If you are like me, you love Swarovski's classic round flat back rhinestones. With just a dab of E6000 glue you can add them anywhere on your jewelry that needs just that extra little pop. Now Swarovski has outdone themselves again and redesigned the cut of the rhinestones for enhanced brilliance and increased luminosity.
So what has changed? The original round flat backs were introduced with 8 facets. In 2000 Swarovski redesigned the cut and increased the number of facets to 12, then in 2004 increased the facets again to 14. Now in 2011 Swarovski has launched the new "Xilion Enhanced Rose" cut with a higher profile and a smaller table (which is the top center facet). The new geometry of the cut means that the colors appear more intense and vibrant then before (which we of course love!), without the need for additional facets. It also means that they will stand up a little higher, and in doing so, add more depth and interest wherever you place them.
An easy way to identify the new cut is through the item number. The flat back rhinestones you have right now are most likely the #2028 Xilion Rose cut which were launched in 2004. The new ones are #2058 Xilion Enhanced Rose cut. On the Beadaholique website we clearly list the item number in both the listing and the description, making it easy to tell what you are getting. You can mix and match the two styles of rhinestones on a project, except where you are creating a pave' effect by placing lots of the crystals flush up against each other (i.e. if you are blinging out a phone). In this instance the height difference between the old and the new styles could show.
From a beader's perspective, I am thrilled with this new cut. Change is always scary when it happens to a tried and true staple, but these new rhinestones look amazing and really catch the surrounding light, drawing the eye right to them. They appear richer and more substantial then before and I personally can't wait to start adding them to my projects.
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