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 Pineapples

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 Software using the Swarovski Database at WBRB.com

Mar 022015
 

In September 2014, WBRBOnline added features to the Swarovski Database that has over 3300 items in it.  The new functionality in the software allows subscribers to record and keep their inventory of their Swarovski crystal collection.

Swarovski Software using WBRBOnline Swarovski Database

Swarovski Software using WBRB Swarovski Database

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski Crystal has been annually publishing books on Swarovski figurines for over 20 years!  Their online counterpart, http://www.wbrb.com/, allows subscribers to access the very same Swarovski factual information as their printed books for a fraction of the price.  Users may view a plethora of information on current and retired Swarovski figurines:  Swarovski Name, Swarovski Part Number, Swarovski System Number, Swarovski Designer, MSRP, ERV (better known as the Swarovski Value for insurance purposes), dimensions, Swarovski Introduction Date, Status (year retired or current), which Swarovski Logos are on the figurine, and a paragraph of information on the crystal piece.

In the recent enhancements, Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books added new functionality to the site that should be pleasing to Swarovski collectors looking for an all-inclusive solution to inventory their Swarovski figurines. This has been welcomed by many former Star Track Software users, who found their Swarovski software was no longer being updated or supported as of 2009.  Just like Star Track Software, users can add custom figurines and over-ride the ERV for their insurance values.  The WBRB Swarovski Software also allows users to download a text file that can be used with programs like MS Excel to format data to their liking for a printed report.  A complete Swarovski Software Demo can be found on the WBRB web site.

This is wonderful news for Swarovski crystal fanatics who might be missing Star Track Software.  This may just be the time to get a Swarovski Software subscription and get your inventory updated!



Swarovski Starburst in Las Vegas

Feb 282015
 
Swarovski Starburst

Swarovski Starburst in Las Vegas

 

Just this week, the crystal giant has officially launched their Swarovski Midnight Celebration in Las Vegas.  It is a spectacular light and sound show, lasting about 3 minutes.  Swarovski’s vision in the starburst was that it would create a New Year’s Eve excitement 365 days / year!

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski StarBurst at Midnight

Swarovski Starburst at Midnight

 

 

 

This unique starburst is the only one in the world.  Measuring about 14 feet in diameter, it features 911 custom-cut Swarovski spheres and over 1800 points of LED lights.  The light-action show is choreographed to music.

 

 

 

Swarovski Starburst Light Show

Swarovski Storefront with Starburst

 

 

The Swarovski Starburst is located above the 400-foot free-standing pavilion store on the Las Vegas strip.  Even the design of the pavilion store architecture was to have the store resemble  cut crystal utilizing many angular facets.

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Starburst

Swarovski Starburst Light Show

 

The Grand Bazaar shops, which Swarovski is a part of, opened the outdoor shopping attraction on February 26.  Following the motif that bazaar shops allow bartering, there will even be items that shoppers can do some price-negotiating….can you imagine…..bartering at a Swarovski store!  The featured items may change daily.  Store hours for this location are 9:30am to 12:30am daily.

 

So, whether you want to see the Swarovski Starburst Light Show, visit and barter in the Swarovski shop, or simply have a great time in Las Vegas, this sounds like a must see stop for Swarovski crystal fanatics!



Swarovski Fitness Tracker – a Shiney Partnership with Misfit

Jan 242015
 

It seems that nearly everyone is using fitness trackers these days, measuring their activities as well as their sleep.  There are pros and cons to every device ranging from price, accuracy, battery life, and color.  I found one that is a definite ‘PRO’ in terms of fashion and bling with a sweet battery life and features a waterproof activity tracker!

Swarovski Slake Set Misfit Fitness Activity Tracker

Misfit Swarovski Slake Set Fitness Activity Tracker

 

Yesterday, I saw that Misfit Wearables (a hardware company that designs and manufactures wearable products that utilize sensor technology) and Swarovski have teamed up for some useful, blingy, fashionable fitness trackers!  The activity tracker is a fully faceted crystal in a Swarovski exclusive cut, that measures your activities and sleep, and syncs with your smartphone. A battery is included, which from several sites appears to be replaceable and lasts 4 to 8 months.

