How To Spot Valuable Swarovski Crystal Home Decor In The Thrift Store

Those whimsical crystal figurines or that beautiful bowl your grandmother had can be quite collectible if they're made by Swarovski. The company has made thousands of decorative figurines and pieces of decor over the years, leading to some pieces inevitably popping up at thrift stores over time. How do you spot valuable Swarovski home decor while thrifting? The easiest way to determine whether you're holding a real Swarovski piece is to look carefully for the logo. If you don't see a logo, or it looks a little "off," you likely have a fake.

The legacy of Swarovski began in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski in Austria and has since evolved to be one of the most renowned brands in the world. As founder of the brand, he invented the world's first electric machine to cut crystal. This innovation led to the company's stunning precision-cut crystal decorating everything from shimmering picture frames to bowls. In addition to creating its own unique decor, Swarovski has also participated in several brand partnerships including Disney and limited-edition releases by legendary creators including architect Zaha Hadid. Despite the brand's wide array of products and designs, one thing has remained consistent: the inclusion of a logo. Being able to recognize this symbol at a glance is the best tip for spotting its valuable items at the thrift store.

There have been several iterations of the Swarovski logo throughout the years. In the earliest days of the company after its founding in 1895, it used an edelweiss as its logo, recognizable by its 12-petaled design. Swarovski chose the flower logo to emphasize the rare, strong, elegant beauty the brand delivered, with the earliest pieces circa-1890s also featuring the initials D.S. next to the graphic. A more stylized edelweiss logo appeared in 1980, but by 1989, the company was using its swan emblem, with a design inspired by the artist Gustav Klimt. The swan faces left in the first version. Swarovski would continue using this logo until 2021, when they began marking their pieces with a swan inside of an octagon, this time facing right "toward the future."

You might also find pieces that include the markings "SCS" next to the logo, which indicates it was a piece released for the members-only club Swarovski Crystal Society. As part of their annual membership fee, SCS members can have access to limited-edition pieces and annual merchandise that isn't commercially available. 

Identifying a real piece of Swarovski isn't foolproof, as not every authentic piece has a Swarovski logo. Some items, like the company's prettiest holiday ornaments, feature only a brand sticker. If you want to tell the difference between the cut crystal and glass in a supposed Swarovski, the logo is just one indication. You can also look for the brilliant shimmer and the ways the crystals come together. Imitations won't feature the "crystal" junctures meeting perfectly, and they may also have bubbles in their appearance.