickolson, Johnny Depp, and others provided by the Sennet Entertainment group.  It seems like the WOW-factor was there and that Swarovski SCS members definitely got their $$’s worth!



Nov 082011
 

The Crystal Myriad line produced by Swarovski is a very elite group of sculptures.  The Crystal Myriad Dragon Longwang is no exception.

Swarovski Longwang, Crystal Myriad Dragon

Swarovski Longwang, Crystal Myriad Dragon

The Swarovski Longwang is now shown on the crystal brand’s web site, as the actual launch must be very soon.  The company displayed the Swarovski Longwang at the SCS event in California just last week, and in a Swarovski event summary posted to the Kristall Buzz a few days ago, there were actual photos of the sculpture!

Swarovski’s description of the Crystal Myriad Longwang states that “Longwang” means “King of the Dragons”.  This crystal myriad is certainly king!  Longwang is a Swarovski NLE Dragon of 888 units (The number 8 is considered very lucky, so it is likely that this had something to do with the max production.)  Longwang contains over 66,0000 hand-set crystals using the Pointiage technique.  The polished crystal base of Longwang dragon represents the sea, the dragon’s natural habitat.

The Swarovski system # for Longwang is 1096974.  The Swarovski designer is Heinz Tabertshofer.  This dragon masterpiece is about 11.5” wide and 14” tall.  Swarovski indicates that the production time for the Crystal Myriad Longwang is nearly 500 hours!

On the crystal giant’s web site,  the Swarovski Longwang can be found in a video that shows the Crystal Myriad revolving, zooming in on the meticulous craftsmanship of the figurine.

Our local retailer stated that pre-payment is required and that the delivery date may be 8 to 12 months away.  They originally indicated a price of $26,000, but the Swarovski site shows it at $20,000, so this might be pleasant news for Swarovski crystal fanatics who are considering to purchase it.  For me, not a chance….anything over $17,000 must be drivable or inhabitable!