The 'Changing' Swarovski Warranty

 The Swarovski Warranty

As we well know, Swarovski doesn't much like dealers and websites that are selling Swarovski figurines and jewelry at prices below their suggested manufactured retail price.  Swarovski receives their profit when orders are placed by retailers, and they pretty much command they sell their products at retail price.  They don't like it if those businesses are willing to operate on a lower profit margin, to keep the products moving through their inventory; and in the past, they have had no compunction to close dealers/retailers down, and/or remove their Swarovski product line from stores who violate this policy.

To further keep Collectors from purchasing their product from retailers and auction sites that are not authorized to sell Swarovski (like eBay and stores who cannot obtain licensing from Swarovski), they will no longer honor the Swarovski Warranty UNLESS the figurines were purchased directly from them, or an 'authorized' Dealer.   If you cannot provide a warranty card, and sales slip from an authorized retailer, showing both purchase price and date of purchase, they will not offer after-sales-services any longer. 
So what does that mean?
It means they won't repair your crystal if you cannot provide such proof, so you need to consciously decide how important that warranty is to you when you purchase their products.
Because CFC is a worldwide club site, we are aware that 'warranty' policies differ depending on the country.
For example, Australia has an open, 'we'll fix it' policy with no restrictions. You just bring the product back to an authorized store, and they send it back. Normally, they do this for no charge or very little expense. The UK has a similar policy, however, there may be restrictions on the period of time you have to return the product for repair.
Here in the U.S., we would call Swarovski North America, receive an authorization number, and pay a $5.00 fee + postage to return the product to them ourselves; supposedly we can now bring the product for repair to an authorized store.  In the past, Swarovski would not repair retired items or NLE's more than 3 years from the date of issue. It's unclear whether or not this policy has changed.
End Result: Pay Full Price for purchases at an 'authorized' dealer to obtain the warranty, or go without the warranty to purchase elsewhere at a more affordable price point. This is especially a more difficult decision when purchasing the more expensive issues.

Giving gifts of Swarovski Crystal could pose a problem, but supposedly Swarovski will honor 'gift' purchases by obtaining a 'gift receipt' from a Swarovski store or an authorized retailer.

As far as I'm concerned, Swarovski is just putting up more roadblocks for Collectors to consider when purchasing their product.
What do You Think ?


 Want to Learn MORE About Collecting Swarovski ?
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© Copyright 1999-2012. Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.

Crystal Fanatics Club (CFC) is celebrating its 13th Anniversary on the net today.
 

In 1999, CFC's Founder, Pat King, an avid collector of Swarovski Crystal, founded the club site on Yahoo as a means to keep in contact with her collector friends.
In 2000, the site went live on the world wide web and has served Swarovski Collectors all over the world with Breaking Swarovski NEWS, Bulletin Boards, Weekly Chats and Photo Galleries like no other on the web, filled with all the pertinent information for every Swarovski issue a collector needs to follow and track their collection.

"The CFC experience has allowed me and many other collectors to make friends with people from all over the world; it is the one most important factor for me. The site is not a profit-making organization & is supported by a small yearly membership fee & donations by its members. CFC is a labor of love for many of us", says its owner. "We not only share our passion for collecting, but our joys, life's tribulations, events, & holidays - we are truly a 'family' of collectors."

Do You Collect Swarovski Crystal ?

Come JOIN US! You'll be GLAD You Did!

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Swarovski Releases in China for Year of the Dragon

Swarovski has unveiled its own commemorative “Year of the Dragon” offerings for the China market only.
Set to hit stores throughout mainland China in January, Swarovski’s dragon-themed collection includes men’s and women’s watches, accessories and jewelry.
I'm sure some of us would love to see these issues in other countries as well.

"Year of the Dragon" Necklace


Men's "Year of the Dragon" wristwatch


Women's "Year of the Dragon" wristwatch


Men's "Year of the Dragon" wallet

Each of these issues are pictured in our FABULOUS CFC Photo Galleries.
Want to Learn MORE About Swarovski  ?
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SCS Signing Event, January 21 2012, San Francisco CA

Yesterday, I received an invitation from Robin McCall, SCS Marketing Manager for a Signing Event in San Francisco, CA.

Here's the scoop:

"The SCS would like to invite you to be part of a very special signing engagement. Elisabeth Adamer will be visiting the Hilton San Francisco in the Financial District on January 21, 2012 from 12PM - 3PM to sign your beautiful Jubilee Dragon during our Chinese New Year themed event.

Purchase your Jubilee Edition 2012 Dragon from your local Authorized Swarovski Retailer between Jan 1 and January 15 for entry into this exclusive signing event. On January 21, bring your receipt and picture identification for entry to pick up and have your Dragon signed at the Hilton. Enjoy Chinese New Year themed refreshments and a special gift as a show of our appreciation for your loyal SCS membership

You must be present at this event on January 21 to have your Dragon Signed."

