Swarovski crystals are well beloved by collectors. While Swarovski is widely known for its jewellery, they also create a vast range of decorative collectibles. These pieces combine beauty, craftsmanship and collectability, making them desirable items to collect and display. If you’re considering selling a piece, or even an entire collection, you may be wondering, “What are my Swarovski crystal pieces worth?”. However, determining the exact value of an item can sometimes be difficult.
Let’s explore some key factors that determine the value of a Swarovski crystal item, from limited edition releases to current market trends.
This set of three Swarovski crystal SCS ‘Endangered Wildlife’ Gorillas sold for £200 back in December 2020.
Rarity and limited edition pieces
One of the most critical factors affecting the value of a Swarovski piece is its rarity. Swarovski often produces limited edition items, or specific collections in restricted quantities. These exclusive pieces, often marked as Annual Editions, tend to appreciate over time due to their scarcity. Swarovski’s Annual Edition ornaments, particularly their holiday ornaments and animal figurines, are highly sought after by collectors.
Swarovski’s collaborations with renowned designers or fashion houses also add unique value. These fine designer pieces of jewellery and homeware were often released under the now discontinued Atelier Swarovski range. This adds a high degree of interest, as the pieces have a distinct style specific to each guest designer, and are now much harder to come across since they’re no longer in production.
Swarovski Crystal Society (SCS) pieces garner a lot of interest, too. The Swarovski Crystal Society is a members-only club for Swarovski enthusiasts that offers many benefits. Among these perks includes access to products that can only be bought by SCS members, as well as a unique annual gift creatively exclusively for club members. These member exclusives are popular at auction due to their exclusivity.
Swarovski is known for periodically retiring pieces, usually announcing these discontinuations biannually. These items also tend to become more highly sought-after once stocks have been exhausted in stores, as once that happens the only way to buy one is through an independent seller.
Another popular lot from the same auction as the Gorillas, this stunning Swarovski crystal SCS ‘Endangered Wildlife’ Tiger found a hammer price of £220.
Condition and original packaging
The condition of a Swarovski piece plays a significant role in determining its value. Items in pristine condition will naturally command higher prices than those with visible wear, such as scratches, chips or discolouration.
Having the original packaging and certificates also adds value. Swarovski pieces often come with a certificate of authenticity and a distinct blue box. These details not only enhance a piece’s desirability, but also offer reassurance to buyers regarding its authenticity.
Age and historical significance
The age of a Swarovski piece can impact its value, though not always in the way you might expect. Unlike antiques, newer Swarovski pieces are often worth more than older ones due to production changes and evolving aesthetics. However, specific older pieces, such as those released in the early years of Swarovski’s collectible lines, hold considerable value for their historical importance. For example, the first collection of Swarovski figurines, launched in 1976, is highly valued among collectors due to its historical significance.
Swarovski has refined its crystal-cutting techniques over the decades, so discontinued production methods can also increase value. Retired pieces featuring older methods, such as their iconic Silver Crystal figurines, can sometimes command higher prices due to their unique appearance.
This set of nine Swarovski Christmas ornaments from 2001- 2009, all in their original inner boxes, caused a stir at our 2020 winter auction too. The lot sold for an amazing £360!
Size, detail and complexity of the design
Intricate designs, larger sizes and complex details often contribute to higher valuation. Swarovski uses advanced techniques to create finely detailed crystals that range from simple designs to elaborate works of art. Larger pieces, especially those that feature multi-layered elements or a combination of different materials, are generally worth more due to the skill and time required to produce them.
Larger Swarovski figurines such as elaborate crystal animals including tigers, horses and dragons, can be valued at a premium. Highly detailed and colourful pieces are usually well-loved too. Multicoloured Swarovski, or pieces with metallic finishes, often command higher prices due to their rarity and visual appeal.
Despite having no box or certificate, this Swarovski Soul Mates lion figurine still sold for £150 at our December 2020 auction.
Market trends and collector demand
As with any collectible, market trends play a significant role in determining value. Current demand, driven by trends or seasonal interest, can fluctuate. In recent years, nostalgia for the ’90s has spiked interest in Swarovski’s vintage jewellery lines, while certain holiday-themed pieces, especially Christmas ornaments, tend to sell at higher prices during the festive period.
Additionally, new buyers are entering the collectibles market, particularly younger generations interested in vintage or luxury decorative items, driving up prices for some Swarovski items. To help gauge demand, reviewing recent auction results can provide insight into which pieces are fetching high prices and which might be undervalued gems.
This collection of 11 various Swarovski crystal pieces included a Snow White Poisoned Apple hanging ornament, and other iconic Disney figurines such as Aladdin’s Lamp and The Little Mermaid’s Shell. The lot sold altogether for £150.
Popularity of specific Swarovski crystal collections or themes
Some Swarovski collections or themes hold enduring popularity. For example, Swarovski’s animal figurine collections and holiday-themed ornaments are some of the most consistently sought-after items. Specific themes, such as Swarovski Disney characters or zodiac symbols, also attract dedicated followings.
This consistency makes certain items easier to value and to sell – often easier to sell than the more obscure pieces. If you own pieces from one of these popular themes or collections, you may have something very desirable to collectors.
Coming to us in its original box, this Swarovski Crystal Disney Mickey Mouse Figure sold for a spectacular £400 at our Cobridge auction back in June.
Another star of our June auction, this set of Swarovski Crystal Winnie the Pooh and Piglet figurines with their original boxes sold for a wonderful £560.
Certifications and authenticity checks
Authenticity is crucial in the world of Swarovski collectibles. Over the years, imitation Swarovski crystals have entered the market. Nowadays, to combat this, genuine Swarovski items often come with a certificate of authenticity. Buyers and collectors place great importance on these certificates, as well as on any distinguishing marks. Laser-etched logos, such as the SCS logo or the Swarovski swan logo, indicate a piece as genuine Swarovski.
Lot 1041 was a collection of Swarovski and similar crystal figurines that sold for £160 at auction with us earlier this year.
How to sell Swarovski crystal pieces at auction
At Potteries Auctions, we identify and provide valuations on Swarovski pieces to help get the best value for your items.
Please get in touch if you’re looking for an expert evaluation and to sell your pottery. Free valuation days are held every Tuesday at our Silverdale saleroom and every Thursday at our Cobridge saleroom. To book an appointment, use our online booking form here.
Due to popular demand, we have also started to offer a private valuation service for premium items. Please contact us directly to arrange an appointment by emailing amy@potteriesauctions.com.
You can also email us at enquiries@potteriesauctions.com or call us on +44 (0)1782 638100. Valuations can even be provided via WhatsApp – send some clear images of your items via the app to 07864 667940.