The Swarovski Shine Vio Set, Swarovski Shine Slake Set, and Swarovski Shine Piofioria Set are shown on the Swarovski web site, however, at this time, the pre-order must be done at the Misfit web site.  These sets include the actual activity tracker.  Prices for the sets are $169 – $249.  One article indicated that the sets would be available at Swarovski.com in the spring of 2015.

Additionally, pendant and wristband accessories (without the device tracker) can be pre-ordered at the Misfit web site: Serora Pendant, Lisea Pendant, Vio Pendant, Cardoon Leather Wristband, Cleyera Wristband, Piofioria Wristband, and Slake Bracelet (in light gray, medium gray, and black). Prices for the accessories are $69 – $149.

 

Misfit Swarovski Purple Solar Powered Activity Tracker

Misfit Swarovski Purple Solar Activity Tracker

And that’s not all…. while I was researching for the article, I learned that yet another Swarovski Misfit tracker seem to be on the horizon!  I found pictures of a purple stone in a navy or purple slake bracelet.  The article with it sites that the purple one (Violet Swarovski Shine) is going to be a solar-powered fitness tracker!  The launch date of the Swarovski solar powered activity tracker was not evident anywhere I looked.

The Misfit Solutions are shown in their store for pre-order: Swarovski Shine Collection as well as the Swarovski site:  Swarovski Activity Tracker.  Naturally, Misfit’s  apps in Google Play and the Apple App Store allow users to get tracking information on their phone.

Seriously….seeing all this makes me want to track my activities just so I can get one!  This is exciting new for fitness fanatics and Swarovski crystal fanatics alike!

 

 



Fraud Alert: Beware of Fake Websites Using the famous Swarovski Name

Apr 272013
 

A month or so back, I came across an article discussing how many large companies and consumers are being victimized by fraudulent websites.  One company specifically mentioned was Swarovski.   And the number of fake websites modeling theirs is growing.  Sadly enough, consumers and Swarovski crystal fanatics looking for a great deal on their favorite figurines and jewelry are likely to only end up with headaches and frustrated for weeks or months until the matter is closed.

The scenario is this….. a fraudster group of individuals picks a brand to target, in this case Swarovski.  They purchase a domain name (less than $50 for one year) that any normal internet user might believe is the official Swarovski brand.  Then the scammers get to work building the website (or pay to have it done).  Oftentimes, this heartless group will steal images, artwork, logos, and other material directly from the luxury brand’s own web site!  On the fake Swarovski websites, the prices will be so slashed, that it might be hard to resist.  The web site looks real.  The images are indeed Swarovski products.  The prices look great.  Why not!  Well, the ‘Why Not?’ should be easy…..if it looks too good to be true, then it probably is too good to be true.

Here are some of the non-official websites I located doing research for this article.  I intentionally did not link to them, so you will have to re-type them into another browser window to navigate to the site.    For legal reasons, I must say that I’m NOT implying that these sites sell fakes;  I am indicating that they are NOT the official brand that we think they are when looking at the products advertised on their sites.  Just like any other websites, consider the potential for malware (though I don’t believe there were any issues when I visited them):

  • Non-Official Site #1:  www.swarovskisale.co
  • Non-Official Site #2:  www.swarovski-store.net
  • Non-Official Site #3:  www.cheap-swarovski.net
  • Non-Official Site #4:  www.swarovski-shop.me
  • Non-Official Site #5:  www.swarovski-onlineshop.com
  • Non-Official Site #6:  www.swarovski-outletuk.co.uk

Just for kicks, I picked a non-official website, and began the process to place an order.  When I picked to pay by credit card, I was transferred to a 3rd party payment domain owned by an individual or company in China.  I switched my method of payment to Western Union, and saw that the recipient address displayed was again in China.  So, lastly I selected Bank Transfer, and again, the recipient information shows a destination in China. Might this be an indicator of a Swarovski scam?  Certainly so!  After all, the official Swarovski brand is NOT in China!

Is this the luxury brand’s official web site……?

Is this an official Swarovski website?

Or Is this the luxury brand’s official web site……?

Is this an official Swarovski website?

Or is this the luxury brand’s official web site……?

Is this an official Swarovski website?

