Swarovski Art 5328 to Replace
5301 Bicone Beads

The new Article 5328’s have started to arrive. You may have heard Crystallized by Swarovski’s ground-breaking news to replace the classic Art 5301 bicone crystal bead, the staple of any jewelry designer’s bead palette, with the new and improved Art 5328 or Xilion cut crystal bicone bead. When Swarovski first announced this news in April 2009, it seemed almost an impossible under-taking for any Crystallized by Swarovski dealer or recommended store to undertake replacing the 5301 stock with the new cut bead. However, as promised, Swarovski has begun to roll out the new style in a seamless fashion, simply substituting the new cut for the old as orders are placed & as the 5301 stock sells out.

The New Bicone Crystal - Precision Cut

So, my first question & perhaps yours as well, was “Why, Swarovski? Why?” Here are the reasons behind this switch and in my opinion, upgrade of this class cut crystal. *Precision cut. The new bicone crystal has an extra sparkle with its extra facet. *Softer center-cut. Where the facets meet has been softened a bit in comparison to the 5301 bicone bead, adding to the comfort in wearing this style bead. *Cutting Edge. The basic make-up of this bead is harder for imitators to replicate. Swarovski is on the cutting edge as always & it will be harder for other manufacturers to duplicate this bead’s intricacies.

While we contemplated as a dealer, buying up hoards of 5301’s – we have always liked the oldies - we have opted to roll with the changes & replace our stock as Swarovski replaces the product line. Swarovski knows a thing or two about offering a top of the line product. And we are proud to be one of the recommended stores featuring this brand new cut bead. If you have questions about the new Swarovski Art 5328, and the phasing out of the 5301, email Heather at The Beadin' Path.


LINE DRAWING: The New 5328 Swarovski Crystal Bicone Bead