The NEW Swarovski Annual Edition & SCS Members 25th Anniversary Edition

 CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB  (CFC) - 

ALWAYS FIRST with Breaking Swarovski NEWS!

We just posted Photos of the 2012 SCS Annual Edition, as well as the 2012 SCS Members 25th Anniversary Edition in Full Color to our CFC Discussion Board.

COME JOIN Us and Take a LOOK in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES to See the 2012 New Issues. We have the Largest Collection of Swarovski issues with All the Detailed Information included for each issue.
No More Need for Outdated Collector Books.

COME JOIN the 'Crystal Fanatics'
WE are The 'Official' Premier website 

For 'CRYSTAL FANATICS' and
COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

 
© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

MORE 2011 Swarovski NEW Issues

We keep thinking, ok, the release of NEW Issues in 2011 is over. Hmmm, we need to stop thinking!
Swarovski has been continuously surprising us lately!

Here's info about some of the newest issued released in 2011:

Children's Wish Ornament - To be issued in Canada on November 17, 2011 at the Unveiling of the Toronto Christmas Tree. Swarovski and the Children's Wish Foundation issue a new ornament yearly at this Event.

Polar Bear Event Key Ring - Hong Kong Event Issue, 20mm in size, packaged in a black velvet bag. This was a 'Gift with Purchase'.

Arctic Flower Key Ring - imprinted SCS 2011, matching the other SCS Arctic issues this year.

Crystal Pixel Snowflake Ornaments (Set of 3) - Crystal Moonlight chatons are inserted into both sides of the metal, allowing the light to pass through each ornament; comes on a white satin ribbon and the set retails for $75.

Crystal Pixel Star Ornaments (Set of 3) - Crystal Moonlight chatons are inserted into both sides of the ornament, allowing the light to pass through. Shining in stainless steel with PVD gold plating, each ornament comes on a gold satin ribbon. This set also retails for $75.

SCS Loyalty Mirror - 12-sided design; measures approximately 10 inches long by 6 inches tall.
Available to SCS members only.

Take a LOOK in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES to See these New Issues. We have the Largest Photo Collection of Swarovski issues anywhere on the net, with All the Detailed Information you need for your Collection included for each issue.
No More Need for Outdated Collector Books.

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics 

at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
WE are The Only 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS - CFC - FOR COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

We keep thinking, ok, the release of NEW Issues in 2011 is over. Hmmm, we need to stop thinking!
Swarovski has been continuously surprising us lately!

Here's info about some of the newest issued released in 2011:

Children's Wish Ornament - To be issued in Canada on November 17, 2011 at the Unveiling of the Toronto Christmas Tree. Swarovski and the Children's Wish Foundation issue a new ornament yearly at this Event.

Polar Bear Event Key Ring - Hong Kong Event Issue, 20mm in size, packaged in a black velvet bag. This was a 'Gift with Purchase'.

Arctic Flower Key Ring - imprinted SCS 2011, matching the other SCS Arctic issues this year.

Crystal Pixel Snowflake Ornaments (Set of 3) - Crystal Moonlight chatons are inserted into both sides of the metal, allowing the light to pass through each ornament; comes on a white satin ribbon and the set retails for $75.

Crystal Pixel Star Ornaments (Set of 3) - Crystal Moonlight chatons are inserted into both sides of the ornament, allowing the light to pass through. Shining in stainless steel with PVD gold plating, each ornament comes on a gold satin ribbon. This set also retails for $75.

SCS Loyalty Mirror - 12-sided design; measures approximately 10 inches long by 6 inches tall.
Available to SCS members only.

Take a LOOK in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES to See these New Issues. We have the Largest Photo Collection of Swarovski issues anywhere on the net, with All the Detailed Information you need for your Collection included for each issue.
No More Need for Outdated Collector Books.

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics 

at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
WE are The 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS
CFC - FOR COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Trip Report: Swarovski Signing Event and GALA in Los Angeles, CA

Swarovski held it's annual Signing and Gala Event in Los Angeles at the Sofitel Hotel on 

October 29, 2011.
One of our CFC Members from California attended the Signing Event, featuring Swarovski Designer's Anton Hirzinger and Heinz Tabertshofer, bringing several of his pieces to be signed. While there, his partner surprised him with a special gift - the Limited Edition Bald Eagle! 

NICE Surprise!

Approximately 300 Swarovski collectors attended the signing. They were welcomed as they entered the venue with a large display of the goldtone Fortune Cookie introduced in 2010 as a Swarovski Event Gift.

 Photo taken by a Crystal Fanatics Club Member

©Copyright Crystal Fanatics Club

The Fortune Cookie was given to collectors, compliments of Swarovski. 

In addition, collectors were given clear crystal stars, as well as some decorative crystals.
While there, attendees were entertained playing Jeopardy for crystal prizes!