Naturally, Swarovski’s legal team goes after cyber-squatters whose sole purpose is to defraud consumers.  Here is one such domain name that Swarovski has claimed: www.swarovski-sale.com .  From various sites where consumers report scams, this domain name appeared numerous times, so it was very wise for the crystal giant to display a blank page instead of the official Swarovski website.

Despite Swarovski getting control of the swarovski-sale.com domain name, I would be certain that the process is expensive and takes a good bit of time wading through all the proper channels of command, so there is plenty of opportunity time-wise for consumers to be victimized by the scammers.  In most complaints and cases I read posted by the victims themselves, they report:

  • Receiving cheap plastic substitutions
  • Having emails that don’t use the domain name itself, i.e. Swarovski-deal @ xyz-mail.com .  In some cases, there is no email at all.  They use a ‘contact us’ form that essentially does nothing.
  • If there is email correspondence, it contains  very poor and broken English and grammar
  • Social Networking text and graphics on the website pages are not actual links (“Share Your Story”, “Like Us on Facebook”, “Follow Us on Twitter”, “Share This”, etc)

Swarovski crystal collectors and those who enjoy Swarovski jewelry should stick with reliable sources.  Don’t become a victim of Swarovski fraud.  Send emails to the website company for more information about their guarantees and return policies to ensure you are dealing with a legitimate company.  Follow your instinct; if it seems fishy, it probably is fishy.

Crystal collectors can count on the Swarovski Experts at Crystal Exchange America to ensure the figurines purchased from them are indeed genuine Swarovski.  Check out the Crystal Exchange America website at www.CrystalExchange.com for retired and hard to find Swarovski figurines.



Swarovski Crystal Book, the 2013 Edition (for Crystal Nature / Silver Crystal) Now Available

Mar 182013
 

I have marvelouos news for Swarovski collectors and new owners of Swarovski crystal figurines…..the Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski Silver Crystal Swarovski book is now available!

This Swarovski book is in its 20th 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 the newly named Crystal Nature (formerly Silver Crystal) figurine releases (as well as product variations on them) for the past 35 years! That’s approximately 1500 Swarovski Crystal figurines in this book!

2013 Swarovski Catalogue 2013 Silver Crystal figurines

Warner’s Blue Ribbon Book on Swarovski, 2013 Ed.

There fundamental reasons for annually updating the Swarovski book are to:

  • Include preceding year Swarovski new releases and retirement data
  • Update Swarovski Value for insurance purposes (Swarovski ERV in the publication)

Research for the 2013 Swarovski book was performed just 2 months ago in January 2013, so the computed Swarovski ERV values for the retired Swarovski figurines for the 2013 edition is definitely fresh.

Some collectors feel that ‘values’ may be stagnant, and consider NOT purchasing books on a regular basis. However that is not necessarily the case when it comes to ‘insurance values’.  No one wants to overpay for insurance, and no one wants to be under-compensated when there are tragic losses.  Some collectors feel that trading values in the online auctions may be one possible way to determine a buying price if replacement Swarovski figurines need to be purchased, and that may be ok for some people who have very small collections (less than 50 figurines). But honestly…WHO has time and energy to research the statistics for a medium or large size collection (i.e. 300+ pieces). The Swarovski Experts have already done all that work for collectors, so it make the most sense to purchase the books and use their professional recommendations for insuring Swarovski crystal collections!

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



Swarovski Passport to Sparkle…Something fun for Crystal Fanatics!

Feb 222013
 

Swarovski is all about innovative ideas to engage crystal fanatics in social media, online experiences, and games on phones and electronic devices.

Swarovski Passport to Sparkle for Crystal Fanatics!

Swarovski Passport to Sparkle

Keeping that in mind, Swarovski US is introducing a new rewards program.  It is the Swarovski Passport to Sparkle.  Some SCS collectors may have already received “passport” in the mail, while others will need to visit their local Swarovski boutique.  Once the Swarovski passport is in hand, you need to register it at the Swarovski boutique.  Special events will be going on in the months ahead, and the boutiques have special ‘stamps’ to mark your passport.

