Swarovski is well-known to Collectors for their Annual Limited Edition Christmas Ornaments, available during the year of issue and then retired, and no longer available, except on the Secondary Market. This has made some of the earliest issues much sought after by Collectors, and in some cases, quite expensive.

The first Annual Ltd. Edition Ornament was issued by Swarovski in 1981. There are earlier issues, but they are not considered among the Ltd Edition series. The 1981 edition is the only one to carry the old SC block logo and came with a chain so that it could also be worn as a necklace. It was only issued in the U.S.

More ornies have been found that were issued between 1981 and 1984 (ie., the 1984 ornie known as the Fleur de Lis), but they are also not considered Annual Ltd Editions.

In 1986, Swarovski issued 11 ornies from Giftware Suite, in the U.S. only, known as "Holiday Etchings" in several different sizes and shapes, with 1986 engraved on the crystal. But, others have also been found that are similar, without the 1986 engraving.

Giftware Suite issued the 1987-1990 Ltd Edition Ornies in the U.S. Only.

In 1991, the so-called 'stars' began being issued in the U.S. and Europe. There were 2 issues for each region, in 1991 -  one with a silver metal hanger and one with a gold metal hanger, and they are highly sought after. The stars have been issued each year ever since. In '93 and '94, they were issued by Swarovski's New Crystal Concepts Division. There are no logos on any of the Christmas Ornies (except the '81) until the 1995 ornie , issued by D. Swarovski with the first swan logo. Thereafter each ornie is marked with the same logo.

In 2003, Swarovski began issuing what is known as the "Small Star" ornies, and one has been issued as a yearly Ltd Ed. ever since.

In 1996, Swarovski issued their Ltd Ed. "Angels" from their Crystal Memories collection, now known as "Christmas Memories".

There are a multitude of other "Christmas Memories" Ornies (Bells, Holly, Wreath, etc., formerly known as Crystal Memories) from what is now known as the "Ornaments" and "Christmas at Home" collections that are not considered Ltd. Editions, but are highly collectible.

In 1993, Swarovski issued the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Topper in Chrome and Gold. Another was added in 2006, along with a lot of other Rockefeller Christmas items, in commemoration of the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Celebration in New York City each year.

And, as if all these issues aren't enough, Swarovski has began issuing the 'Kris Bear Ornament' as an Annual Ltd Ed., beginning in 2005.

Other companies, such as Marshall Fields, Cadillac (in 1996 & '97), and Macy's have also issued Ltd Edition Christmas ornaments, made entirely with Swarovski Crystal.

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Pat King