Swarovski Trimlite » Kristall Buzz... Swarovski Crystal News Blog by Crystal Exchange

Happy Pi Day to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics! (π to Pineapple)

Mar 142015

Today is the Pi Day of the century, the ultimate for math fanatics! Pi, known by mathematicians as π, is an irrational number that begins with to 3.1415926535… Today is 3.14.15 (we have the first five digits so far!). At 9:26:53 am or pm, that’s the next five digits. So, at 2 different times day, we have the first 10 digits of π! The next time that will happen will be in 2115, and just how many crystal fanatics might be around for that celebration!

Swarovski Trimlite Pineapple (left) and Swarovski Silver Crystal Pineapple (right).

With the play on numbers on Pi Day, how about a play on words and symbols? I’m unaware of any Swarovski pie figurines, so let’s go with π-neapple figurines! (Hope that wasn’t TOO bad??)

Dating back to the late 1980’s, the crystal giant produced 2 different Trimlite Pineapple figurines:

Small Pineapple – 52622. Production dates for this Trimlite Pineapple was 1985 to 1988. It measures about 2″ tall, including the crystal and gold metal topper.
Medium Pineapple – 52623. Production dates for this Trimlite Pineapple was 1985 to 1988. It measures about 2.75″ tall, including the crystal and gold metal topper.

The famous crystal brand also made Swarovski pineapple figurines in the “Silver Crystal” product line:

Small Pineapple with a gold leaf topper – 7507060001 / 012 726. Production dates for this Silver Crystal Pineapple was 1986 to 2004. Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 2.5″.
Small Pineapple with a silver / rhodium leaf topper – 7507060002 / 012 727. Production dates for this Swarovski Crystal Pineapple was 1981 to 2007. Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 2.5″. This small pineapple has been documented with smooth leaves or textured (hammered) leaves.
Large Pineapple with a gold leaf topper – 7507105001 / 010 044. Production dates for this Swarovski Pineapple was 1981 to 2007. Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 4.125″. This large pineapple has been documented with smooth leaves or textured (hammered) leaves and even with different shaped crystal components.
Large Pineapple with a silver / rhodium leaf topper – 7507060002 / 010 081. Production dates for this Silver Crystal Pineapple was 1981 to 1986. Total height of this Swarovski Pineapple is about 4.125″. This large pineapple has been documented with smooth leaves or textured (hammered) leaves.
Giant Pineapple with a gold leaf topper – 7507260001 / 010 116. Production dates for this Silver Crystal Pineapple was 1981 to 2008. Total height of this super-sized pineapple is about 9 3/4″ and a massive weight of over 10.5 lbs. This giant pineapple has been documented with textured (hammered) leaves only, but with and without special markings indicating whether it is a part of the ” Signed Collection” European series.
Giant Pineapple with a silver / rhodium leaf topper – 7507260002 / 010 258. Production dates for this Swarovski Pineapple was 1981 to 1986. Total height of this super-sized pineapple is about 9 3/4″ and a massive weight of over 10.5 lbs. This giant pineapple has been documented with textured (hammered) leaves only, but with and without special markings indicating whether it is a part of the “Signed Collection” European series.

The Crystal Exchange America website has some Swarovski Pineapple figurines in their online store. They can be found in the Fruit category (on the left side of the screen)

Swarovski Trimlite Penguin Figurines – Crystal “Happy Feet”

Sep 112011

Iâm guessing that by now, September, 2011 many people have either heard about Happy Feet the 2006 Warner Bros movie, or more recently, the Emperor Penguin named âHappy Feetâ.Â The recent Happy Feet story is one of an Emperor Penguin that somehow lost his way from his usual surroundings of Antarctica, ended up on the sandy beaches of New Zealand, and then became ill eating unusual things, requiring surgery and healing.

Swarovski Trimlite Crystal and Pewter Penguin

Swarovski Trimlite Pewter Penguin

Good newsâ¦on September 6, Happy Feet was released into the frigid Southern Ocean waters with the hopes that he would eventually return home.Â This special penguin was equipped with a tracking device for his followers to watch his journey home.Â Here is the release video and more information on tracking Happy Feetâs Return to the Antarctica.

This recent event made me think of the different Swarovski penguin figurines that have been produced in the Swarovski Trimlite product line.

3 Trimlite Penguin figurines with gold trim: Small Penguin (52613), Medium Penguin (52614), and Large Penguin (52615).
2 Trimlite Penguin figurines with gold and pewter accents: Swarovski Small Pewter Penguin (72113) and Swarovski Large Pewter Penguin (72112).

I think that the cutest Swarski âHappy Feetâ are the Swarovski Trimlite Pewter Penguins.Â Given their rarity and value, Iâll provide a bit more information these Trimlite Penguins.Â The Large Pewter Penguin is 5â tall.Â It was produced 1982 through 1986.Â While it originally retailed for $125, purchasing one now will likely cost $500 or more.Â The Small Pewter Penguin is 3â tall.Â It was produced 1982 through 1986.Â While it originally retailed for $195, purchasing one now will likely cost $500 or more.Â Both these Trimlite penguin collectibles are a part of the Trimlite group “Boutiques and Paperweight”.

