Swarovski Miscellaneous Articles

Ordering Notes

Some Ordering Notes

When Ordering From Swarovski

A in Article Codes

Always the codes with A in them mean the expensive version and a Xilion cut 1028.

These notes are my random notes and most likely, most useful to myself.

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Rose vs Chaton Montees

Rose Montées vs Chaton Montées

What is the difference between a Rose Montées and a Chaton Montées

As part of their Crystallized™ Range, within Metal Trimmings, Swarovski offers Rose Montées and Chaton Montées . But what exactly are the differences and how can you use them?

Montées

Montées are stones that are integrated to and pre-mounted into a special metal 'cup' or setting. This allows you to securely sew the stone to the backing material, or to string them together with thread or jewelry wire.

The difference in naming comes from the shape of the stones themselves.

Rose Montées

Roses are loose crystal components that are round and have a flat back.

So a Rose Montées is a round, flat-back stone that has been pre mounted into a flat cup setting. The back of the cup setting allows you to sew/string the stone in 2 stringing directions.

Chaton Montées

Chatons are loose crystal components that are not necessarily round and have a cone-shape back - i.e. not a flat back.

Swarovski's current chaton Montées are however round, but the stones have a pointy, cone back that sits in a higher metal setting. Chaton Montées can also be sewn/strung in 2 stringing directions.

Swarovski 5328 XILLION replaces 5301 Bicone

Goodbye 5301, Hello 5328

At the end of March 2009, Swarovski International sent an announcement to all its worldwide agents and distributors that the incredibly popular 5301 bicone crystal bead is to be put out to the pasture and will replaced by the new member of its XILLION family: the 5328 XILLION bead.

Transition Period

Swarovski states that the transition period will run from 2^nd June through September 2009 and that this will be a global transition. (For Australians, depending on Swarovski HQ local stock availability, the transition may extend beyond September 2009).

What does it mean for us?

It means that we get more brilliance for the same price! The new 5328 XILLION bead, which will replace the 5301, boasts of the revolutionary XILLION cut. The XILLION cut and hence the upcoming 5328, are copyright protected. It promises a distinctively higher brilliance, more fire and greater light reflection with its alternating large and smaller facets.

The increased number of facets promises an overall enhancement while the rounder belt line will result in improved and longer wearing comfort of finished projects.

There are no real good pictures or images of the new 5328 XILLION bead and probably none will be available till sometime after June 2, 2009. The following is the best I can find and at the very least, gives some indication of the differences.

Which Colours and Sizes of 5301 will be upgraded to 5328?

Only the 5301 bicone 2.5mm will remain the same. It is too small to be upgraded. Swarovski promises that the new 5328 will be available, with no price increase, in the same assortment of colours and sizes as the 5301. From 2^nd June 2009, new orders for the 5328 can be taken. However, it will only be shipped if its counterpart 5301 is out of stock. After September 2009, all 5328 variants can be ordered and will be shipped.

(This may not be true for Swarovski, Australia. The local stock of 5301 may extend further than end of September, 2009, depending on stock movement).

Further, please note that Swarovski will not accept returns of 5301 beads purely due to the availability of the upgrade 5328s.

No really, what colours and sizes of the new 5328 will be available first?

There is no formal announcement yet as to which colours and sizes will be the first to undergo the transition. However common sense tells us that it would be nigh impossible and hence extremely unlikely that all the 5301s in all it multitude of sizes, colours, and effects combinations will be upgraded at the same time. Swarovski will likely do a soft rollout, replacing them in waves. Or Swarovski will transition one color at a time as their supply runs low. However if you have a look at our current detailed chart on 5301 availability, you will note that some of them have already been ear-marked as " future out of program". I would hazard a guess that this might be a good indication of what is going to undergo transition first.

Can I use the 5301 and 5328 together?

Absolutely. Swarovski states: "For application, the 5301 and 5328 XILLION Bead can be combined as their dimensions and geometry are complimentary".

