Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – the SCS Swarovski Box

Oct 012012
 

The third crystal figurine in the Swarovski SCS “Mother and Child” trilogy was the Swarovski ‘Care For Me’ Whales.    The Whales were an enchanting figurine demonstrating a new mother and her young whale calf over an ocean wave.  The purpose of the Swarovski Whales Box is for protection and storage of crystal figurine.

The SCS Whales Box is a big white cylinder with silver-gray end caps.  It is similar to the Turtledoves Box and Dolphins Box, and Seals Box at a glimpse.  On the Whales cylinder, collectors can read the text ‘Annual Edition 1992 “Care For Me” – the Whales in English and in 5 other languages on the cylinder container. The Swarovski Whales Box can be found using reference # DO1X921B, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Price Guide.  The factory-assigned identification number cannot be found on the cylinder.

Swarovski SCS Care For Me Whales Box from 1992

Swarovski SCS Whales Box

The foam in the cylinder is designed exclusively for the Swarovski SCS Whales figurine. This particular setup employs a single piece of hinged foam with cutouts to perfectly fit the Whales.  The Whales Certificate is simply placed on the top foam prior to placing the lid covering.

The SCS Whales Box can be found at Crystal Exchange America in the Empty Boxes category.  One is available at this time for $125.  The Care For Me Whales box includes the original foam insert.



Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – the Swarovski COA

Sep 262012
 

When the Whales were introduced as the 1992 SCS Annual Edition, SCS membership was steadily increasing in numbers.  More Swarovski fanatics were becoming members in this exciting Swarovski Club.

The authentic Swarovski Whales Certificate was the second certificate to be like a stapled pamphlet, with each page featuring a different language:  English, Spanish, French, Italian, German, Dutch, Flemish, and Chinese.  The certificate has a mostly-white cover and measures 5.5” high and 3.5” wide.  The first page of the Whales Certificate features a picture of the Annual Edition, which can be matched up with the picture on the Swarovski Whales Box.

Swarovski Care For Me Whales Certificate, 1992

Swarovski SCS Whales Certificate for the 1992 'Care For Me' Whales

The reference number for the Whales certificate, assigned by Swarovski, is located on the reverse side of the certificate in a tiny font.  Officially, the Swarovski Whales certificate is DO4MM92XX.  The Whales ‘Care For Me’ Certificate can also be found using another reference #DO1X921C, which was originally used in the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski insurance price guide.

With respect to availability and replacement value, the SCS Swarovski Whales Certificate is not presently available at reputable broker site or auction sites in the USA.  At Crystal Exchange America, the last ones sold were in the range of $50 – $100.  Crystal Exchange America recommends buying Swarovski SCS AE figurines as a complete package with original box and original certificate.



Swarovski Whales ‘Care For Me’ – SCS 1992 Annual Edition

Sep 242012
 

The Swarovski Whales is the third crystal figurine of the second Swarovski trilogy is the “Mother and Child”.  All SCS crystal figurines in this series were designed by Michael Stamey, and to date, is the only trilogy by a single designer.

Swarovski SCS Whales- 'Care For Me' 1992 Annual Edition

Swarovski 'Care For Me' Whales, 1992 SCS AE

In 1992, the Swarovski Whales could be purchased by SCS crystal collectors who possessed membership in the Swarovski Club (SCS).  The Swarovski Whales measures about just over  4” in height.  This crystal figurine features  a clear mother whale and a clear baby whale, with a gentle wave under them.

The SCS Whales contain what the crystal brand calls the ‘backstamp / bottomstamp’, which is included for the sake of authenticity.  It is simple to see the designer’s initials “MSt” and the year “92” on the bottom side of the wave.  “MSt” is used for Michael Stamey’s initials since MS is used for Max Schrek (Lovebirds)

The ‘Care For Me’ Whales can be identified using the Swarovski part number DO1X921 or system number 164 614.

In addition to the 1992 SCS Whales, Swarovski has released a number of crystal whale figurines:

  • Swarovski Whale – 7628 080 000 / 014 483.  This Swarovski Whale was available 1987 through 1991.  It can be found with either the Block SC Logo or the Swan logo.
  • Swarovski Walter the Whale – 9460 200 023 / 680 508.  This small blue whale was in the Swarovski Crystal Moments line, and was available in 2005 and 2006 only.
  • Swarovski Paikea Humpback Whale – 9100 000 337 / 1 095 228.  This is the 2012 SCS Annual Edition designed by Stefanie Nederegger
  • Swarovski Young Whale, SCS – 9100 000 338 / 1 096 741.  This is the companion whale to the 2012 Swarovski Annual Edition Whale designed by Stefanie Nederegger.

A quick comparison of the 1992 Swarovski Whales to the 2012 Swarovski Whale reveals these primary differences:

  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales is a SINGLE figurine.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are 2 separate figurines purchased individually.
  • ‘Care For Me’ Whales are completely clear figurines.  Paikea Whale and Young Whale are Shadow crystal with Crystal Moonlight accents.

The SCS Swarovski Whales retailed for $265 USD in 1992.  The purchase price included the SCS crystal figurine, a white cylinder with fitted- foam specific to the Whales, and a Swarovski  Certificate of Authenticity (Swarovski COA).    Presently, the Swarovski Whales, in mint condition, complete with original packaging can generally be purchased on the secondary market for $305 – $345 from professional Swarovski expert dealers, like Crystal Exchange America.