 
On display was the Crystal Myriad Matang, Asian Elephant, a Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) of 300, and the 2012 Crystal Myriad Longwang Dragon, NLE of 888, both designed by Heinz Tabertshofer.

Longwang Dragon

Photo taken by a Crystal Fanatics Club Member
©Copyright Crystal Fanatics Club

 
The GALA evening began with a VIP cocktail party reception and dinner.  The bar was decorated with an ice sculpture of a Polar Bear, a reminder of the Swarovski SCS Annual Edition for this year.

Ice Sculpture Polar Bear

 
SCS members were recognized for distinguishing characteristics, like youngest and oldest in attendance, and those who traveled the farthest to attend the event.
 
After dinner, they were entertained by a Lucille Ball look-alike, and other Hollywood look-alike  performers. 

The evening ended with members receiving a set of the New Swarovski Wine Glasses.

Nice Gift!

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
WE are The 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS
AND, COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL.


© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Arribas Brothers / Disney

Numerous items have been produced celebrating Walt Disney's wonderful characters, issued by Arribas Brothers, for the Disney Parks in California, Florida, Paris, and Tokyo, using only Swarovski crystals in limited, sometimes numbered, editions.

A few of them include:


The Mickey and Minnie Mouse characters!
Mickey Mouse (of course!)
This was a Limited Edition of 10,000, available only in Arribas stores in the Disney Theme Parks, issued and retiring in 1997. More than 180 pave swarovski stones were used. Mickey stands 2 5/8 inches in height, and a special crystal stand was issued for him. He retailed for $295.00. A matching limited edition Minnie was also issued.  There are many, many other Arribas issues of all the Disney characters.


In this inaugural offering, The FABULOUS FIVE ~ Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy, and Pluto miniatures were issued as a Limited Edition of 500 in a Special boxed Set that SOLD OUT in no time.
Arribas Brothers introduced this jeweled series in 1999.  These first 500 sets were specially packaged and each piece carried a special Mickey Head Logo stamp to indicate these are one of the first 500 produced. Characters produced after the first 500 were available individually. They measure approximately 2 inches in size.
Sold out on Dec 1, 1999, they retailed for $495. Today, they are worth approximately $1,000 on the secondary market, if you can find them.

Numerous paperweights, key rings, & picture frames celebrating Disneyland/Disney World anniversaries and events were also issued. You can visit http://www.arribasbrothers.com/ to see what is now a limited number these items.

Since then, Swarovski has launched its own Swarovski / Disney product line.

Take a LOOK  in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES. We have a Large Collection of the Arribas Brothers issues with All the Detailed Information included for each issue, as well as all the Swarovski Crystal issues.

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
WE are The 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS
CFC - FOR COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

The Swarovski Oliver Weber Collection

At the age of twenty-seven the famed artist, Oliver Weber, joined Swarovski and later formed his own company in retail sales of accessories, solely made with Swarovski Crystal Elements.
Especially of interest to Swarovski Crystal Fanatics are the Oliver Weber (OW) crystal figurines. These luxurious figures are created with a combination of polished and brushed rhodium, 22K polished gold-plated metal or a mixture of both. They are encrusted with pave stones with accents of enamel.

The premier piece, a family of four dolphins,issued in 1998 at a retail price of $495, took over four years to create. It is displayed on an elaborate, blue aluminum base with a thick, beveled-edge glass background of Swarovski stones forming a transparent wave.

The figurines were produced between 2001 and 2008 and included a series of animals and musical instruments.

Currrently, The Oliver Weber Collection consists of pendants and colliers, earrings, bracelets, rings, accessories, hair accessories, watches, steel, sunglasses, wallets, bags, belts and special items, based overseas.

In early 2002, Annaleece by DeVries became one of the first wholesale jewelry companies to enter the Gift Industry. Annaleece started as an offspring of Swan Seekers Network, a retired Swarovski® crystal brokerage company owned by Jimer DeVries. Annaleece now sells the figurines designed by Oliver Weber.

You can also purchase some of the  Oliver Weber Collection from Nancy Stokes, Owner of the Crystal Fox Gallery (our own crystalfoxy) & CFC Member. Nancy has a fabulous website and is a Premier Swarovski Dealer in Monterey CA, who contributes generously to the Crystal Fanatics Club website!
Crystal Fanatics Club website
We have had the pleasure to know both Jimer and Nancy for a long, long time.
In 2002, at the Anaheim Convention Collector's Show in California, Jimer introduced us to Oliver Weber personally; it was a pleasure to meet him.

You can find All the Photos of the Oliver Weber figurines in our CFC Photo Galleries.
You WON'T find all of this information in any 'collector books' for Swarovski Crystal, but all of this information & MORE is featured in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES!

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
WE are The ONLY 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS
CFC - FOR COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Swarovski Magnets

Do You Know About the Swarovski Magnets ?

