Swarovski 5328 XILLION replaces 5301 Bicone

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.

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.

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.