Will the 5301s become collectors' items and hence more valuable?

There is nothing to prevent that from being so. From season to season, Swarovski discontinues certain colours, shapes, and effects. Some of these have indeed gone on to become valuable collectors' items due to their increasing rarity. With the 5301s, that might not be so immediately as they were so immensely popular and hence many people still have so many of them. The exception might be rare colours and effects like the Alexandrites, with and without effects, as well as the Cantaloupes.

Clearly Chosen Jewelry Supplies online store still has some remaining Cantaloupe and Alexandrite Swarovski Crystal beads at the same prices as before.

However it may be prudent, especially if you are in the middle of a project, to get your stock of 5301s now before the transition and the 5301s are gone for good.

We will most definitely be getting the 5328s as soon as they become available to Swarovski Australia. We will keep you updated.

Swarovski Approved Branding

CREATE YOUR STYLE with CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements

Yeah! We have been approved, via contract, to be able to use phrase and label "CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements".

The usage of the phrase "CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements" is Swarovski's branding and guarantee of best quality crystals. It can only be used subject to contract and approval from Swarovski and only in conjunction with "licensed products". "Licensed products" being exclusively CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements or products that contain a minimum of 70% CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements and no other 3rd party crystals of any type.

SWARVOSKI®, CRYSTALLIZED™, CRYSTALLIZED™ - Swarovski Elements, CREATE your STYLE™ are all marks held by Swarovski and must be used in exactly the format laid out (capital letters, italics, etc). Further more, the use of the label on product packaging, advertising material, website is subject to their Visual Identity Standards.

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Swarovski New Bead Chart

Swarovski New 2009 Bead Color Chart

Woowee - an impressive upgrade

I have just seen the latest and upgraded version of Swarovski's Bead Color Chart for 2009. And I am impressed.

Previously, Swarovski had bicone beads in various colours and effects on the chart. Very beautiful and great quality.

But now, the latest release features the Shapes of Beads as well ... so there are samples so of all those marvelous beads that they offer. There is one pic below (click to view larger image) and you can find more at this listing for Swarovski 2009 Bead Color Chart to see all the details and photos (as long as the item is still available).

Swarovski's Newest Beads and Colors

Swarovski's Newest Colors and Effects

Release: Autumn-Winter 2010/2011

Oooh, woopee. I have just been checking out some of Swarovski's very latest exciting releases. There are too many for me to document in a quick hurry but I do want to mention the very notables and the ones that are most likely to be on everybody's palette soon.

New Colours and Crystal Effect

There is the Greige which is a 'barely there' colour that will work perfectly with just about everything and bring a touch of what Swarovski calls "nobility" as well as sure but understated elegance to every single piece of work. My Swarovski rep told me that this is her very favourite colour in this release.

Then of course there is the Cyclamen Opal. Even the name alone is tempting. And this is the one that people are already asking for from just hearing about it - sight unseen. This one really looks like a beauty and in a very short time, both these colours will be arriving and available from ClearlyChosen online store.

And the latest crystal effect from Swarovski is called Crystal Metallic Light Gold. Swarovski is offering quite a number of their products with this effect, many with a full coating (2x). I can't wait to see this IRL as this could be just the extra touch for a full load of deep indulgence and chic opulence.

Bead and extensions to current lines

There are a number of new bead releases as well as XILION extensions to current lines. But the one that is sure to catch everyone's fancy is the joyful, playful Fish Bead. It looks sharp and crisp and has been so cleverly cut that it will add both aliveness and remarkable light-reflecting brilliance. Purrrrr-fect for charms ... as long as your kitty doesn't get to it first!

This too should be available very shortly from ClearlyChosen. In fact it is already up and listed so hop over and have a look at the Swarovski 5727 Fish Bead.

Will write more as soon as I find more goody facts and figures and know what else is arriving soon at our companion stores.