In our "Happy Halloween" article, we mentioned the Swarovski Halloween Magnets.

Well, Swarovski also issued other Magnets from their Crystal Memories line of products. Most retailed for $49.50, bear the Swarovski logo, and are now retired.

They include the following: 

• My Little Hearts Magnets -   A set of  3 hearts with 3 in red and one in clear crystal. 
• Ernie the Elephant Magnet - Designed by Eva Maria Reid in Crystal Cal. 
• South Sea Magnets  - Designed by Elke Kumar. A set of sea creatures with a light blue angelfish, a Crystal Cal seahorse, a pink octopus, and a yellow butterflyfish. 
• My Little Journey Magnets includes a yellow starfish, a Crystal Cal airplane, a Crystal Cal cruise ship, and a green palm tree. 
• My Little Polar Bears Magnets - Designed by Keiko Arai. This set includes a mother polar bear and polar bear cub in Crystal Cal. 
• My Little Sheep Magnets designed by Eva Maria Reid. Consists of one black sheep and one Crystal Clear sheep.
• My Little Ocean Friends Arctic Dream Magnets - Again designed by Eva Maria Reid and includes a Crystal Cal iceberg, a Crystal Cal bear, a royal blue sea lion, and a light blue seal pup. 
• Good Luck Magnets (shown below)- Designed by Elke Kumar, set of 4 with a four leaf clover, horseshoe, heart and ladybug. 

   
These were issued in 2004 and retired in 2004 in the U.S. They were 'globally' retired in 2005.

Are there MORE of the Crystal Moments Magnets! ??
You betcha! You can see them ALL in our CFC Photo Galleries.

Swarovski also issued generic magnets in a small, white see-through box. They do not have the Swarovski logo, most were issued in 2006 and retailed for $25.00.
I have personally seen and bought them in discount retail stores like T.J. Maxx and Marshalls.


Some of them include:

• Octopus and Seahorse Magnets
• Cat & Ghost Product #1 295 599
• Fish & Octopus Product #1 270 350
• Fish and Seahorse Product #1 295 600
• Flower & Tulip Product #1 295 601
• Butterfly and Heart Product #1 295 602
• Dolphin & Whale
• Heart Magnets - Red (2) Product #1 295 636
• Palm tree and Airplane Product #1 295 611
• Sun and Cruise Ship Product #1 295 610
• Dog & Cat Magnets
• Shamrock & Horseshoe
• Bat & Jack-O-Lantern Product #1 295 604
• Starfish & Sea Shell
• Clover & Horseshoe Magnets
• Heart & Horseshoe Magnets (pictured)
• Ladybug & Heart
• Heart Magnets Set of 2 in Clear Crystal

This is just a partial list; there's LOTS MORE of these in our CFC Photo Galleries. Amazing, huh ?

You WON'T find all of this information in any retail 'collector books' for Swarovski Crystal, but all of this information & MORE is featured in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES!

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB.
WE are The ONLY 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS
CFC - FOR COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN to All CRYSTAL FANATICS !

Photo by one of our very own Crystal Fanatics Club Members
©Copyright Crystal Fanatics Club

Halloween is celebrated among Swarovski Crystal Fanatics with special limited editions and other issues to signify the Holiday. Some of these FUN items include:

Trick or Treat!  Kris Bear Halloween (pictured above) Ltd Edition
Clear crystal, Halloween Kris Bear carries a vibrant Red Topaz crystal pumpkin lantern with a silver-tone metal handle and matching pumpkin-colored bows, retailing for $100. A special limited edition, Kris retires at the end of this year.

Halloween Mo (pictured above) Ltd Edition - Designed by Edith Mair for the Lovlots product line, "Halloween Mo", created in Red Topaz crystal with Jet crystal highlights, is a limited one-time production and was only available from October 1 - October 31, 2009.

My Little Halloween Friends, Designed by Keiko Arai, are Magnets produced in the Crystal Moments line, depicting a pumpkin in Sun crystal, a bat in Chemojet crystal with Citrine crystal eyes, a cat in Chemojet crystal with Crystal Sahara eyes, and a ghost in clear crystal with Aquamarine crystal eyes. They were issued and retired in 2005.

Glenn The Ghost, Designed by Elke Kumar, another Magnet, again designed for the Crystal Moments line. Glenn is a metal-backed magnet in faceted clear crystal with eyes in Chemojet crystal. He was also issued in 2005 and retired in 2005.

Did You Know?
Swarovski issued a whole series of Magnets. I'll tell you all about them in another article, Coming Soon!


COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
WE are The ONLY 'Official' Premier website For CRYSTAL FANATICS
CFC - FOR COLLECTORS OF SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Breaking Swarovski NEWS! The 2012 NEW Issues

IF you are not a Member of the Crystal Fanatics Club (CFC), you are Missing out!
We just posted 30 NEW Photos of the 2012 NEW Issues on the Boards & in our FABULOUS CFC Photo Gallery. 