Good news for participants, the first level of reward is 6 stamps, the second is 10 stamps.  Prizes are awarded monthly, with the grand prize a trip to Rio de Janerio.  Who wouldn’t want to win that!
The crystal giant has created a micro-site to detail the adventure… Swarovski Passport to Sparkle.
The home page also lists how to get started, explains the various Jet Setter gifts, and highlights prizes and destinations.  There are so many different aspects of the adventure that is well worth your time to visit all the areas of the site.

The requirements to participate are minimal: no purchase is necessary, but you must be a legal resident of the US, Washington DC or Puerto Rico and at least 21 years of age.  (And naturally, the full set of rules is available at the micro-site.)

You can follow Emma on her travels in her travel blog, beginning in Paris.

Only a limited number of passports were made, so if this peaks your interest…you may want to contact your local Swarovski boutique soon!  Best of luck to all Swarovski fanatics getting involved in this contest!



Swarovski N the Skull Docking Station for iPhone 4 / 4S, a Limited Edition Exclusive

Nov 112012
 

Last year, Swarovski launched 2 Skull figurines as a part of the Soulmates group.  They are unique, and the crystal fanatics that have talked to us, don’t seem to want the Swarovski Skulls in their crystal cabinet.

After release of the Skull figurines, Swarovski began releasing men’s jewelry with the Skull motif:  pendants, cufflinks, keyrings, and more.  I found a total of 21 product offerings in the online Swarovski Shoppe when I queried “Skull”.

Recently, I found another Skull item in their store with some integrated technology.  And it’s an Online Limited Edition!  As the title of our article reveals, it is an iPhone 4 and 4S Swarovski N the Skull Docking Station.

Here’s a summary of the product taken directly from the Swarovski web site:

Limited to just 199 pieces, this unique fashion accessory makes a very special gift for modern men. Perfect for charging or transferring data to your phone, it comes with a USB cable and is compatible with the iPhone® 4 and 4S (iPhone® is a trademark of Apple Inc). The skull shines darkly in Jet Hematite crystal with a ruthenium finish metal face. It is engraved with the individual Limited Edition number.

It’s a good thing that Swarovski didn’t make too many of these….when the iPhone 5 was released in September, Apple changed the charging port from a 30-pin adapter to a “lightning” adapter.  That means that the Swarovski iPhone Skull will not work with the newest iPhone 5 models.

If you have the older iPhone 4 or 4S and are considering the purchase of a Swarovski charging station, the Swarovski Skull charger will set you back a mere $1100.  But act quickly as less than 200 N the Skull Docking Station, Swarovski Limited Online Edition are available at their web site!



Swarovski Crystal Journey – Fanatics Chat with Swarovski Designers on the 2012 Crystal Journey

Aug 242012
 

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 has concluded its trip, sad for the lucky crystal fanatics aboard.  It would have been the experience of a lifetime to be part of the trip!

On Wednesday, some of our favorite designers were on the boat, for a brief question and answer session.  In this small get-together, the artists in attendance were:

Martin Zendron, Adi Stocker, & Gabriele Stamey...Swarovski Artists

Swarovski Designers: Martin Zendron, Adi Stocker, & Gabriele Stamey

Martin Zendron is credited with over 70 designs, including the Swarovski NLE Wild Horses and 5 Swarovski AE figurines:  Swarovski Elephant, Swarovski Unicorn, Swarovski Antonio, and Swarovski Harmony (clear and colored).

Adi Stocker is credited with over 100 designs, including 3 Swarovski NLE: Swarovski Eagle, Swarovski Peacock, and Swarovski Bull; and 6 Swarovski AE:  Swarovski Woodpeckers, Swarovski Turtledoves, Swarovski Lion, Swarovski Pegasus, Swarovski Pierrot, and Swarovski Isadora.

Gabriele Stamey is credited with over 70 designs, including 2 Swarovski AE: Swarovski Dragon and  Swarovski Columbine, as well as 2 Swarovski SCS Commemorative Editions:  Swarovski 5th Anniversary Birthday Cake and Swarovski Vase of Roses.

During this gathering, it was hinted that Swarovski may cease to try reviving older designs by adding color as this concept is not all that popular with collectors.  I, for one, completely agree.  To me, it’s like taking plaid bell bottoms from the 70’s and changing the plaid to polka dots and wanting people to wear them again!