Julie and I will be Attending with our Good Friends, Nancy and Daryl Stokes from the Crystal Fox Gallery in California! We are so excited that we will be seeing them again!
If any of you will be attending the Event, let us know.

MORE 2012 Swarovski NEW ISSUES !

Just uploaded to our CFC PHOTO GALLERY!  MORE 2012 NEW ISSUES!

• SCS New Member / Renewal
• SCS 25th Anniversary Jubilee Editions
• SCS Member 25th Anniversary Jewelry
• 2012 Crystal Memories Issues
• 2012 Lovlots Limited Editions (NEW Categories ADDED)
• 2012 Silver Crystal Issues
• 2012 Paradise Issues 
• ALL the 2012 ANNUAL EDITION Issues

Take a LOOK in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES to see the Largest Collection of Swarovski issues with All the Detailed Information included for each issue. 
No More Need for Outdated Collector Books.

CFC - ALWAYS FIRST with Breaking Swarovski NEWS!
Come JOIN US!  You'll be GLAD you did.........
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com/

The REAL Story About Swarovski Vienna

Recently, a supposedly purported 'authority' of Swarovski Crystal 'information' posted on her blog a forewarning for the Swarovski White Frosted Soulmates Panther. The gist of the article stated that this item could very well be a forgery.

Anyone who knows anything about Swarovski Crystal is familiar with the Swarovski Vienna store that is a 'stage' for displaying rare issues and prototypes from Swarovski. One of our members traveled to Vienna in December 2010 and supplied us with a plethora of photos from the Vienna 'Eclectic Panther - Moments to Remember' display, that have been posted in our CFC Photo Galleries since then.

 © Copyright Crystal Fanatics Club

Taken by a CFC Member

A few of those panthers have since been produced for the marketplace by Swarovski on their website this year; namely, the Morada and Orange Shine Soulmate Panthers, originally included in this Collection. The photos carefully document each and every one of 45 Panthers in different various colors. Some of those colors, unfamiliar to Swarovski collectors, include Burgundy, Ceralun, Jasper, & Yellow Shadow, including the so-called 'might be fake/altered' Frosted White Panther. 

© Copyright Crystal Fanatics Club

Taken by a CFC Member, Photo #18

Posted BY Swarovski in December 2009, with an interview with Marcus Langes-Swarovski, I quote the following: "Constant renewal, change and innovation are the maxims at Swarovski. Various "Eclectic Panthers" serve as an indicator of crystal's immensely variable properties, with the idea of the project to reinterpret a classical, crystalline piece in a variety of ways. As such, 45 of these panther figurines can be found in the heart of Vienna, with various colours, effects and materials, all based on precisely cut crystal."

What further documentation or proof could you want? Anyone can look up this information on the internet.
http://www.brand.swarovski.com/Content.Node/presscentre/news/news-architectureartdesign/OpeningSwarovskiWien.en.html#/en/presscentre/news/news-architectureartdesign/OpeningSwarovskiWien

In the same article, the Poodle with Frosted Tail and the AE Lion with Frosted mane are mentioned. Now these are Fakes! I personally know who did the 'artwork' and made a small fortune selling these 'altered' issues to collectors.

So Who would you believe?
IF you are truly a 'crystal fanatic' as this writer so clearly implies, literally stealing our Tradename, you know better.

Pat King
Founder
Crystal Fanatics Club, Inc.
FOR Collectors of Swarovski Crystal

http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com
Crystal Fanatics Club

http://crystalfanatics.wordpress.com/
Crystal Fanatics Blog

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

MORE 2012 Swarovski NEW Issues

Just uploaded to our CFC PHOTO GALLERY!
MORE 2012 NEW ISSUES!

A NEW 'Hearts' Collection! 4 New Photos!
A NEW Kris Bear Collection! 2 New Photos!
2012 Ltd Edition Lovlots
2012 Disney Ltd Edition
2012 Arribas Ltd Edition

CFC - ALWAYS FIRST WITH BREAKING SWAROVSKI NEWS!
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com/

Special Swarovski Store Event Going on NOW~

BREAKING SWAROVSKI NEWS!

FRIENDS & FAMILY Night December 1 - 4, 2011

at Swarovski Retail Stores

45% OFF up to $2,000 on your Purchases

Swarovski will increase the amount each sales associate has to spend using their discount UP to $2000. This includes anything the sales associate has already purchased, anything the associate and friends/family purchase during the event. The increased discount amount is 45% for everyone.

You Must Be Invited to attend!

To do this, Call your local Sales Associate at your Swarovski Store and ask to be put on the Guest List.