They include:

• 2012 Annual Edition & Cub
• 2012 Event piece
• SCS 25th Anniversary Limited Edition!
• 2012 Lovlots
• 2012 Happy Ducks
• 2012 Mo
• 2012 Kris Bear
• 2012 Disney

And MORE!


CFC - ALWAYS FIRST with Breaking Swarovski NEWS!
Come JOIN US!
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com/

The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Swarovski Kristallwelten a/k/a Crystal Worlds

In 1995, during Swarovski's Centenary Year of Celebration, Kristallwelten, better known as Swarovski Crystal Worlds opened in Wattens, Austria. Designed by Austrian multi-media specialist Andre Heller, today Crystal Worlds is a worldwide must-see visit, managing to become a globally-recognized work of art.


A water-spouting 'Giant' magically lures visitors into the entrance. Inside you will find room after room of an astounding array of crystal displays. You will also find a fantastic stage for cultural events, the world’s biggest Swarovski shop and the CAFÉ-terra, where you can enjoy food and drink. Outside, a creatively designed park invites you to a maze, an alpine garden, art objects and a panoramic view of the Austrian mountainside.

The VIP Lounge
Shopping highlights include your opportunity to purchase limited and exclusive crystal products that are only available from the SCS VIP lounge in Wattens.
The Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) unites more than 350,000 people from all over the world, who all share the same passion for Swarovski crystal. As a member of the SCS, you will receive VIP treatment when visiting Crystal Worlds. Not only do you have free admission, but you will be greeted by a drink of your choice and a small Welcome Gift.
Special attention is devoted to the "Wall of Fame". Admire the sparkling display of all Silver Crystal collectors’ issues since 1976, as well as all the Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) Annual Editions since 1987.
   
The glittering shopping world of the Swarovski Crystal Worlds, newly designed by Conran & Partners in the Autumn of 2007, is the biggest Swarovski shop in the world. The Conran & Partners concept guides you through night, dawn and into broad daylight, where you will find a unique selection of Swarovski products. Bring Money! :)

The Swarovski Crystal Worlds is only a few minutes away by car from Innsbruck (Don't miss the sites in Innsbruck either, as well as the newly designed Swarovski store there).
A shuttle bus from Innsbruck is also available.  The shuttle runs from 9 am until 5 pm daily, every 2 hours, from Innsbruck to the Crystal Worlds and back. 
Kristallwelten is open Daily from 9:00 am until 6:30 pm.

Admission Prices
Single ticket:     9,50 Euro
Group price of min. 10 people:     8,00 Euro
Accompanied children up to 12 years:     Free
Members of the Swarovski Crystal Society:    Free
Crystal Worlds Shop without exhibition:     Free

Swarovski Kristallwelten
Kristallweltenstraße 1
A-6112 Wattens, Austria

Telephone: +43 (0)5224 51080
Fax: +43 (0)5224 51080-3831
www.swarovski.com/kristallwelten

WANT to KNOW MORE About Swarovski ?
COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Swarovski Julia's World

Julia's World 

Figurines issued in the late 80's, based on a book by Julia Limpke, and only distributed by Swarovski of America Ltd (SAL). There are 9 pieces of frosted boys and girls, all featured in the book, and discontinued in 1992. Original issue prices ranged from $29.50 to $55.00. A JW logo can be found on each piece, and Julia Limpke is also credited with designing each whimsical child.


Figurines Shown on lit Dealer Display Stand
©Copyright Crystal Fanatics Club

 

Pieces include:

• Julia
• Julia with Mandolin
• Lena and Pepi seated on a clear crystal Bench (3 separate pieces)
• Lena with Lute
• Marian
• Pepi & Mopsy (2 separate pieces)
• Pepi with Drum
• Sali
• Sali with Accordion

At CrystalFanaticsClub.com, you will find Photos of ALL the Swarovski Issues in our FABULOUS Photo Galleries, featuring Photos in Full Color, the Swarovski Product Name, Product Number, Designer, Current Value, Year of Issue and Retirement (if applicable) for every issue.
No More Need for outdated Collector Books.

Come JOIN The Crystal Fanatics
Crystal Fanatics Club
The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

What is the Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) ?

In 1987,  The Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) was founded, in response to countless requests from crystal lovers all over the world.

The "Lovebirds", designed by Max Schreck and Adi Stocker, the only annuals ever produced by two designers, becomes the first annual limited edition, at a retail issue price of $150.00. Estimated Value today? $3500.00!  This piece is much sought after by Crystal Fanatics.
Interestingly enough, Adi Stocker is not allowed to sign this piece at any of the current Swarovski Events or Galas; that is if you get the rare chance to see him. Adi is no longer designing for Swarovski, but is working as the Director of the Swarovski Design Team.