Hopefully, we can get a few more pictures and information from the final hours of the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey.



Swarovski Pointiage Swan, A Stowaway on the Swarovski 2012 Crystal Journey

Aug 232012
 

It has been reported that there is a crystal stowaway on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!  Fortunately, the stowaway is a Swarovski Masterpiece, and not something unpleasant.

So, what exactly is the stowaway?  It is a Swarovski Pointiage Swan.  This swan is approximately 16.5 cm in length, 10.5 cm high, and weights about 1.215 grams.

Swarovski Pointiage Swan, on the Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012

Swarovski Pointiage Swan, LE of 25

Besides the size, and roaming locations of the Pointiage Swan, here are some other facts we have on it.  The Swarovski Pointiage Swan is a Limited Edition of 25 units.  More than 33,350 stones were used to assemble it, which commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Swarovski SCS Club.  The designer of this Masterpiece Swan is Anton Hirzinger.

This Swarovski Swan is being auctioned off at the end of the Swarovski Crystal Journey.  The minimum bid is 4,000 Euro, which is approximately $5,025 USD.

It will be interesting to find out the winning bid (if it sells).  Hopefully we will get that information at the conclusion of the trip.  Best of luck to all Swarovski crystal fanatics who participate in the bidding!

Hopefully, we can get a few more pictures and information from the final hours of the 2012 Crystal Journey.

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of what is happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!



Swarovski Crystal Journey – Another Digest Update from Fanatics on the 2012 Crystal Journey

Aug 212012
 

The Swarovski Crystal Journey 2012 group continued on the cruise and tours.  On August 22, some crystal fanatics visited the Swarovski flagship store in Vienna.  The store is a massive 3 floors!

One well-known display at this location is the collection of 45 Eclectic Panthers.

Swarovski Eclectic Panther Display in Vienna

Swarovski Eclectic Panther - Ceralun

Swarovski Eclectic Panther - Concrete

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swarovski Experts with Chaton in Vienna Flagship Store

 

 

The Kristall Buzz has a number of articles about the Swarovski Eclectic Panthers:

Another interesting display at the flagship store is a truly giant Chaton.  This chaton measures about 11” in diameter.  If you look at the zoomed in embedded photo, a smaller chaton can be seen inside of the giant chaton!

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of die-hard collectors are enjoying on the 2012 Swarovski Crystal Journey!



Swarovski Crystal Journey – Digest Update from Fanatics on the Journey

Aug 202012
 

Swarovski fanatics on board the Tui Melodia continue their Crystal Journey with Swarovski representatives and fellow die-hard Swarovski collectors.  The estimate we heard was that there are about 120 people on this Swarovksi Crystal Journey celebration cruise.

On August 19, some cruisers toured Bratislava on an old timer mini bus.  Some of the stores seen include:  a Swarovski Boutique, and another store displaying very glittery (Swarovski?) formal wear.

Swarovski Experts on board the Tour Bus in Bratislava

Swarovski Experts Touring Bratislava

Bratislava Swarovski Store

Swarovski Store in Bratislava

The afternoon activity that day, “Crystal Tinker Workshop”, sounded REALLY cool!  Attendees received a small silver-colored box (silver representing 25 years of the SCS), adhesive, and small crystal cal stones to decorate the box with.  The box was about 4” square and 2” deep, perhaps nice to put jewelry items in.  This could be fun if Swarovski could offer workshops in conjunction with a store event! (<– Hint to Swarovski!)

Swarovski Fanatics from Delaware Decorating their Boxes

Swarovski Fanatics from Delaware at the Crystal Tinker Workshop

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz frequently this week for a brief digest of the fun things happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!



Swarovski Crystal Journey – a Digest from Fanatics on the Journey

Aug 192012
 

Swarovski has organized cruises several times for Swarovski collectors world-wide to come together buzzing about their common interest in Swarovski crystal.   In 2012, Swarovski planned another commemorative cruise, celebrating 25 years of the SCS.

This Swarovski Crystal Journey began August 17.  We know a couple of dedicated Swarovski fanatics, lucky enough to be on the cruise, who are providing us with cruise updates to share with our Kristall Buzz readers!

