Bead & Rhinestone Wholesale Supplier to the World

Swarovski has officially released 2 new shades of red stones…..DARK SIAM and INDIAN SIAM!

Both colors are available in a range of round stones, rhinestones and fancy stones, including:

• Chatons (Pointed Back Stones): #1100 (PP3, PP4, PP5)  & #1028 (PP6, PP7, PP8, PP9, PP10, PP11, PP12, PP13, PP14)
• Rhinestones: #2000 (SS3) & #2028 (SS5, SS7, SS9, SS12, SS16, SS20)
• Hot Fix Rhinestones: #2000HF (SS3) & #2028HF (SS6, SS8, SS10, SS12, SS16, SS20)
• Fancy Stones: #4228 (4×2), #4428 (3MM), #4335 (3.5MM), #4501 (4×2, 5×2), #4735 (3.5MM), #4835 (3.5MM)

See how the new colors compare to established SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS colors Siam and Lt Siam:

Frankly, the (Siam and Dark Siam) and (Lt Siam and Indian Siam) are VERY, VERY, VERY close to each other.  It is very hard to tell the difference between them.  Dark Siam could easily be used as an alternative to Siam and Indian Siam could easily be used as an alternative to Lt Siam.

NEW BRANDING: SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

Effective June 1, 2010, Swarovski® has annoucned that they will be going through a “branding optimization”.  As such, “CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” will now become “SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS”.  This branding optimization will better reflect Swarovski® components as the premium brand for loose crystals in the marketplace with a stronger emphasis on the Swarovski® brand.

Now, we know what you are thinking….what a pain in the butt to have to change all the verbage on your marketing materials or website.  And we agree.  But, we also think this is absolutly the right move for Swarovski® to make.  “SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS” is a much easier and simpler way to convey the high quality products they make.  We always thought ”CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” was a bit of a mouthfull! 

So, here is what the new brand logo looks like:

FOR BRANDING PARTNERS: MADE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

Here is what the new branded tag looks like (for branded partners with Swarovski®):

For all you designers out there who are already a branded partner with Swarovski®, Swarovski® will be (or already have) contacting you about the change and what means for you.  For those designers who use exclusivley Swarovski elements in their designs, we encourage you to become a branded partner with Swarovski®.  With SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS, you will benefit from the power of the umbrella brand of Swarovski® – a trademark with unmatched international reputation.  This strong link to the Swarovski® brand allows you to better reach your customers more frequently and approach other customers who are familiar with the high quality of the brand. 

Designers of shoes, handbags, clothing, jewelry, belts, home decor etc…. have all applied to become a branding partner with Swarovski®.   

You can find more information on becoming a branding partner on our website: Learn How to Become a SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS Branded Partner

If you are interested in becoming a branding partner, please email Alisa Mandel Nogen at alisa@harmanbeads.com.

FOR CREATE-YOUR-STYLE PARTNERS: 

CREATE-YOUR-STYLE WITH SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS

Here is what the new brand logo looks like (for CREATE-YOUR-STYLE partners with Swarovski®):

Create Your Style™ with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS is a program designed by Swarovski to identify and support bead stores, resellers and websites that promote the SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS product.   As a CREATE YOUR STYLE (CYS) partner, you will have the approval to use the CYS logo.  Prior approval by Swarovski® is required to using the logo.

As a CREATE YOUR STYLE partner, you will received monthly communications from Swarovski® specifically for the CYS customer, including inspirational mailing, events, news etc…

You can find more information on becoming a CREATE-YOUR-STYLE partner on our website: Learn How to Become a CREATE-YOUR-STYLE Reseller

If you are interested in becoming a branding partner, please email Alisa Mandel Nogen at alisa@harmanbeads.com.

SWAROVSKI PRODUCTS SPARKLE IN FEATURE FILM SEX AND THE CITY 2

AS EXCLUSIVE CRYSTAL JEWELERY PARTNER OF THE MOVIE

Swarovski products are all over the new Sex And The City 2 movie!