What began as a small group of SCS collectors now has a membership in excess of 350,000 + members worldwide.
Members benefit from unique offers, events, sneak previews, and the opportunity to purchase the Annual Edition issues, as well as receiving the Swarovski Magazine, issued quarterly.  We often joke about the Swarovski Magazine, as members of the  Crystal Fanatics Club have known about any announcements, previews, and new issues, long before receiving the Magazine.

Swarovski is planning to celebrate their 25th anniversary of the SCS with a very special journey for SCS members along the Danube River August 17 - 26, 2012.

We are often asked, just what is Swarovski Crystal? so FYI:
"Swarovski Silver Crystal" vs. "Rock Crystal" vs. "man-made crystal" .... Swarovski Silver Crystal is "man-made" and produced by combining a variety of different minerals, including quartz and lead oxide. The manufacturing process uses full lead crystal containing more than 30% lead oxide, producing a crystal with a "deep color spectrum".
"Rock crystal", on the other hand, is a semiprecious stone, considered a mineral quartz, that occurs naturally. Therefore, "Swarovski Silver Crystal produces a more brilliant color than natural rock crystal.

Want to KNOW More About Swarovski ?
Come JOIN The Crystal Fanatics
Crystal Fanatics Club
The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Happy Halloween !

Happy Halloween!


Shown here: Swarovski's 2011 Halloween Kris Bear and 2009 Halloween Mo Ltd Editions
Photo designed by one of our very own Crystal Fanatics

Swarovski crystal fanatics love to party. Attending a Masquerade or Halloween party this year?
Well, Swarovski produced four stunning limited edition masks from their Jeweler’s Collection line that you can actually wear (carefully). 

The first mask was issued in 1999, as a limited edition of 2000.  A numbered certificate is included, and the crystal stones are hand set and bonded into the frame of the mask.  It comes in a satin-like Swarovski box in burgundy.  The Swarovski 1999 Mask retailed for $350 and sells for approximately $450 in the secondary market.

The second mask came out in 2000.  It was a limited edition of 3000 pieces.  The certificate included with it is also numbered.  This mask has a detachable hand-held handle and the satin-like Swarovski box is grey in color. It retailed for $375 and sells in the $450 price range on the secondary market.

The third mask was issued in 2001, also a limited edition of 3000 pieces.  Again, the certificate included with it is numbered.   Clear crystal and yellow crystal stones decorate this mask. The satin-like Swarovski box is an iridescent lavender in color.  It retailed for $395 and sells for approximately $475 on the secondary market.

The final mask was produced in 2002.  It was a limited edition of 2500 pieces.  This is primarily known as the Butterfly Mask with a numbered certificate.  The satin-like Swarovski box is blue in color and it retailed for $375. It  sells in the $500 price range on the secondary market.

At CrystalFanaticsClub.com, you will find Photos of ALL the Swarovski Issues in our FABULOUS Photo Galleries, featuring Photos in Full Color, the Swarovski Product Name, Product Number, Designer, Current Value, Year of Issue and Retirement (if applicable) for every issue.
No More Need for outdated Collector Books.

Have a Safe and FUN Halloween !
Crystal Fanatics Club is a website devoted to Collectors of Swarovski Crystal.
COME JOIN our avid collectors and knowledgeable members from all over the world.
We WELCOME Your Participation!
Crystal Fanatics Club







The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Crystal Signatures is better known as Ebeling & Reuss (E&R), made with Swarovski Crystal, dating back to the early 80's. Some of these pieces are valuable and very much sought after by our Crystal Fanatics.

They came boxed in the same old round Swarovski tube you are accustomed to seeing, only in blue, with "crafted by D. Swarovski & Co., Wattens Austria" in writing on the package. They are all retired and have the "signature S" logo on them.

Some facts about E & R:

• Issue prices for the "Wilderness Collection' an animal series that is highly sought after, ranged from $110 to $140, with values presently between $350 to $475.00.
• E&R also produced tiny vases known as "The Petite Floral Collection", and a lot of them were  found in the Hallmark stores. This is a series of seven pieces produced and discontinued in the '80's. Issue price was $40.00 to $45.00 and they are valued between $200.00 and $400.00.
• And then there was "The Arctic Collection"; (again, 80's timeframe) these are tiny pieces portraying penguins, seals, eskimos, etc., most of which are on ice floats. Issue price for this series was $25; values range between $100 and $150.00.
• Other collections include 'Childhood Memories' and the 'Circus Collection' that has some have colorful accents.
  
•  And last but not least, we have "The Whimsical Collection" also produced and ended in the 80's, mostly frosted figurines, issued at $35 each with values from $100 to $150.00.