Crystal Exchange America presently has over 20 mint Swarovski crystal penguin figurines, including some of the rare ones, listed in their online store. The easiest way to find them is to go to www.CrystalExchange.com and type âpenguinâ (without quotes) in the search box to see a list of the many penguin figurines available.

Swarovski Crystal Tiger Video by the Kristall Buzz

Aug 232011

The Kristall Buzz, a blog on Swarovski Crystal, has launched its fourth video on YouTube! This video highlights Swarovski Tiger crystal figurines along with some beautiful and exotic wild cats. Take a look!

Swarovski SCS Tiger – This Swarovski Tiger was the Annual Edition crystal figurine available exclusively to SCS members in 2010. It was the third crystal figurine in the series “Endangered Wildlife”. The Swarovski identification numbers are 9100000145 / 1003148. The Swarovski SCS Tiger retailed for $450 in 2010. The primary color used for the figurine was ‘golden shine’. The Swarovski SCS Tiger measures approximately 7.25″ in length.

Swarovski SCS Tiger Cub, Sitting – This Swarovski tiger cub was available to SCS members in 2010 and was a very complimentary figurine to the SCS tiger. The Swarovski identification numbers are 9100000166 / 1016678. It retailed for $180 in 2010. Like the SCS tiger, the color is ‘golden shine’. The Swarovski SCS Tiger cub measures approximately 3.12″ in length.

Swarovski SCS Tiger Cub, Standing – This Swarovski tiger cub was available to SCS members in 2010 and is a gorgeous addition to display with the SCS tiger. The Swarovski identification numbers are 9100000166 / 1016678 AND 9100000165 / 1016677 depending on whether it was purchased or provided as a loyalty gift by the crystal brand for purchasing the entire “Endangered Wildlife” trilogy using the same SCS number for all three pieces. The non-gift figurine retailed for $180 in 2010. Like the SCS tiger, the color is ‘golden shine’. The Swarovski SCS Tiger cub measures nearly 3.5″ in length.

Swarovski Chinese Zodiac Tiger – This Swarovski tiger is part of the crystal brand’s “Chinese Zodiac” series. The identification numbers are 9100000135 / 1002980. The official color is silver shade crystal. It is about 3.25″ long. This is the only tiger in the video that is presently available on the Swarovski web site, and it retails for $300.

Swarovski Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac Tiger – This Swarovski tiger is identical to the zodiac tiger described above, except that the color is in golden shine. The identification numbers for this Swarovski limited edition figurine are 9200000269 / 1016810. It was only available in China from 2009 – 2010.

Swarovski Tiger Paperweight – This Swarovski Tiger is silver in color, resting upon a crystal ball. This tiger was in the Swarovski Trimlite group “Crystal Sculptures”. Â Swarovski used unique product identification numbers to represent the metal color of the tigerâ¦.72116 is the number for the gold tiger and 72117 is the number for the pewter tiger This figurine was available 1983 through 1986 at a retail price of $95. Â This Swarovski tiger is very difficult to find and will likely command prices of $800 – $1200 dollars. No Trimlite mark was found on the figurine shown in the video.

Elizabeth Adamer was credited with the design for all the Swarovski SCS tigers. They truly look like a nice feline family.

Both the Swarovski Zodiac tiger figurines have a clear crystal base that is engraved matt finish name in English and Chinese seal script.

If you are a feline fanatic or collect Swarovski wild cats, many of these Swarovski tiger figurines can be found in the Crystal Exchange America store: www.CrystalExchange.com . Use the search box in the store and type in “tiger” (singular form, not plural) to view the crystal figurines presently available with pricing.

Swarovski Trimlite Crystal Champions

Aug 192011

Some of the older crystal figurines by Swarovski were produced in the Trimlite product line. The Swarovski Trimlite product line existed in the 1980’s. These figurines were usually on the smaller side (under 4″) and included significant gold metal accents. IF there was any type of Swarovski logo on them, it was the Trimlite “T”, and it was stamped into the metal.

One of the Swarovski Trimlite groups was the “Crystal Champions”. There were six athlete (some leisure athletes!) crystal figurines in the Crystal Champions.

Swarovski Trimlite Crystal Champions

Trimlite Baseball Player – 52729. The Baseball Player was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
Trimlite Fisherman – 52730. The Fisherman was produced from 1985 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
Trimlite Golfer – 52727. The Golfer was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
Trimlite Basketball Player – 52725. The Basketball Player was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
Trimlite Skier – 52726. The Skier was produced from 1985 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.
Trimlite Hockey Player – 52728. The Hockey Player was produced from 1984 to 1988 and originally retailed for $50.