YOU AND the Sales Associate and the store manager must be present to purchase and use the discount!

Supposedly, the discount applies to everything except SCS Memberships and Gift Cards.

Some stores are having a Private Friends and Family shopping event either before or after work on Sunday, December 4, 2011. The store manager chooses whether it will be before or after the stores' regular hours, so ASK.

I believe this is a U.S. only Event, but if any of you from Canada or Overseas hear about it, let us know!

CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB

http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com

ALWAYS FIRST with BREAKING SWAROVSKI NEWS!

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 Releases

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 issues released in 2011:

Children's Wish Ornament - 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.

Issued in Italy for the 150th Anniversary Gala Event, the LaLupa Capitoline Wolf Paperweight, Small Numbered Limited Edition of 3,000 PIECES. € 250, 12CM X 12CM in size. A larger paperweight was issued too in a Numbered Limited Edition of 50.

Take a LOOK in our FABULOUS CFC PHOTO GALLERIES to See these 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 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.

We just POSTED the 2012 Price List with 40 PHOTOS of the Swarovski 2012 NEW Issues!
Come JOIN US ~

CFC ALWAYS FIRST with Breaking Swarovski NEWS
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com/

 The CFC 'Secret Santa' Christmas Gift Exchange Has Begun!

Strictly FOR Members of the Crystal Fanatics Club

 
Our members LUV this time of year and the Christmas Gift Exchange is one of their Favorite activities. 

They have LOTS of FUN being a 'Secret Santa' ! 

 

COME JOIN US Soon for details and ... ,

http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com/

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 Designer Signing Event in Toronto

Our Crystal Fanatic Friends in Toronto, Canada will be happy to hear that a Designer Signing Event has been scheduled, as follows:

Designers: Anton Hirzinger and Heinz Tabertshofer.

Where: Swarovski Boutique
Address: 2 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M4W 3E2
Date: Saturday, November 5, 2011
Time: 1:00 – 5:00pm

Forms are being mailed out and need to be returned to Swarovskii Canada by September 28, 2011.

Tickets with signing times will be mailed to collectors the last 2 weeks of October.

Contact: Swarovski Canada or the store for more information.
Telephone:  905.752.0498 or 800.461.6125

Come JOIN the Crystal Fanatics for Breaking Swarovski NEWS!
http://www.CrystalFanaticsClub.com

The NEW 2012 Crystal Myriad - the Longwang Dragon /Swarovski USA - Designer Signing & Gala Event

ALWAYS FIRST with Breaking Swarovski NEWS -

The Crystal Fanatics Club (CFC) has all the Info you need to know about the upcoming 2012 Crystal Myriad - the Longwang Dragon, including a Photo. 

We also know what the 2012 Annual Edition is !

Swarovski will be displaying the Longwang Dragon at a USA - Designer Signing & Gala Event on Saturday, October 29, 2011 in Los Angeles, California from 9:00A.M. - 5:00P.M, and it promises to be a spectacular Event!

Designers attending are Anton Hirzinger, Designer of the Annual Edition Polar Bear Siku, Polar Bear Cubs, and exclusive SCS event piece, Arctic Hare, and Heinz Tabertshofer, the designer of this year’s Satin Stallion. 

Event highlights

• Meet and greet with Anton Hirzinger and Heinz Tabertshofer and watch as they sign their exquisite crystal designs.
• Opportunity to purchase select Swarovski figurines, jewelry, and our stunning new Crystal Myriad, the Longwang Dragon!
• Special event gift bag for attending guests
• Exclusive 1940s Hollywood cocktail party 
• First-ever SCS “Star” Awards Dinner with 65 special guests and attending designers in a Hollywood red carpet setting. 
• A special surprise Hollywood celebrity-icon hosting the evening!

Special hotel room rates are available by contacting the hotel directly for rates; deadline to receive a discounted rate is October 5. Validated parking for Members will be provided at the registration booth.

You can Call 1.800.426.3088 or email signingevent@swarovski.com for more information.

Event location:The Sofitel Hotel
8555 Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90048
Tel: (310) 278-5444
www.sofitel.com

Event costs:Daytime: $55
Dinner: $125 per person (Limited availability; first-come, first served)
(Must be an SCS member; each Member may bring one guest.)

Event Registration Deadline:Friday, October 21, 2011
This event will sell out early so be sure to register right away!

JOIN the Crystal Fanatics to stay informed about all the Swarovski NEW Issues and Events!

Crystal Fanatics Club
The 'Official" Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal 

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

Crystal Fanatics Club - ALWAYS FIRST with Breaking Swarovski NEWS!