At CrystalFanaticsClub.com, you will find Photos of ALL the Swarovski Issues in our FABULOUS Photo Galleries, featuring Photos in Full Color, the Swarovski Product Name, Product Number, Designer, Current Value, Year of Issue and Retirement (if applicable) for every issue.
No More Need for outdated Collector Books.

Come JOIN The Crystal Fanatics
Crystal Fanatics Club
The Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Why Do You Want to JOIN the Crystal Fanatics Club ?

    The Crystal Fanatics Club's (CFC) membership consists mainly of Swarovski's most prolific collectors. Many of them have collections numbering in the hundreds, even thousands of pieces, displayed throughout their homes. And, yes, our membership also reflects some of our newest collectors, and even those who have smaller, unique collections. But we all have one thing in common - 'Friendship'
julie's photo
CFC's members do not only 'just collect Swarovski Crystal'.  In the past 11 1/2 years, many fond friendships have been made among its members. Some of us even consider some members as their Best Friends. Here's a few examples:

•   A member from Scotland now resides with a USA member, as a result of the friendship formed at CFC.
•  Another member from Canada visited a member from Australia for a 3 week stay. They 'met' on CFC, as is the case with most of the friendships formed as a result of being a CFC member. We are proud of this fact.
• A member from Australia has always called a U.S. member 'Sis'. They finally met 11 years after the Australian member first joined CFC.
• To celebrate our 10th Anniversary, a member from Canada painstakenly put together a 47 page Photo Album of all our CFC Events & Gatherings during the past 10 years.
• One of our youngest members recently had a heart transplant. The generosity of the Fanatics was overwhelming.
  

        Members are 'friends' with others from all over the world. Many of them visit each other often, despite the distances between them. The 'common bond' began with collecting Swarovski Crystal, but the end result created friendships we cherish, making CFC a truly worldwide 'community'.

Did You Know?
Those members who participate as Administrators and Chat Monitors do so as volunteers out of the goodness of their hearts.

So, How Do We Feel About Swarovski ?

    We have noted that many of the members of the Swarovski family refer to our collections as 'kitschy'; it is a very good example of what 'rankles our feathers'.  In general, collectors feel that Swarovski is obsessed with the fashion industry, and since we have such bad taste to buy their 'kitschy products' in the first place, our opinions aren't worthy.            
          The members at CFC have a wide knowledge base; some believe they are able to obtain more information from CFC than from Swarovski and/or the employees at their company stores, or anywhere else on the Internet.

        Many of us would like to see changes for the SCS membership. Some examples include:

• A more focused Collector's magazine that is received in a timely manner, and the return of the Gala Events worldwide.
• Many of us are still reeling from losing our Authorized Dealers in favor of Swarovski Company stores.
• Many of us have discontinued purchasing every issue (as was done in the past) because of too many new issues and continuous escalating prices. Now we just purchase what we like.
• Because of declining secondary values and escalating prices, many collectors are selling off their collections.
• We are sincerely tired of repetitive 'new issues'.

On the other hand, many of our Collectors really like:

• The colored Crystal Collections; ie., Lovlots, the Mo's, Soulmates, and the Paradise Collection.
• The Annual Edition Collector's piece and the Annual Edition Ornaments
• We love the quest for searching and finding that perfect old Swarovski issue! Some of our members are avid Trimlite collectors; others love collecting the old paperweights.
  
• We love to meet the Designers and have our pieces signed.

So, What Does Swarovski really mean to CFC?
Simply, a way to share our passion for Collecting Swarovski Crystal, but first and foremost, our most important, intrinsic value is 'Friendship'.

Want to Know More About CFC and Swarovski ?
Come JOIN US! You will receive a Warm Welcome from our Members.
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com

The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

'A CRYSTAL CHRISTMAS' INSPIRED BY SWAROVSKI

For the first time ever, Swarovski will be joining forces with Harrods this Christmas to dazzle shoppers in London with iconic Christmas window designs.  ‘A Crystal Christmas'  will bring shoppers an exclusive range of Limited Edition luxury gifts for 2011.

On November 5th, Harrods will unveil a spectacular window display that will convey an enchanted crystal forest. Customers will be invited to visit this unique winter wonderland to experience 'The World of Swarovski'.
The fantasy backdrop will be home to many of the showcased Exclusive and Limited Edition Crystal Christmas products. We can hardly wait to see what will be offered.
Highlighted in the central windows on the ground floor will be an exclusive Swarovski Christmas Boutique.

Each of Harrods' seven floors will have its own individual 'Crystal Christmas' area, especially designed to highlight the exclusive collection of unique pieces. The range of products made with Swarovski Elements includes food, clothing, decorations, & bed linens, all produced by internationally acclaimed brands such as: Azzaro, Frette, LADURÉE, Barbour, Givenchy and Missoni. The Atelier Swarovski collection by Rodrigo Otazu will also be featured.

