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.



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 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 Lovebirds ‘Togetherness’ – SCS 1987 Annual Edition

Jun 292012
 

2012 is the 25th anniversary of the Swarovski Crystal Society (better known as the Swarovski SCS).   According to the crystal brand, there are over 300,000 members in their exclusive Swarovski club.  Swarovski is commemorating the event with some special figurines, including the Swarovski Jubilee Dragon.   Kristall Buzz is going to join in on the celebration featuring articles on the Swarovski Annual Editions over the next couple of months.  Swarovski Lovebirds are the feature crystal figure of this article.

Togetherness Lovebirds - Swarovski SCS 1987 Annual Edition

Swarovski SCS Lovebirds - Togetherness, 1987 Annual Edition

The Swarovski Lovebirds were available for purchase only in 1987 for collectors who were members in the Swarovski SCS.  At that time, SCS was an acronym for Swarovski Collectors Society.  The Swarovski SCS was begun in 1987 only in the English-speaking countries: USA, Canada, Australia, Great Britain, and South Africa.  As a result, the distribution channel for the Togetherness Lovebirds was much more limited than it is today.

The Swarovski Togetherness Lovebirds stands just over 4” tall.  It is a figurine with 2 clear birds, somewhat looking at each other.  They have frosted beaks and are perched on a frosted branch.

Following the release of the Swarovski Lovebirds, two Swarovski designers were given credit for this beautiful design:  Adi Stocker and Max Schreck.  ‘Togetherness’ is the only figurine designed by 2 Swarovski artists.  For about 10 years, either designer was permitted to sign the crystal figurine (at designer signing events).  But in 1998, Swarovski decided to give full credit of the Togetherness design to Max Schreck and Adi Stocker was no longer permitted to sign it.

The SCS Lovebirds does contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  Looking closely at the underside of the frosted base, the designer’s initials “MS” and the year “87” can be seen.

The Lovebirds were known using the Swarovski part number DO1X861, and years later the system number 013 560 was revealed, so it can be identified using either number.

The Swarovski Lovebirds is one of three crystal figurines in the Swarovski Caring and Sharing trilogy.

Other Swarovski Lovebird designs include the Swarovski Baby Lovebirds, which were produced 1996 – 2011.

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

The SCS Swarovski Lovebirds retailed for $150 USD in 1987.  The purchase price included the crystal figurine, a custom box for the figurine, and a Swarovski COA (certificate of authenticity).    While the resale price of the Swarovski Lovebirds spiked to over $4000 shortly after 2000, a mint condition figurine, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $2300 – $2700, from Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.