Do you collect crystal figurines? If you do, you are one of the more than ten thousands crystals enthusiasts and collectors in the US and other parts of the world.
Macrine and I do not collect crystal figurines, But we have two Waterford crystal figurines given to Macrine's by a very rich relative during her 70th and 75th birthday in the Philippines and two Swarovski crystal figurines that I gave her during our 25th and 50th Wedding Anniversaries These four figurines( photo above) we treasured very much. We love and enjoy looking at crystal figurines, but collecting them is not in our current budget.
My first encounter with crystal collections was in the mid 1980's when we were invited to the home of a rich Filipino-American physician and his wife who was a world well known singer in the Philippines. In their living room was a curio cabinet filled with Waterford and Swarovski crystals figurines. They have a collection of more than 70 figurines with the dolphin figurine below as the center of attraction.
Here's a short information about Swarovski and Waterford Crystal Companies in the Internet:
Swarovski was founded in the late 19th century by an Austrian jeweler named Daniel Swarovski, who figured out how to back faceted crystals with foil so they looked almost liked diamonds. These rhinestones, as they were called due to the company’s proximity to the Rhine River, became and remain the standard for costume jewelry. In 1976, as part of the company’s ongoing postwar diversification, Swarovski offered its first crystal figurine, a 2 ½-inch-tall mouse, designed by Max Schreck, with either a length of floppy leather, braided metal, or spring for its tail. Today, Swarovski collectors can choose among thousands of figurines, from alligators to zebras, ballet dancers to Santa Claus. Especially popular in recent years are the slew of Disney figures, as well as animals representing the signs of the Chinese zodiac.
Waterford Crystal is a manufacturer of crystal. It is named after the city of Waterford, Ireland. Waterford Crystal is owned by WWRD Group Holdings Ltd., a luxury goods group which also owns and operates the Wedgwood and Royal Doulton brands. WWRD was acquired 2 July 2015 by the Fiskars Corporation. In January 2009 its Waterford base was closed down due to the bankruptcy of the Wedgwood Group. After several difficulties and takeovers, it re-emerged later that year. In June 2010, Waterford Crystal relocated almost back to its original roots, on The Mall in Waterford City. This new location is now home to a manufacturing facility that melts over 750 tons of crystal a year. This new facility offers visitors the opportunity to take guided tours of the factory and also offers a retail store, showcasing the world's largest collection of Waterford Crystal. Here's a short video for your viewing pleasure.
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