The 'World of Swarovski' at Harrods will dazzle with a program of interactive events for the entire family. This initial unveiling is just a glimpse of the excitement and celebration that will follow the official launch of ‘A Crystal Christmas' on November 5th.


About Swarovski
Swarovski has grown to be the world’s leading producer of precision-cut crystal for fashion, jewelry and more recently lighting, architecture and interiors. Today, the company, still family-owned and run by 4th and 5th generation family members, has a global reach with some 23,000 employees, a presence in over 120 countries and sales in 2010 of 2.06 billion Euros.
Swarovski’s own brand lines of accessories, jewelry and home décor items are sold through more than 1,900 retail outlets worldwide.
The Swarovski Crystal Society has close to 325,000 members across the world, keen collectors of the celebrated crystal figurines.
And in Wattens, Swarovski Kristallwelten, a multi-media crystal museum, was opened in 1995 to celebrate Swarovski’s 100th Anniversary. It has since become a popular, you don't-want-to-miss tourist attraction in Austria.

About Crystal Fanatics Club

Established In 1999, Crystal Fanatics Club (CFC) is currently celebrating our 12th Anniversary as the PREMIERE site on the Web for Swarovski Collectors. We are a friendly, caring and eclectic mixture of people from all over the world!  For a modest subscription fee, we offer extensive Photo Galleries, Discussion Boards and Weekly Live Chats hosted from all around the world. CFC is a great place to "meet" like-minded crystal collecting friends to discuss your favorite products.

There are currently MORE THAN 9,000 Photos in our Photo Galleries, featuring ALL the info you need to know about every Swarovski issue, displayed in Full Color. A complete description is posted to each Photo in the Gallery, including ALL the Values for your Retired Swarovski Crystal.
FREE with your Membership!
No More Need for Costly and Outdated Annual Books to document your Collection ! 

COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics
The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal
 

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

An Exclusive Retail Design from Swarovski: The ‘Crystal Forest’

 AN EXCLUSIVE RETAIL DESIGN: The ‘Crystal Forest’

Swarovski's Blue and Red retail architecture is finally being replaced in more than 1,700 Swarovski boutiques in all major fashion capitals around the world. Swarovski has created a fresh showcase to highlight its own branded collections of crystal jewelery, fashion accessories, and home decor objects.

As Robert Buchbauer, member of the Swarovski family and the Executive Board, comments: "Swarovski is committed to presenting the sparkling world of crystal to our consumers in a way that exceeds their expectations.”


Swarovski’s “Crystal Forest”, designed in collaboration with Tokujin Yoshioka, the 2007 Design Miami - Designer of the Year award winner, who gave the creative inspiration for the new retail architecture.

Outside the boutique, the concept interprets the ‘Crystal Forest’ using a myriad of stainless steel prisms.

Inside the boutique, the ‘Crystal Forest’ has walls textured featuring reflective white prisms to create the illusion of an organic crystal forest.  Signature elements include an impressive Crystal Swan behind the cash register and Crystal Strand panels at the entrance.  An exclusive lacquer developed for Swarovski adds a glowing sparkle to furniture, with the mirror finish in stainless steel. Completing these striking elements, a modern beehive-shaped Chrysalis chandelier hangs from the ceiling.

The 'Crystal Forest' design concept made its global debut in Tokyo in March 2008 and in November 2009, opened in the United States on the Magnificent Mile of Chicago. 

Lighting is a key feature of the new architecture. The ambient lighting creates a soft atmosphere within the boutique. In a captivating play of light and shade, the gleam from the LED illumination in the showcases hits figurines and jewelery from multiple angles.

'Crystal Forest’ is a multi-sensory experience which gives visitors the chance to immerse themselves in the seductive brilliance and infinite depth of crystal. "Swarovski boutiques are unique magical places and the new retail architecture will ultimately make the brand a tangible crystal experience focused on pleasing the senses", concludes Robert Buchbauer.


LEARN ALL ABOUT SWAROVSKI !
COME JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB
The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal


© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Swarovski and the Famous Maker Perfume Bottles

Famous Maker Swarovski Perfume Bottles 



Aura, Issued in collaboration with Clarins Fragrance Group
Perfume created by perfumers, Jean-Pierre Bethouart and Olivier Cresp. Bottle for the fragrance was designed by Gwenaël Nicolas.  Issued: January 2011

- Lancome Special Editions ~ 3 special edition Lancome Tresor Perfume Bottles were issued from 1994 to 1997; all three editions look pretty much the same, fashioned after Lancome's Tresor perfume bottles, but made, of course, with Swarovski Crystal, in special packaging. These were limited, numbered editions ranging at issue price from $250.00 (1994) to $325.00 (1997).  All are now closed editions.

- Yves St Laurant, introduced and closed in 1996, Ltd ed. of 6,233, in special packaging. Swarovski and the number are etched on an aerosol bottle, retailing for $325.  Again, yet another issue was introduced and closed in 1998, a flacon that had design problems. Issue price was $350.00. 

