The Swarovski Chinese Zodiacs

The Chinese Zodiacs are crystal figurines produced by Swarovski .  To date,  Swarovski has issued six Chinese Zodiac figurines in the Silver Shade color, with 6 more to be issued over the next two years. They are:

Zodiac Horse (2002)
Zodiac Sheep (2003)
Zodiac Dog (2006)
Zodiac Pig (2007)
Zodiac Tiger (2010)
Zodiac Rabbit (2011)
 
In the Asian market, Swarovski issued the Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac figurines.  These are different from the six listed above in that they are 'Limited by year of production' in the golden shine color.
The limited edition Chinese Zodiac figurines include a 'unique' Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (COA) specific to the figurine.
A brochure is also included consisting of fold-out cards titled 'The Chinese Zodiac' with the information printed in both Chinese and English, explaining the Astrology of the Chinese Zodiac.

In addition, two golden shadow Limited Edition Chinese Zodiac figurines have been produced to date: the Chinese Zodiac Tiger (2010) and the Chinese Zodiac Rabbit (2011).  Since the limited edition Chinese Zodiacs are only available from the retail market in China, most crystal fanatics who want them are forced to turn to the online auctions or secondary market dealers to purchase these figurines for their collection.

Two more Chinese Zodiac figurines will be issued in crystal golden shine, but are not limited editions. The 2011 releases are much larger (6 3/16 x 7 1/16 inches) and a lot more expensive at $860 retail.   They are the Chinese Zodiac Horse  and the Zodiac Tiger. A Faceted clear crystal base features the name of the animal in English and traditional Chinese seal script.

There's LOTS MORE to learn about Collecting Swarovski!
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http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

CRYSTAL FANATICS BUZZ: The 'Crystal Fanatics' Photo Galleries

CRYSTAL FANATICS BUZZ: The 'Crystal Fanatics' Photo Galleries: "NO ONE takes Photographs of our favorite crystal quite like the'Crystal Fanatics'. In fact, our 'Crystal Collection' Photo Gallery has..."

The 'Crystal Fanatics' Photo Galleries

NO ONE takes Photographs of our favorite crystal quite like the

'Crystal Fanatics'.
In fact, our 'Crystal Collection' Photo Gallery has more than 4,500 Photos of Swarovski Crystal, complete with all the information for each individual issue and their respective values.
The entire Photo Gallery is nearing 9,000 photos!
NO ONE offers More Photos to our Members than CFC!
Here is a compilation of just some our best snapshots taken by our CFC members, and now a part of our CFC Photo Galleries.

 Enjoy!

 

Wonders of the Sea Trilogy

The Fabulous Bee Eaters

Ching Ching

Colorado Bowl

A Swarovski Easter

The Swan

The Train Surrounded by Orchids & Water Lilies

Centenary Swan Pin

The Camel

5th Anniversary Birthday Cake

The LovLots

Paradise Fish

The NLE Bull

Paradise Fish

Paradise Butterflies

Come JOIN The Fanatics! You'll be GLAD you did!

Crystal Fanatics Club

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

The Swarovski Numbered Limited Editions (NLE)

Swarovski issued the first Numbered Limited Edition (NLE) in 1995, with the introduction of the 'The Eagle'. The NLE's are only available to Members of the Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS), and on the Secondary Market after the piece retires (usually the same year), and limited to an issue of 10,000 pieces.
The piece is Numbered and Laser etched with the Swan logo, the year of issue, and the Designer's Signature. Adi Stocker was the Designer for The Eagle. Its bill and talons are in solid Sterling Silver, and rhodium-plated to prevent tarnishing. A framed certificate is with the signatures of Adi Stocker and Helmut Swarovski is included.
Only 2,900 of 10,000 Eagles were allocated for distribution in the U.S. to SCS members.
The Eagle was created to commemorate Swarovski´s 100th Anniversary and comes in special case with a key to secure case closure.
The Eagle originally sold for $1,750 and today is worth thousands more to collectors.
One problem that seems to prevail with this piece is the feathers fall off at the glue joints; however the following issues don't seem to have any major problems.

The Eagle was followed by the Peacock in 1998, The Wild Horses in 2001, The Bull in 2004 (both well-liked issues), the Black Bull in 2005 (only 1,000 of these were issued and it is now worth in excess of $15,000), The Elephant in 2006, and the Rhinoceros in 2008 ( a big flop for Swarovski).

A NEW NLE will be issued in April 2011.
And, IF you are a member of the Crystal Fanatics Club, you've already seen the stunning photos of this piece in Full Living Color! It is Spectacular!

Want to Know More about the NLE's ? ? ?
Come JOIN the Crystal Fanatics at the
Crystal Fanatics Club

You'll Be Glad You Did!

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

The Crystal Myriad Collection

Limited Edition Masterpieces - Not for the Faint of Heart

The luxurious Swarovski exclusive Pointiage® technique is now applied to a new line of masterfully crafted objects of art. Each creation is individually handcrafted 'on demand', individually hand-set, and comes with a certificate of authenticity.