On Friday, guests were welcomed on board the TUI Melodia by Swarovski representatives Karin and Christine.  Gifts for the cruise attendees include:  a Medium Swan, USB Writing Pen, a small crystal on a ribbon, and the 2012 Baby Whale, signed by the designer.

Guests were Welcomed on board by Swarovski Reps Christine and Karin

Swarovski Reps Christine and Karin Greeting Guests

Saturday, some of cruise attendees selected to go on an optional side tour to Budapest.  Tourists stopped at Heroes’ Square and learned more about this historic location.

A stop a Heroes' Square allowed for a Photo Opportunity

Swarovski Experts at Heroes' Square

Be sure to check the Kristall Buzz Swarovski Blog frequently for the duration of the week-long cruise for a brief digest of what is happening on the Swarovski Crystal Journey!



Swarovski Crystal Fanatics Selling Unusual Trimlite Bear

Aug 062012
 

Here at Crystal Exchange America, we occasionally see figurines produced by Swarovski that have not been previously documented in publications written about Swarovski crystal figurines.  Not long ago, one such undocumented figurine, a Trimlite Bear, appeared in a collection that arrived here on consignment.

This recent Swarovski figurine is a crystal bear that very much resembles the Trimlite Bears that were sold in the Zales and Dillards stores in the 1980’s and 1990’s.

This newly discovered bear is approximately 1.5”’ tall.  This bear, like many  other Zales / Dillards bears, has a crystal head, crystal body, and gold-colored accents for the hat, scarf, and paws.

Swarovski Trimlite "T" Logo for Authenticity

Trimlite Logo on Bear Bottom

Zales / Dillard / Trimlite Bear Crystal Figurine

Trimlite Bear, wearing Baseball Cap Holding Red Tulips

This Trimlite bear is wearing a baseball cap covering his left ear and slightly tipped on his head.  The bear is holding 3 red tulips in his right hand / paw.  Around his neck, he is wearing a gold bow.  This bear features the Trimlite “T” logo confirming its authenticity in the gold trim underneath the body.

This Trimlite bear will be a new addition to the 2013 Warner’s Blue Ribbon Books on Swarovski: Beyond Silver Crystal Book.  Jane Warner indicates that it will be referenced using BSC2012010 in the next edition, to be released in about 8 more months.  There are presently about 15 Zales / Dillards figurines in the book.

Other Dillards / Zales bears may be found hold flowers, a candy cane, or nothing.  Some bears wear bows, bonnets, or santa-type hats.  Some wear bows, scarves, or bow-ties on their neck.

The new baseball-tulip Trimlite Bear will be available for purchase from Crystal Exchange America in the coming weeks.  The company will be checking with other Swarovski expert dealers and stores in an attempt to establish a fair selling price which is attractive to the buyer and gainful to the seller for the unusual bear figurine.

Crystal Exchange presently has a listing for the Trimlite Dillard Zales Bear “Twinkles the Sparkling Bear” on Ebay, with a Buy It Now price of $59 with FREE shipping.  Other Trimite bear figurines previously seen in the online auctions include “Joey Jingles” and “Holly”.  Both Holly and Joey Jingles are presently available at Crystal Exchange America near $125 each.

Swarovski crystal fanatics should check the site after the next inventory update near the end of August for availability.  Collectors can use the search feature to quickly find the figurine using search term ‘BSC2012010’.



Swarovski Hello Kitty 2012 Crystal Figurine Size Update

Aug 042012
 

Last week I posted about the 2012 Releases in the Swarovski Hello Kitty product line.  In the post, I included size information taken directly from the crystal brand’s own web site, but included my own questions about the accuracy of the Hello Kitty dimensions as the price seemed incredibly low for such big crystal figurines.

It is a great compliment to know that Swarovski does read our blog!  A few days after the blog article posted, I received an email from Swarovski with the correct size dimensions for each of the 2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty releases:

2012 Introductions for the Swarovski Hello Kitty Product Line

2012 Swarovski Hello Kitty Figurines

The email did not state when the web site would be updated with correct dimensions, so make a mental note of these sizes before placing your final order at the Swarovski Shoppe to avoid size-disappointment.

All Hello Kitty Swarovski fanatics can head on over to the Swarovski site for more information about the figurines and place their orders!



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