- Jewel Perfume, introduced in 1997, a limited edition of 10,000, issued by Designer Perfum Ltd.
Numbered and packaged in a blue velvet box, & sold in the U.S. only.  A Diamond-shaped crystal flacon with a 24K gold-plated stand, now retired.

- Laura Biagiotti Roma Perfume, sold only in Europe as a limited edition with very limited distribution due to production problems. Introduced and closed in 1997, current value is $850.00, if you can find one!

- LaPrairie BRILLIANCE Silver RAIN Perfume Bottle, Ltd Ed. of 1,000
Bottle designed with 3,000 Swarovski Crystals

- Madam Gres Perfume, two different issues, one in pink and one in green, Limited to 5000 pieces.
Issued & Retired in 2003.

- Thierry Mugler 15th Anniversary Angel Perfume, designed by Cecile Henri.
Swarovski joined forces with Thierry Mugler to mark the 15th anniversary of his Angel perfume. A crystallized 400 ml flacon was presented in all its glittering glory at the Luxe Pack Fair in Monaco in October 2006.

More Swarovski-designed perfume bottles, including those listed here, can be seen in our FABULOUS CFC Photo Galleries.

At CrystalFanaticsClub.com, you will find Photos of ALL the Swarovski Issues in our FABULOUS Photo Galleries, featuring Photos in Full Color, the Swarovski Product Name, Product Number, Designer, Current Value, Year of Issue and Retirement (if applicable) for every issue.
No More Need for outdated Collector Books.

Come JOIN The Crystal Fanatics
Crystal Fanatics Club
The Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Swarovski Lovlots 'Gang of Dogs'

The very successful, Swarovski Lovlots, introduced the 'Gang of Dogs' in 2008 with colorful portrayals of some of our favorite doggies.

Peppino - a Basset Hound, designed by Edith Mair, Product #9100 000 108 / 935 720, in fully faceted Light Smoked Topaz crystal with a Snout in faceted clear crystal, and Jet Crystal Eyes .
A Limited number of signed pieces were available at Swarovski online under a different product number: 1070449 -  

Issued: 2008 / Still Currently Available.

Different boxes issued with Peppino

Salvatore - Great Dane  Designer: Edith Mair
Great Dane in fully faceted Jet crystal with Indicolite crystal collar and eyes in Jet crystal.
Issued: 2008 / Retires 2011 

Tomasino - Bulldog  Designer: Stefanie Nederegger
Jet Nut Crystal with a snout in Smokey Quartz colored crystal.
Issued: 2008 / Retires 2011

Tomaso - Large Bulldog  Designer: Stefanie Nederegger
Tomasino's older brother. Crystal Satin with Smoky Quartz snout.
Issued: 2008 / Retired 2010

Violetta Poodle - Limited Edition  Designer: Stefanie Nederegger
Faceted Violet Crystal with neck and tail in clear crystal; Jet Crystal eyes. Only Available in 2008.

Newest Editions This Year :

Scottie , retailing at $110, Scottie sparkles in Erinite crystal with Platinum White eyebrows and a Bordeaux crystal collar.
Coco is Peppino’s little brother. Sparkling in Lavender crystal with an Air Blue Opal crystal tail and ears, retails for $60.

At CrystalFanaticsClub.com, you will find Photos of ALL the Swarovski Issues in our FABULOUS Photo Galleries, featuring Photos in Full Color, the Swarovski Product Name, Product Number, Designer, Current Value, Year of Issue and Retirement (if applicable) for every issue.
No More Need for outdated Collector Books.

Come JOIN The Crystal Fanatics
Crystal Fanatics Club
The Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

The Swarovski Trimlite Frosty Friends

The Trimlite Frosty Friends have a much different look than most Trimlite pieceswe have written about in the past. Unlike most of the Trimlite product line, the 'Frosty Friends' have no gold-tone trim surrounded by crystals, but were produced using a single crystal component.

The top half is frosted crystal and the bottom half is molded in faceted crystal.

There are five critters that make up the Frosty Friends theme group, and each of them measure 1” to 1.5” in height.

Frosty Friends Chick – 52603, (shown) a frosted bird, hatching from a clear faceted egg.
Duck– 52601, a frosted duck atop a clear faceted base.
Fish – 52602 a frosted fish atop a clear faceted base.
Owl – 52605. The owl is the only figurine to have colored, faceted eyes; the others have tiny black eyes.
Sparrow – 52604 - a frosted bird atop a clear faceted base.

All the Swarovski Frosty Friends were introduced in 1985, retailed for $20 each, and retired in 1988. None of them appear to have a Swarovski logo.

You can SEE PHOTOS of all these issues in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERY!

Want to Learn More About your Swarovski Collection?
Come JOIN The Crystal Fanatics
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com

The 'Official' Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.