The four motifs in the Crystal Myriad Collection include:

• The flying dragon – Jinlong (now sold out), designed by Heinz Tabertshofer, a limited edition of 300 & sold for $18,000. Decorated with 63,110 crystals in 21 different shades of gold, red and green.
  
• The Asian elephant – Matang, designed by Heinz Tabertshofer, a limited edition of 300, sells for $12,000 with 46,856 Smoky Quartz, Smoked Topaz, Light Smoked Topaz & Black Diamond crystals.
  
• The Arabian stallion named Amurath (sold out) - a limited edition of 300 sold for $8,000, designed by Elisabeth Adamer with 32,098 single Jet, Metallic Blue & Mocca crystals.
  
• The falcon, Alsaqr Almalaki is Arabic for royal falcon and captures the flight of the falcon. Designed by Elisabeth Adamer and retails at $15,500.00. Adorned with 43,164 White Opal, Black Diamond, Jet Nut, Jet Hematite and clear crystals on a Blue Pearl granite base.

The unique Pointiage® technique takes Swarovski artisans numerous hours to accomplish as each of the thousands of crystals is carefully set by hand in  a 'myriad of crystal'. In ancient Greek math it referred to 10,000 and in poetry to a large sum; hence, the name Crystal Myriad.

Each piece is a numbered limited edition, and a truly unique object of art, crafted with great skill and the highest attention to detail.

Each of the masterpieces is standing on an exclusively fitted base of either marble or granite. The bottoms of the bases are covered with a protective felt and carry a seal with the number of issue.


Come JOIN US! to Learn More about your Swarovski Crystal Collection.

Crystal Fanatics Club

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (COA) – What is it?

Swarovski Certificate of Authenticity (COA) – What is it?

Swarovski includes a ' product booklet' entitled 'Certificate' with their figurines.   
This assures, supposedly, that the product was issued by Swarovski; however, with the exception of the older issues that were produced without a logo (see our article about the Swarovski Logo), it is more likely that the piece can be 'authenticated' by either the Old Block SC or Swan logo.
Some Crystal Fanatics will insist a COA is included when purchasing Swarovski crystal figurines to ensure they have the 'complete package', but most of these certs are interchangeable between products, with the following exceptions:

If the crystal figurine in question is a Swarovski Limited Edition figurine, or a Swarovski Annual Edition, the Certificate of Authenticity is important because these COA's are usually quite different than those found in regularly issued products.
Here are just a few examples:

 

The company has used several different types of certificates since 1986.

The octagonal cert was used from approximately 1976 to 1988.

From 1988 to 1995, a square white Swarovski certificate was used.  

The only round Swarovski certificate was used from 1995 to 2000.   

Since 2000, a variety of square and triangular certificates have been used, including issues in white, blue, and red.

 

Come JOIN US! to Learn More about your Swarovski Crystal Collection

Crystal Fanatics Club

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

Do I Need Insurance for My Collection ?

Often, your homeowner's insurance will only include insurance for your collectibles up to a certain amount. Many only offer coverage up to $1,000 to $1800.00.  Far too many collectors... even those with very significant collections, have no insurance protection beyond their homeowners policy, and this isn't enough.

The Crystal Fanatics Club (CFC) For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal offers our U.S.A. membership convenient ways to have their collections properly insured.

CFC is a Member of The Association of Collecting Clubs and National Association of Collectors. We are able to offer and endorse an excellent insurance program to our Members through our association with them. They also provide insurance policies for antique malls and shops, antique dealer insurance and coverage for antique shows. Serving the antiques and collectibles industry with quality insurance is their expertise.

We highly endorse this insurance program for collectors and urge you to take a look at what it offers.  For collectors, where can you get $20,000 in coverage for only $75.00 a year? Or, how about $100,000 worth for $288.00/year or $200,000 worth for $538.00/year?

Some important factors to consider when insuring your Collection:

* Be sure to keep your collection insured for its full Estimated Current Value.
* Software programs for your computer do exist and make it easier to catalog especially large collections, as well as provide the ability to update it when new items are added.
* Some losses are not covered, even under an all-risk policy. Most policies apply a deductible, but cover accidental breakage. Exclusions and deductibles vary by company, so be sure to ask questions first before you purchase.
* The size of your collection and the Total Value determines the cost of your premium. In many instances, the yearly cost for the premium is affordable when you consider the risks.
* A single limited edition art object valued at greater than $2,500.00 should be insured and listed separately with your insurance company. The best policies are offered by companies that deal specifically in art valued collectibles and antiques.
* It's easy to find the value of your collectibles - Our CFC Photo Galleries feature just about every piece issued by Swarovski with all pertinent information, including the current value.

For more information on insurance for your Collectibles,
Come JOIN US!

Crystal Fanatics Club

© Copyright 1999-2011. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal