Apart from the monetary value Swarovski pieces are natural collector’s items in their own right, as they are stunningly beautiful and make talking-point displays in any home, office or exhibition environment. The crystals are unique as, in order to maximize refraction and to give Swarovski its magnificent sparkle, the crystal contains around 32% lead. Some of the crystals are also coated in order that they refract a rainbow spectrum.

Apart from the miniature collectibles Swarovski also produces beautiful jewelry pieces and individual crystal beads, which it encourages other designers to incorporate into both their own necklaces, bracelets and other jewelry but also into their couture. Wedding dresses and evening gowns, often make use of these versatile crystals which make full use of the light to sparkle and dazzle for a signature piece.

The Swarovski Collectors Society continues to rapidly expand around the world and thus it would seem that there will be no slowdown in the rise of the value of all the pieces. Acquiring Swarovski now, whilst there is a chance of some items being sold at reasonable prices, should ensure a highly valuable collection going forward.

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL BABY LOVEBIRDS $170.00 US $50.05 (6 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 16:21:38 PDT   | Watch this Item

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL "BABY LOVEBIRDS" 199123 M.I.B. US $276.86 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 18:42:56 PDT   | Watch this Item

☼ Swarovski FIGURINE Baby Lovebirds 7621 199123 MIB NR US $9.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 10:47:23 PDT   | Watch this Item

Swarovski Crystal Baby Lovebirds US $75.00 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 11:12:31 PDT   | Watch this Item

Swarovski 4 Baby Lovebirds on branch Mint Condition US $4.25 (4 Bids) Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 1:02:00 PDT   | Watch this Item

It stocks a full range of Swarovski crystal, beads, jewelry and books, with stock being constantly updated. You are sure to find a great gift or to add to your crystal collection.

If jewelry making is more your thing, then there are some great jewelry design books available and thousands of Swarovski beads to be had in small or large lots.

Take a look today.

The sparkle of the crystal pieces themselves can quickly become dimmed through air pollution and dust, amd although they should be handled as little as possible, it is going to be important to clean them.

On a weekly basis just dust the collection lightly, being careful not to get over-enthusiastic with that feather-duster and send anything toppling over!

Every month or couple of months you will want to wash the crystal. For this just use lukewarm water and a soft detergent. Whilst washing them it may be wise to lay a thick soft towel in the bottom of the sink or basin, to guard against anything slipping from your hand.

To dry them just leave them to air naturally on another thick towel or polish them with a lint-free cloth.

I know, it’s hard work but you will be more than pleased when they are back on the shelf sparkling again.

Bell by Zales Crystal Collectible by Swarovski US $5.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 23:04:12 PDT   | Watch this Item

SWAROVSKI Crystal New Year's collectible (NIB)--25% OFF US $39.95 Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 15:03:39 PDT   | Watch this Item

ITALIAN COLLECTIBLE DOG MADE w/ SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS $140 US $34.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 19:41:41 PDT   | Watch this Item

ITALIAN COLLECTIBLE BEAR MADE w/SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS $140 US $59.99 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 5:59:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

ITALIAN COLLECTIBLE DOG MADE w/ SWAROVSKI CRYSTALS $140 US $59.99 Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 5:59:02 PDT   | Watch this Item

Do you also love chocolate? Who doesn’t I hear you cry.

Final question. How large is your wallet? Mmmm, this might be the one that lets you down.

DesignWeek.co.uk has a story running about how Harrods are about to introduce a line of Swarovksi studded chocolates….they look lovely but at £5,000 a pop you may just need to raid that piggy bank.

Enjoy!

SWAROVSKI CRYSTAL YOUNG BALLERINA RETIRED 2009 MIB US $145.00 Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 16:20:01 PDT   | Watch this Item

swarovski YOUNG BALLERINA 254960 CHEERFUL TIMES US $38.00 (6 Bids) Auction Ends: Saturday Jul-31-2010 10:05:56 PDT   | Watch this Item

Edith Mair was born in Brixlegg, Austria and studied at the College of Glass Making & Design in Kramsach, Austria. Initially speciallizing in lead glazing and glass painting she joined Swarovski in Wattens in 1990.

Amongst some of her early works were Fawn and Ladybug and it was the delicacy of her designs which started to bring her to the public’s attention.

Amongst Edith’s other works are the following:

Fawn, Ladybug, Baby Snails on Vine Leaf, Baby Tortoise, Chimpanzee, The Eagle, The Wolf and the The Jester.

This cute Swarovski baby frog enhances any crystal collection or just makes a great gift. 

The designer was Gabriele Stamer and the trademark on these is the Swarovski swan. They were introduced to the Swarovski range in 2002 and have continued to rise in popularity.

Many collector’s have noted various positioning of the frog’s eyes.

Swarovski Kris Bear Bride And Groom 842936 US $98.00 (15 Bids) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:56:42 PDT   | Watch this Item

In honour of my friend Charlotte, who is getting married this Saturday 7th June, I thought I would bring you the Kris Bear Bride and Goom.

These are a really cute set and would make a gorgeous present or simply a great addition to your collection.

I love the detail of the pink bouquet and the blue bowtie.

So many congratulations Charlotte and Mick – I raise a glass to your future happiness

Swarovski Crystal 1996 Unicorn SCS NO RESERVE! US $222.50 (10 Bids) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 4:33:46 PDT   | Watch this Item

Red Unicorn Bear Use Swarovski Crystal Necklace n8770 US $0.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Friday Jul-30-2010 15:57:32 PDT   | Watch this Item

Anton Hirzinger was born In Kramsach in the Tyrol, a place with a renowned reputation for glass production and the home of the College of Glass & Design.

After learning his craft he joined the Swarovski Crystal Shop in Wattens and from there progressed to the Design Center. Here designs are created for all lines in the Swarovski range.

Anton Hirzinger’s Designs Include:

Anniversary Squirrel, Baby Shark, Centenary Swan, Crystal Planet, Flacon, Napoleon, Four Leaf Clover, Harlequin, Hippo, Night Owl, Owlet, Reindeer and Rhino.

wholesale 72pc Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Bead 6x8mm US $0.99 (1 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:27 PDT   | Watch this Item

360Pcs Clear Swarovski Crystal Gem Beads 10mm +AB US $0.02 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:28 PDT   | Watch this Item

72pcs lake-blue Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Bead ER033 US $5.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:29 PDT   | Watch this Item

Swarovski Crystal Faceted Beads Bracelet 7" FG2704 US $3.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:31 PDT   | Watch this Item

72pcs bright-red Swarovski Crystal Gemstone Bead ER034 US $5.99 (0 Bid) Auction Ends: Thursday Jul-29-2010 9:27:35 PDT   | Watch this Item

At the heart of the Swarovski brand lies a combination of three vital components:

• Fine raw materials
• Talented designers with vision
• Skilled, highly experienced craftsmen

These three elements combined is what makes Swarovski in Wattens, Austria the leading manufacturer of crystal and what inspires more than half a million people worldwide to become memebers of The Swarovski Collectors Society.

Swarovski not only offers designer created crystal pieces, jewelry and optics but it also offers people worldwide, both designers and creative amateurs alike, the ability to create their own stunning jewelry and fashion pieces.

If you have a keen interest in jewelry and would like to make a start designing your own pieces, Swarovski offers a relatively inexpensive and yet stunning way to get started – whatever your first attempt from earrings through to a bracelet or necklace, I guarantee that due to the beautiful nature of the crystals themselves you will be pleased with the result and will draw adniring comments wherever you wear your design.

Swarovski Baby Lovebirds are a much sought after addition to any crystal collection. Not only are they a beautiful item but the baby birds themselves are very cute with colored frosted beaks.

The designer was Ado Stocker and the trademark on these is the Swarovski swan. They were introduced to the Swarovski range in 1996 and have continued to rise in popularity.