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 2nd 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.





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 2nd 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.

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.