The Crystal Fanatics Club (CFC) is well-known for ALWAYS Bringing Swarovski Breaking NEWS to our members FIRST!
And, this year is no exception. Recently Posted to our CFC 2012 New Issues TOPIC:

SCS 2012 Members 25th Anniversary Jubilee Edition

and 

The 2012 SCS Members Annual Edition

You Read it Right! 


Come JOIN US HERE  to be the FIRST 'In-the-Know'
CRYSTAL FANATICS CLUB 
For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal 

The 'Official' Premiere Club site for CRYSTAL FANATICS !

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

Crystalline Ambiray Collection

Brand new for Fall/Winter 2011/12, Swarovski has launched a new collection of Home Accessories - The Ambiray Collection. The name "Ambiray" derives from the words ambi, meaning both masculine and feminine, and ray, meaning ray of light.

Each issue in the collection is embellished with a large number of tiny crystals, creating feminine sparkle, highlighted by the masculine lines of stainless steel.

With clean lines and sparkling crystal, The Ambiray collection includes two picture frames, a multifunctional holder, three glittering tea lights and a refined tray. Modern and elegant, they combine well with Swarovski’s Crystalline collection.

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

AVAILABLE TODAY! GREAT NEW SWAROVSKI COLLECTIBLES!

The following New Issues from Swarovski are available Now!

 Disney Lady and the Tramp Series

The epic Disney film, Lady and the Tramp, was first released in 1955. It was the first animated feature filmed in the CinemaScope widescreen film process.

To Be Released : Lady and Danielle, Tramp and Scamp & a Special Display Stand/

ANOTHER Online Ltd Edition Soulmates to be released In the color of Orange Shine crystal! Available while supplies last.

• Designed by Heinz Tabertshofer
• Limited to 888 issues      

 
A Second Soulmate Crystal Figurine in jet hermatite (black) crystal with silver colored accents that is surely bound to spark some conversation within the Swarovski crystal collecting community, and among our Crystal Fanatics! It already has! 

An elegant Christmas Ornament Home Display Crystal Set, Limited Online Special Edition , also available separately.

A HALLOWEEN Special Limited Edition Available only while stock lasts!

Coming on September 12, another Golden Annual Edition 2011 will bring a touch of magic to your stylish holiday décor. It is exclusively available to SCS members and offered only until the end of the year or for as long as supplies lasts (purchase is limited to one per member).

Our Crystal Fanatics knew about all these NEW Issues a long time ago. CFC is well-known for ALWAYS Bringing Swarovski Breaking NEWS to our members FIRST!

Photos and all the pertinent information for each of these NEW issues listed here, can be seen in our FABULOUS CFC Photo Galleries!  

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

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

ANOTHER Ltd Edition Swarovski/Steiff Christmas Bear to be released !

Coming this Fall, Candy The Sparkle Bear, another Steiff/Swarovski Ltd. Edition Christmas Bear will be released. This year's bear is made with lush, pale green mohair, featuring a red and clear Swarovski candy cane around her neck, adorned with a golden star. 

Candy will retail for $260 in a limited edition of 1500, 10" tall and will be distributed in North America and the UK only.

Two other Ltd. Edition Steiff Bears have been released in 2011, Sapphire and Krystina.
STEIFF BEARS using Swarovski Crystal and/or Ornaments have been issued since 2004.

To see ALL the Steiff/Swarovski Bears, JOIN US and Take a Look in Our FABULOUS CFC Photo Galleries.

Crystal Fanatics Club
The Premier website For Collectors of Swarovski Crystal 

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

ANOTHER Ltd Edition Soulmates PANTHER to be released !

Attention: Crystal Fanatics
ANOTHER Ltd Edition Soulmates PANTHER to be released SOON in the color "Orange Shine" crystal!

Details:

• Designed by Heinz Tabertshofer
• Numbered on the cut Black Spot granite base 
• Limited to 888 issues
• Size:  21 X 18 cm (8 1/4 X 7 1/16 inches)
• Availability:  exclusively in the Swarovski Online Shop on August 29, 2011 (European Time)
• First come, first served basis while stock lasts.

DID YOU KNOW ? 

• This is the 3rd Soulmates Panther released in color. The previous releases: 
• Crystal Moroda, reflecting the Panther's natural color from a metallic blue to warm bronze with brown-black tones, retailing at $960. This is not an online exclusive & currently available (2011).
• Black Panther, another online exclusive of 500 that was only available for 48 hours before selling out (2010) for $960 and retired. Today, it is valued in excess of $3,000.
• Swarovski has produced 33+ different colors of the original 'Crystal' Soulmates Panther, first introduced in 2007 and retiring this year (2011).  
• Photos of ALL the Soulmates Panthers in ALL their various colors can be seen in our FABULOUS CFC Photo Galleries!  

Will Crystal Fanatics get a bit wary of these on-line exclusive "repeats" ?  Stay Tuned!

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

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