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Showing posts with label Daniel Swarovski. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Daniel Swarovski. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

The Swarovski Clocks

While Swarovski may be best known for its crystal figurines, they also make functional items as well. Some of the most useful are the Swarovski Clocks.

Swarovski issued time pieces of elegance in the Silver Crystal line; some of the oldest clocks were produced from 1987 through 1992.

  • Swarovski Athena Clock
  • Belle Époque Clock
  • Colosseum Clock (only available in the European market); in addition a 'special edition' had a religious motif on it
  • El Dorado Clock (only available in the European market)
  • Napoleon Clock
  • Polar Star Clock

Worth mentioning also is the Solaris Clock, 1998-2004 originally in the Silver Crystal line & later moved to Crystal Home Accessories in 2002.

These clocks were available, with the exception of the Solaris, in 2 different metal finishes in gold and rhodium. They were also available with 3 different faces, allowing you to choose one of 3 styles:

  • Alarm face - a simple face with roman numerals
  • Date face - had numbers 1-31 instead of the “3” on the face to indicate the day of the month
  • Moon Dial face - also had roman numerals, but other dials on the face also indicated the phase of the moon.

Each clock had ‘Swarovski’ printed across the face.

Seiko precision clock movements were used in what was then known as the Selection product line (now Home Interiors) and included:

  • Enigma Carriage Clock: 1992 – 1998 Limited Edition of 6450 units with a removable base
  • Helios Table Clock: 1992 – 2004 Roman numerals are displayed in the crystal component & of note is the fact that the number four on this clock is a III rather than IV.
  • Curacao Table Clock: 1995 – 2000 clear crystal with a beautiful a blue natural Sodalith stone displayed on the front of it.
  • Providence Table Clock: 1998 – 2003 this was a numbered edition & the most expensive clock, retailing at $850.
  • Allegra Pendulum Clock: 1999 – 2004 numbered pendulum clock, done in an art deco style.
  • Op Art Clock: 2002 – 2004 conical crystal with classic long facets; funky abstract décor without any numbers on the clock face & two drop-shaped metal front feet. The Artist's signature, Anna Gili, is engraved on the back of the clock. This issue had different product numbers assigned for pieces issued in the U.S.A. & Europe.

Swarovski made a single clock in the Daniel Swarovski Home Accessories product line, the Cadence Table Clock, from 2002 – 2005. This clock has the Daniel Swarovski logo on it.

Swarovski also issued a few non-functioning clocks in the Crystal Moments (formerly Crystal Memories) product line:
an Alarm Clock 1998 – 2002 and Mantle Clock: 1996 – 2001
Functioning clocks in the Crystal Moments product line were part of the 'Secrets' theme group & they opened, hiding a 'secret clock' inside:

  • Book Clock : 1999 – 2003
  • Gift Clock: 1997 – 2004
  • Globe Clock: 1997 – 2004
  • Handbag Clock: 1997 – 2004

A Kris Bear functioning Clock in this line was also issued from 1997 – 2002. Kris wears a green & red ribbon.

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Saturday, August 13, 2011

Swarovski Trimlite Marching Band & Trimlite Clowns

Trimlite, issued by Swarovski  from 1982 to 1988 was only available in the US and Canada.
The "T" logo is stamped into the metal on each piece. Most came in the Giftware Suite packaging and there were no Certificates.

The Trimlite Marching Band has 7 pieces, and even a VERY rare Display Stand.
The Display Stand measures 14"W x 6"H x 6-1/2"D  & is currently valued (CV) in excess of $225.00.
Each of the groups below belonged to the "Circus Clowns and Marching Band" Theme group.

The Marching Band has life-like instrumentalists, each with a goldtone head & body; accented by a large faceted crystal body.
They are:

  • Band Leader
  • Saxophone player
  • Tuba player
  • Trumpet player
  • Trombone player
  • Drummer
  • Cymbal player
All of them were issued in 1984 & retired in 1986. The Trimlite Band figurines retailed for $25 - $50 each. 

Swarovski issued six Trimlite clowns
They were introduced in 1983 and retired in 1988.
Likewise, a RARE Clown Display Stand was issued measuring 7"H x 10"D in the form of a Circus Ring.
The 6 Trimlite Clowns were designed much the same way as the Marching Band.
They were:

  • Trimlite Tall Clown
  • Roller Skating Clown
  • Clown on Tricycle
  • Clown with Umbrella
  • Clown Juggler
  • Clown with Cannon

All the Trimlite clowns represent typical clown identities, wearing funny clown hats with supersized clown feet.  Some are performing their particular circus skill, and they make you smile.

Currently, you would pay $200 to $300 each in the secondary market for any of these issues, IF they are mint in box (MIB).  You can see all these figurines in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES.

It is worth mentioning that the production quality of crystal figurines has vastly changed since the 80's.  It is not unusual to see rough edges, nicks or chips on the crystal, and due to the age of the figurines, you may find the gold has possibly dulled, tarnished, or even chipped off.  After all, we are talking about hard-to find, 30 year old figurines!

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Monday, July 11, 2011

The Swarovski Designers

Here's some information about some of our favorite designers of Swarovski Crystal.  Most of the Designers seem to have one thing in common: they trained at the College of Glassmaking in Kramsach, Tyrol, Austria.

Adi Stocker

After completing his education at the renowned College of Glassmaking in Kramsach, Tyrol, he moved to the USA, where he worked at the P. Herrmann glass studio in New Hampshire.
One of the most friendly and interested designers, Adi is probably also the most well known of all the designers, coming to Swarovski in 1988.
He designed the first Annual Edition trilogy and then designed the two major Limited Edition pieces for Swarovski - the Eagle and the Peacock. He also designed the AE Lion, the Ltd Ed. Eagle and Peacock, AE Pegasus, AE Pierrot and Isadora, as well as the Dumbos in 1987 and 1988. Next to Max Schreck, Adi has designed the most creations, but no longer works as a Designer. He is a Director of the Swarovski Design Team and many collectors were disappointed that he would no longer attend the Designer Events.
He lives in the Austrian Tyrol with his wife, Johanna.

Elisabeth Adamer

Attended a 4-year vocational school for arts and crafts in Innsbruck, Elisabeth Adamer graduated from Glasfachschule Kramsachthis, a specialized glass arts school with a degree in design in 2002.
Designer of 2006 Mother, Brother and SCS Sister Bear, and the
2010 Annual Edition Tiger.
Joined Swarovski in November 2004

Anton Hirzinger

Studied at the world-renowned College of Glassmaking in Kramsach.
Anton joined Swarovski in 1986, spending several years demonstrating the art of glass-cutting and engraving for visitors to the Crystal Shop in Wattens.  In 1991, he became a Designer.
He designed the logo pieces for Swarovski - the Maxi Swan and the 1995 Centenary Swan, and many more pieces. He is the designer of the Harlequin AE - his first annual edition piece.
Anton Hirzinger has two children and lives in the Austrian Tyrol.

Peter Heidegger

From the Tyrol
Worked for Swarovski since 1990
Joined the Design Team in May 2006
First Design: The Kaolas
Also designed Lovlots Emily and Max

Edith Mair

Attended the College of Glassmaking in Kramsach
Born in the Austrian Tyrol, Edith joined Swarovski in 1990 and her first creation was the Roe Deer Fawn.
She began the Fairy Tales series with Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf. Her Sweetheart piece has also been very popular. Other notable designs are the Chimpanzee, St. Bernard, Sweetheart Jewel Box and the Tortoises. She has not yet come to the US for any signing events.

Stefanie Nederegger

Attended the College of Glassmaking and Design in Kramsach.
Joined Swarovski in November 2004.
Stefanie is the designer of the exotic Orchid Blossom and  Orchids, as well as the Mare.

Dominic Schöpf

Born and grew up in the Tyrolean Oberland, where he still lives today.
Joined Swarovski in 2005
Designer of the 2007 Rabbits, Lovlots Gracy, Lt Topaz Seahorses, and the Lt Siam Butterfly Fish.

Gabriele Stamey

Gabriele Stamey was born on May 22, 1956, in Worgl, a small town in the foothills of the Austrian Tyrol. From an early age, she decided to follow her chosen vocation as an artist. After an intensive four-year course of study at the world famous technical school for glass craft and design in Kramsach, she began her career specializing in free-blown goblets. Between 1978 and 1986 she established a name for herself as a freelance glass designer. In 1986, she was one of the first women to join Swarovski's design team, where she soon won recognition with her designs for Silver Crystal. Many Silver Crystal lovers still remember Gabriele Stamey's first designs: the  Miniature Cockerel, Miniature Hen and the three Baby Chicks from the Barnyard Friends series. She then designed a magnificent interpretation of the Santa Maria. The 1997 AE Dragon was her first creation for Swarovski Collectors Society, followed by Columbine in 2000.
Once married to Michael Stamey, Gabriele still works at Swarovski, but no longer works as a Designer.

Michael Stamey

After completing his education at the renowned Technical College of Glassmaking in Kramsach, Michael Stamey went on to study marine biology.
Michael Stamey has contributed substantially to the success of the SCS and joined Swarovski in 1977. He is the designer for all three pieces of the second Annual Edition Trilogy, Mother and Child series.
Most of the ocean fish/shell pieces have been designed by Michael, as well as the Apple, Pear, Tiger, Whale, AE Kudu (1994), Giant Mallard, Maxi Dolphin, the Up In The Trees Series, the Orchids and the Rose.
One of his absolute creative highlights was a chandelier for the Palace of Versailles.
Following his divorce in 1995, Michael Stamey moved back to the United States, and now lives in Orlando, FL.
Michael is well loved by Collectors, and we were sorry to see him leave Swarovski in 2007.

Heinz Tabertshofer

Heinz worked in the Production Dept before becoming a Swarovski Designer. For almost twenty years, the talented toolmaker played a leading role in the production of Silver Crystal items, making tools for the production of Swarovski models, and engravings.
His first piece, the German Shephard, was designed in 1999. The Fighting Fish is his favorite piece.
His designs include the Cobra, Camel,  Grizzly and Cockatoo.
Born in the Austrian Tyrol, Heinz Tabertshofer lives in Wattens with his wife and two children.

Martin Zendron

Born in the Tyrol, Zendron graduated from the world-renowned College of Glassmaking and Design in Kramsach, Austria.
In 1988 Martin became a designer for Swarovski.
Martin created the very popular AE Elephant along with the AE Unicorn, Kris Bear pieces, some Ornaments, the Sleigh and Santa, Harp, Lute, Saxophone, Piano, the Stallions, and Oriental Flacon. In 2001, he designed the 2001 Ltd Ed. Wild Horses, and the 2003 AE Antonio. He has attended  signings worldwide.
Zendron, an avid diver,  is now a Director for the Design Team at Swarovski and is no longer designing pieces for Swarovski.

Other well-known designers include:

Max Schreck
Max Schreck was the first recognized designer - his creation, the Mouse in 1976 designed from chandelier parts, began the whole animal figurine series. This led to everything else! Max also created the Annual Edition Lovebirds with the assistance of Adi Stocker. But now Max is given full credit for designing the Lovebirds. Mr. Schreck  passed away in 1997 and it is believed he never signed any of his creations. His designs number over 80 including the paperweights and candleholders, Treasure Boxes and so many of the animals! Most of Max's designs, if not all, have been retired.



Other known designers include:
Keiko Arai

Joel Desgrippes (Selection)
Mario Dilitz
Nicole Dupont
Ysmine Hurel
Hermann Koch
Elke Kumar
Julia Limpke - Julia's World Collection
Alessandro Mendini - Daniel Swarovski Collection
Kurt Mignon
Darko Mladenovic
Andree Putnam
Anton Poppinger
Andre Putman
Eva Marie Ried
Claudia Schneiderbauer
Roland Schuster
Borek Sipek
Ettore Sottsass
Ludwig Redl
Stefano Ricci
Sharon & Steven Weinberg
Verena Castelein

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

For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Daniel Swarovski Crystal Product line

About the Daniel Swarovski Crystal Product line

Daniel Swarovski Art Objects ~ 3 well-known Italian designers were commissioned to produce this line of products: Ettore Sottsass, Alessandro Mendini, and Stefano Ricci. All studied architecture before turning their talents to crystal. Each piece is signed and numbered, and issued with the artist's signature, as well as Mr. Helmuth Swarovski's signature. If you got a LOT of money, you can collect these items. A VERY limited number of each piece was issued (ie., 100, 250, 500) and issue prices ranged from $1060 (rare) ALL THE WAY to $42,800.00 (yep, you're reading that right!) ~ For the VERY "ELITE" collector!

For example, The Swarovski Centrotavola Centerpiece, designed by Mendini was issued in the Daniel Swarovski product line in 1989.  So are you wondering just how rare it is?  Swarovski only produced 250 of them with an issue price of $15,000.  The Centrotavola bowl is a Swarovski Numbered Limited Edition. Each come with a numbered certificate, matching the number engraved on the bowl.    This magnificent centerpiece measures a little more than 10" in diameter.

You would think that a
Swarovski limited edition figurine of 250 units would hold the original retail price, but it hasn't done so.

So what does this mean to
Crystal Fanatics
There are a lot of factors that contribute to whether or not a retired Swarovski piece holds its value.  In this case, the biggest factors certainly include the current state of the economy, and the overall appeal to the collector.  With the economy still weak, the trading prices on the majority of retired Swarovski collectibles, as well as the Collectibles industry itself, is pretty much 'down the tubes'.   Why ?
Swarovski crystal is not a necessity, but a luxury; subsequently, collectors are spending less money on it and/or selling off their collections.  Moreover, there are many collectors who still prefer to collect the animal figurines and sculptures.  

The Daniel Swarovski Product Line also introduced a Home Accessories series in 2002. Again, the price points for this line were not for the faint of heart.


At CrystalFanaticsClub.com, you will find Photos of ALL the Swarovski Issues, including the Daniel Swarovski line, 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.

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The Crystal Fanatics ~ You'll be Glad You Did
Click here:
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The Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal !

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

For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal