Precious Moments Collectibles on eBay

To recognize the many Precious Moments collectors on eBay, Enesco is offering its first eBay-exclusive Precious Moments figurine called, "Loving," which is the first issue in a three-piece set titled, "Make Time For Loving, Caring And Sharing". Learn more about this special Precious Moments item.

A spokesperson for Enesco, the company that creates Precious Moments, shared some information about these collectibles.

How did Precious Moments figurines come about?

Artist Sam Butcher originally drew the teardrop-eyed children for inspirational greeting cards. Eugene Freedman, the Founding Chairman of Enesco, discovered the cards and convinced Butcher to allow Enesco to develop porcelain bisque figurines from his artwork. Freedman then turned the drawings over to Japanese Master Sculptor Yashuei Fujioka, who sculpted the first Precious Moments figurine called, "Love One Another."

Enesco Group, Inc. unveiled the Precious Moments collection in 1978, featuring 21 teardrop-eyed porcelain bisque figurines bearing inspirational messages. The Precious Moments collection by Enesco is one of the world's most popular collectibles and boasts the world's largest collectors' club.

How does Enesco release new figurines into the market?

Each year, Enesco introduces new figurines to the collection and retires or suspends existing figurines. If a figurine is retired, the mold is broken and it will never again be produced, while suspended figurines are indefinitely withdrawn from production.

Retirement is the "highest honor" bestowed upon a figurine as it enhances the piece's value and 'collectibility.'

Is Enesco doing anything special to celebrate this eBay-exclusive piece?

On December 1, this new collectible will be available only on eBay. To help celebrate it, Enesco will also host a special charity auction of a rare, limited edition figurine signed by three men who created the Precious Moments series, Sam Butcher, Gene Freedman and even Yasuhei Fujioka! This is the only figurine Sam and Fujioka-san have signed this year, making this piece a "one-of-a-kind". All proceeds from the auction will benefit Y-ME National Breast Cancer Organization.

What is the Precious Moments Collectors Club?

In 1981, the national Precious Moments Collectors Club was launched to help collectors learn more about the collection. The Club is the world's largest collectors' club with more than 100,000 members worldwide (many of whom are on eBay). It offers Precious Moments enthusiasts the opportunity to learn more about the collection as well as meet with other Precious Moments collectors in their area.

Interested in finding fellow Precious Moments fans online? Check out eBay Groups, where several Precious Moments groups have already been started. Just click on Community at the top of almost all eBay pages, and then click on Groups (in the People box). Next, search for the keywords "Precious Moments." Enjoy!