As I mentioned in a previous Trimlite article, the production quality of crystal figurines has vastly changed in the past 3 decades. It is not unusual to see rough edges or other imperfections on the older crystal because that was likely acceptable standards at the time. Many serious crystal collectors will not accept damaged crystal figurines, but should be mindful that one considered ‘mint’ at that time will not likely as pure as figures that are produced and sold present day. And, due to the age of the Trimlite figurines, the gold metal finish has possibly dulled, tarnished, or even chipped off. Collectors should keep these things in mind when setting their own personal standards of acceptability into their own crystal collection; do not require quality standards higher than what Swarovski themselves expected in the 1980’s.

Crystal Exchange America presently has 3 of the 6 Trimlite Crystal Champions figurines offered on their site at www.CrystalExchange.com, ranging in price $215 – $325. They can be found in “Vintage Swarovski” category, “Trimlite and Zales” sub-category of the store.

Swarovski Trimlite Gnome Crystal Family

Aug 012011

Within the Swarovski Trimlite line, there were figurines produce in “The Gnome Family” group. According to Wikipedia, gnomes are “small humanoid creatures that live underground”. Swarovski’s artistic interpretations of gnomes are delightful little figurines have round crystal bellies with gold faces, pointed gold hats, gold arms & hands, and gold legs & feet.

Swarovski Trimlite Gnomes

The numbers in the list below correspond to the numbers in the character collage above. The list also includes Swarovski Trimlite identification numbers:

Trimlite Gnome Mama – 52801
Trimlite Gnome Papa – 52802
Trimlite Gnome Dancing Daughter– 52803
Trimlite Gnome Laughing Sister – 52804
Trimlite Gnome Brother Playing Horn – 52805
Trimlite Gnome Laughing Brother – 52806

Naturally, Gnome Papa and Gnome Mama are the tallest figurines, measuring in at 3.5″ tall. All the Trimlite Gnome children: dancing daughter, laughing sister, brother playing horn, and laughing brother are smaller, at a height of 2.5″.

What does surprise me are the introduction years of the members in the Gnome Family. All the gnome children were introduced BEFORE the gnome parents. The gnome children were introduced in 1983 at a retail price of $25 each. All gnome children figurines retired in 1988. The gnome parents were introduced in 1985 at a retail price of $50 each. Both gnome parents figurines retired in 1988.

The Trimlite Gnome Family figurines are not the easiest figurines to find. Crystal Exchange America has sold only 15 Gnome figurines in the 15 years they have been online selling retired Swarovski crystal. The last ones sold early in 2009, just over $200 each.

Trimlite Clowns by Swarovski – Thank you for the Smiles!

Jul 242011

I recently learned that the first week of August is celebrated as ‘National Clown Week’….an interesting piece of trivia that I was unaware of. Clowns come in all shapes and sizes. Many clowns wear happy faces. Some clowns have special talents. Some clowns juggle. Some clowns do magic. Often, clowns can be found in a circus, at a theme park, in children’s hospitals, and in parades. If you see a clown, smile and let them know they’ve made you happy.

The famous crystal brand produced Swarovski Trimlite clowns in the 1980’s decade. All the Trimlite clowns were introduced in 1983 and retired in 1988. These Swarovski clowns were all a part of the “Circus Clowns and Marching Band” group.

Swarovski Trimlite Clowns

The 6 Trimlite Clowns by Swarovski are as follows (5 digit part number listed after name)

Trimlite Tall Clown – 52701
Trimlite Roller Skating Clown – 52702
Trimlite Clown on Tricycle – 52703
Trimlite Clown with Umbrella – 52704
Trimlite Clown Juggler- 52705
Trimlite Clown with Cannon – 52706

All the Swarovski Trimlite clowns incorporate the typical clown characteristics. They have silly clown hats. They have oversized clown feet. Some are performing their ‘special clown talent’. And best of all, the clowns are all doing something to make people smile.

The Swarovski logo that would be found on these crystal figurines is the Trimlite “T”. The Trimlite logo is stamped in the metal of the figurine. The Swarovski boxes for these figurines were white boxes with gold-colored plastic ribbons. Certificates are not applicable to these figurines as there is no such paperwork as a ‘Trimlite certificate’.

These Swarovski clown figurines retailed for $30 or $50 each in the 80’s when they were available in retail stores. Now, on the Swarovski secondary market or on online auctions, the clowns are likely to cost $200 to $300 each for ones in excellent condition with original packaging.

It is worthwhile to mention that the production quality of crystal figurines has vastly changed in the past 30 years. It is not unusual to see rough edges or other imperfections on the older crystal because that was likely acceptable standards at the time. Many serious crystal collectors will not accept chipped crystal figurines, but should be mindful that one considered ‘mint’ at that time will not likely as pristine as figures that are presently produced and sold. Now, due to the age of the Trimlite figurines, the gold has possibly dulled, tarnished, or even chipped off. Collectors should keep these things in mind when setting their own personal standards of acceptability into their own collection; do not require standards higher than what Swarovski themselves expected in the 1980’s.

Crystal Exchange America presently has 3 of the 6 Trimlite Clown figurines offered on their site, ranging in price $215 – $350. They can be found in “Vintage Swarovski” category, “Trimlite and Zales” sub-category of the store.