Continuing a long-standing, sparkling relationship, Sex And The City and Swarovski, the world-renowned crystal manufacturer, have joined forces for the next installment of the iconic film, Sex And The City 2. Brought to the screen by New Line Cinema, Home Box Office and Village Roadshow, Sex And The City 2, from Warner Bros. Pictures, opens in theatres on Thursday, May 27. The sequel reunites Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon in their starring roles as Carrie, Samantha, Charlotte and Miranda.

In celebration of the creative collaboration, more than 800 Swarovski boutiques worldwide will transform their windows and allow customers to accessorize in the style of their favorite character from the film. Dedicated followers of fashion will also find Sex And The City 2 content on Swarovski.com.

Swarovski sparkles throughout Sex And The City 2, adding glamour to Carrie’s closet, setting the scene with Crystalline glasses and shining light from Swarovski Crystal Palace chandeliers on the movie’s chic sets. Fans of the brand will spot the swan logo gracing a red carpet scene.

“It is an honor to be involved in one of the most anticipated movies of 2010. Swarovski is the perfect fit for the fabulous foursome and represents everything the movie evokes: fashion, glamour, femininity and a strong sense of personal style,” says Nadja Swarovski, Vice President, International Communication, Swarovski.

Costume designer Patricia Field was once again a legendary collaborator of Swarovski in this film! “Swarovski is great for me on many levels.  I love anything that reflects the light and makes everything sparkle. I use Swarovski a lot.”, Patricia Field, Sex And The City 2, Costume Designer.

See pictures below of how some of the Swarovski products were used throughout the movie (pictures courtsey of Swarovski).

Swarovski has announced that on Monday, May 24, 2010, the currency surcharge for all products will be reduced to 16%.

Due to the sustained strength of the US Dollar versus the Euro over the past 2 weeks, Swarovski is able to reduce the currency surcharge from 22% to 16% effective Monday May 24, 2010.

It continues to be Swarovski’s goal to offer price stability to its’ customers.  While they are trying to avoid erratic jumps, they will continue to monitor the developments very closely and inform us of any possible further adjustments in the coming months.

Har-Man will send out email notifications with any updates we receive from Swarovski on future currency surcharge adjustments.

We believe that this 6% currency reduction gives us all a great opportunity to take advantage of the current strength of the US Dollar.

 We thank you for your continued business and loyalty to Har-Man Importing!

Har-Man Importing is happy to announce that through June 30, 2010, we are offering our customers CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements beads at amazing blowout prices.  Find your favorite beads at up to 40% off!  Styles offered include the popular Round (#5000), Bicone (#5328) as well as other specialty shapes such as the Cosmic Bead (#5523)  and the Briolette Beads (#5040).  Please click on the link below to see the full list of styles available.

All Bead Blowout items can be found on our e-commerce site:

CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Bead Blowout Sale

The following conditions apply:

Cannot be combined with any other offer; All sales final; Sale on in stock merchandise only; Must have at least $750 in shopping cart to receive these prices; Subject to prior sale; Valid through June 30, 2010.

Currently, there are two innovations within this collection: Mosaics and Ceramics.   

Swarovski Elements Mosaics

Swarovski Elements Mosaics

 In September 2009, Swarovski Elements launched their new line of “Fusion Concepts” with the development of “Mosaics”.  Mosaic beads, pendants and stones are made from crystal and each piece has unique characteristics.  No two pieces are exactly the same.  They are available in a limited range of styles and only come in 5 unique colors:  Moasic White Opal, Mosaic Pacific Opal, Mosaic Purple Opaque, Mosaic Sand Opal and Mosaic Amber Opal.  

Swarovski Elements Mosaics - Color Options

 Mosaic colors are available in the following styles and sizes, and are denoted by a “/A” after the style #s: 

• # 4470 (e.g #4470/A): 18mm – Cushion Cut Fancy Stone
• #4610 (e.g. #4610/A):  20×15 – Octagon Fancy Stone
• #5041 (e.g. #5041/A): 18mm – Briolette Bead (Large Hole)
• #5556 (e.g. #5556/A): 13.5×24, 15×27 – Galactic
• #6015 (e.g. #6015/A): 21mm – Polygon Drop
• #6150 (e.g. #6150/A): 50mm – Pegasus Pendant
• #6656 (e.g. #6056/A): 19, 27, 39mm – Galactic Horizontal Pendant 

Swarovski Elements Ceramics

Swarovski Elements Ceramics

In February 2010, Swarovski launched a new addition to their Fusion Concept Line…..the “Ceramics Collection”.  The ceramic collection brings together a very ancient material in a very modern way.  The first thing you should know about these “ceramics” made by Swarovski Elements is that that they are not made of crystal.  The ceramics are very hard and scratch resistant.  The luster of individual facets  shows subtle, sophisticated reflections.  Just like the “Mosaics”, each Ceramic bead or stone has individual characteristics.  They are available in a limited range of styles and only come in 4 unique colors:  Marbled Ivory, Marbled Yellow, Marbled Blue, and Marbled Black. 

Swarovski Elements Ceramics - Color Options

Ceramics colors are available in the following styles and sizes, and are denoted by a “/B” after the style #s:  

• # 2520 (e.g #2520/B): 14×10, 20×14 - Cosmic Flatback Stone
• # 3265 (e.g #3265/B): 20×16, 26×21 - Cosmic Sew-On Stone
• # 4139 (e.g #4139/B): 14, 20, 30mm - Cosmic Ring
• # 4739 (e.g #4739/B): 14×11, 20×16 - Cosmic Fancy Stone
• # 5000 (e.g #5000/B): 8, 10mm - Round Bead
• # 5601 (e.g #5601/B): 6, 8mm - Cube Bead
• # 6620 (e.g #6620/B): 20mm - Avante-Garde Pendant
• # 6680 (e.g #6680/B): 20mm - Cosmic Pendant

We have included for you below some designs that incorporate these Swarovski Elements Ceramic components.  

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Stones in Jewelry

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Stones in Jewelry

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Beads in Jewelry

Use of Swarovski Ceramic Stones on Shoes

Swarovski has issued a press release regarding the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards sponsored by CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements.  Below is an excerpt from the press release….

THE FOURTH ANNUAL INDEPENDENT HANDBAG DESIGNER AWARDS PROUDLY ANNOUNCES A SPARKLING NEW DESIGN CATEGORY.

 New York, New York, January 12, 2010 – Handbag Designer 101, the world’s handbag designer resource, announces that CRYSTALLIZED™, the brand for all loose cut crystals manufactured by Swarovski, will sponsor a sparkling category, inviting designers to create innovative new handbags and compete for the Award, “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements for the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards (IHDA)”. This unique collaboration inspires handbag designers to incorporate crystals as a creative ingredient, resulting in one of a kind, luxury designs”.

For the second time all registered designers may participate by submitting a detailed sketch of their handbag design, incorporating CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements. Designers are encouraged to create bags of any material or silhouette while utilizing crystal as embellishment, trimming or even as part of the core concept. The five best ideas will be chosen by the Handbag Designer 101 Preliminary Judging Panel, giving the selected designers access to CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements, to execute their final handbags for the annual awards ceremony on June 16, 2010 where the final winner will be announced.

 ”The Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements Award is a great addition to our prestigious competition,” said Emily Blumenthal, founder of Handbag Designer 101 and IHDA. “We are extremely excited to partner with CRYSTALLIZED™ as I know the participating designers will be just as inspired as we are about this collaboration. Swarovski’s origin was working with emerging designers to make beautiful things and we are flattered that they would go back to their roots and realize that true creativity still comes from that community. We are confident that we will find the next IT handbag designer and can only hope it is through this amazing new category.”

The team from CRYSTALLIZED™ will provide regular features and tips on Handbag Designer 101, including new crystal innovations and product launches, upcoming new colors, trend forecasts and application know how. The new content will be featured on Handbag Designer 101 and the Handbag Designer 101 Weekly Round-Up which reach the handbag designer community at large and handbag aficionados throughout the world.

At the fourth annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards 2009, held at the New York Historical Society, the clutch was the star of the night. Iconic british designer Lulu Guinness was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award in Handbag Design, having just released her Lips Collection, a line of jewellery and accessories all made with CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements and now available for purchase in Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ stores. Additionally, London College of Fashion student Lorna Nixon wowed the judges with her evening clutch design, winning in the Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements category. “I wanted to produce a structural bag, inspired by organic elements,” said Nixon.  A selection of the prize-winning pieces has been showcased in an exclusive exhibition at the New York Swarovski CRYSTALLIZED™ concept store.

“CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements makes it a priority to support and encourage the creativity and talent of the design community”, states Stephan Toljan, VP of Market Management. “It is our pleasure to have CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements sponsor  again the Independent Handbag Designer Awards and to have a handbag category that will both inspire and support designers to incorporate the creative material crystal in their one of a kind pieces.”

 The winner of the 2010 “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” award will receive a crystal sponsorship with free access to crystals and Swarovski know how, to produce a limited edition of the winner bag. In addition, the winning handbag will be featured in several CRYSTALLIZED™ channels and communication tools in the US and internationally with industry and end consumer exposure. Applications for the 2010 Independent Handbag Designer Awards will be available online at handbagdesigner101.com for the “Best Use of CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements” by January 1st. The pinnacle of the international competition will culminate with the annual awards ceremony on June 16, 2010 at Parson’s School of Design.

 About Handbag Designer 101

Handbag Designer 101, the handbag designer resource was inspired by the needs for the handbag designer, aficionado and fan in all of us, as one knows we can never have too many bags. Handbag Designer 101 and Independent Handbag Designer Awards trademarks are owned by handbagdesigner101.com, a privately held company based in New York City.

 To Apply to the 3rd Annual Independent Handbag Designer Awards: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com/independent_handbag_designer_awards

Handbag Designer 101: http://www.handbagdesigner101.com  or http://www.hbd101.com

Hey everyone!  Just a heads up….on Tuesday, February 2nd, Swarovski will be making their official launch announcement for the Spring / Summer 2011 Trends.

We will be posting the new trend colors and innovations on Tuesday to this blog and to our website: www.shopharmanbeads.com

Check back on February 2nd to be the first to get all the new launch information!

 Swarovski announced yesterday that the Heart Pendant #6202 in the collection of CRYSTALLIZED™- Swarovski Elements will be upgraded to #6228, XILION HEART PENDANT.

The schematics and pictures below show the difference between #6202 and #6228:

CRYSTALLIZED - Swarovski Elements Heart Pendant Upgrade #6202 to #6228

So, the Xilion cut continues with a relaunch of the #6202 Heart Pendant as #6228.  The revolutionary XILION cut, with its alternating large and small facets, results in distinctively higher brilliance and particularly intense light refraction.  In addition, this XILION cut is differentiated from all other products on the market and copyright protected.

As with other XILION upgrades, there will be a transition period from #6202 to #6228 as long as inventories last.  During this transition period, #6228 will only be shipped when #6202 is out of stock.

OMG!  We have just been notified by Swarovski (CRYSTALLIZED™ – Swarovski Elements) that they will NOT be raising their prices in 2010!  As most of you know, Swarovski always raises their prices 2-3% each year.  So, this is great news right before the holidays! 

Additionally, they also stated in their annoucement that the currency surcharge will remain at 22% until January 31, 2010.  At this time they will reevaluate they surcharge based on the value of the USD realtive to the Euro.