Wholesale lot 100 bicone 8MM #5328 Swarovski Crystal Beads 10 colors (#2)
The Swarovski bicone #5301 cut has been discontinued since March 2009 and replaced with the #5328 bicone cut.  The #5328 Swarovski is a higher quality cut that features alternating large and small facets known as the xilion cut to help prevent counterfeiting.  It is very rare to find the older #5301 cut on the market for sale, and if so, they tend to be Preciosa/CZ crystal look-alikes and NOT Swarovski.  A close inspection and study will help you differentiate among the varying brands to help you get what you are paying for.