Best Flatback Rhinestone Brand for Jewellery
Flatback rhinestones have long been a favourite among jewellery makers, crafters, and designers seeking a high-impact sparkle without the price of genuine gemstones.
Their versatility allows them to elevate anything from fine costume pieces to everyday accessories. However, not all rhinestones are created equal. The quality of the cut, clarity, coating, and backing all determine how much brilliance and longevity a rhinestone can offer.
To help you find the right flatback rhinestones for your jewellery, this article will highlight the best flatback rhinestone brands. It will also explore the key factors to consider before buying and the best flatback rhinestone supplier that you should consider for guaranteed authenticity, reliability, and exceptional service.
1. Swarovski – The Gold Standard of Rhinestones
Swarovski remains the most prestigious name in the rhinestone world. Crafted in Austria, Swarovski flatbacks are precision-cut using advanced optical technology, producing exceptional light reflection and consistent brilliance. Each crystal is machine-cut and polished to create uniform facets that deliver a diamond-like sparkle.
Swarovski rhinestones are made from lead-free Advanced Crystal, offering both eco-friendliness and premium clarity. The brand’s Hotfix and Non-Hotfix flatbacks are ideal for fine jewellery, bridal accessories, and high-end costume designs.
Key advantages:
- Unrivalled brilliance and clarity
- Durable coatings that resist fading and tarnishing
- Extensive colour and size range
- Lead-free and responsibly produced
While Swarovski rhinestones come at a premium price, their consistency and durability make them the top choice for professional jewellery makers.
2. Preciosa – Elegant Craftsmanship from the Czech Republic
Preciosa is another highly respected European crystal manufacturer with centuries of glassmaking tradition. Known for its Maxima and Viva12 lines, Preciosa offers rhinestones that closely rival Swarovski in both brilliance and quality.
Each stone is precision-cut with up to 15 facets, ensuring exceptional sparkle. Preciosa flatbacks are made using lead-free crystal glass, and the company’s coatings are designed for long-term adhesion and resistance to wear.
Why Preciosa stands out:
- High-precision cutting with sharp, even facets
- Excellent cost-to-quality ratio
- Broad range of crystal colours and finishes
- Produced under sustainable manufacturing standards
Preciosa is often the preferred choice for designers who want luxury quality at a slightly lower cost than Swarovski.
3. Serinity Crystals – Premium Quality for Modern Designers
Serinity Crystals emerged as a high-quality alternative following Swarovski’s decision to restrict wholesale distribution. Manufactured in Austria, Serinity maintains comparable cutting standards and visual brilliance.
These rhinestones are designed for professionals seeking top-tier sparkle without the supply limitations associated with Swarovski. Serinity’s Non-Hotfix flatbacks adhere well to metal, resin, and fabric, making them a reliable choice for fine jewellery and embellishment work.
Key strengths:
- Exceptional brilliance and consistent sizing
- Lead-free, ethically produced crystals
- Compatible with most jewellery adhesives
- Competitive pricing within the luxury segment
For designers previously reliant on Swarovski, Serinity offers a nearly seamless transition in both performance and aesthetic appeal.
How to Choose the Right Flatback Rhinestones for Jewellery
Selecting the best rhinestone brand depends on project requirements, budget, and desired finish. A few key factors help guide the decision:
1. Material Type
- Crystal rhinestones (Swarovski, Preciosa, Serinity) offer the best sparkle and clarity.
- Glass options (Dreamtime, LUX, Crystal Lane) provide durability at a moderate cost.
- Resin or acrylic stones (DMC) are lightweight and inexpensive, but less brilliant.
2. Cut Quality
Look for uniform facets and clean edges. Brands with machine-cut stones generally offer better sparkle and durability.
3. Backing Type
Foil-backed rhinestones enhance reflection and depth, while non-foil options create a softer, translucent look. Always check that the backing is resistant to peeling or scratching.
4. Adhesive Compatibility
Ensure the stones are compatible with the chosen glue-particularly for metal or resin jewellery bases. Epoxy and specialty jewellery adhesives provide the most secure bonds.
5. Colour Stability
High-quality coatings should resist discolouration and maintain brilliance under UV exposure. Crystal brands such as Swarovski and Preciosa lead in this category.
Best Place to Buy Flatback Rhinestones for Jewellery
Among the many options available, Bluestreak Crystals stands out as the best place to buy flatback rhinestones for jewellery. Based in Buckinghamshire, UK, this UK-headquartered global supplier is trusted by thousands of designers, jewellers, and creative professionals worldwide.
Bluestreak Crystals combines genuine luxury crystal brands, consistent stock availability, and responsive customer service - making it the go-to destination for both retail and wholesale customers seeking brilliance, reliability, and authenticity.
Other reasons why you should choose Bluestreak Crystals for your jewellery flatback rhinestones include:
- Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner – guaranteeing 100% genuine Swarovski crystals sourced directly from Swarovski.
- Extensive range of premium brands – including Swarovski, Preciosa, and Serenity Crystals to suit every design style and budget.
- UK-headquartered, serving customers worldwide – fast domestic dispatch from Buckinghamshire and reliable global shipping.
- Popular lines consistently in stock – ensuring quick access to best-selling colours and shapes for ongoing projects.
- Easy pre-order options for specialty shades – with restock alerts and a responsive fulfilment team for rare colours.
- Fast and secure delivery – same-day dispatch on most UK orders and tracked international shipping.
Excellent Trustpilot reviews – reflecting proven customer satisfaction and service excellence.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are flatback rhinestones used for in jewellery?
Flatback rhinestones are used to add sparkle and decoration to jewellery pieces such as earrings, pendants, bracelets, and rings. Their flat reverse side makes them ideal for gluing onto metal, resin, or other smooth surfaces.
Are Bluestreak Crystals’ Swarovski rhinestones genuine?
Yes. Bluestreak Crystals is an Authorised Swarovski Distribution Partner, guaranteeing that every Swarovski flatback rhinestone sold is 100% genuine and sourced directly from Swarovski.
Which brands of flatback rhinestones does Bluestreak Crystals sell?
Bluestreak Crystals offers a curated selection of Swarovski, Preciosa, and Serenity Crystals, providing jewellery makers with premium options across various styles and price points.
Does Bluestreak Crystals ship internationally?
Absolutely. While proudly UK-headquartered in Buckinghamshire, Bluestreak Crystals ships worldwide, serving both retail and wholesale customers with fast and reliable global delivery.
What if a particular colour or shape is out of stock?
Bluestreak Crystals keeps its most popular flatback rhinestones consistently in stock, and for rarer or limited-edition shades, customers can use the easy pre-order or restock alert options. The company’s responsive fulfilment team ensures quick updates and smooth order handling.
How long does delivery take within the UK?
Most UK orders are dispatched the same day and typically arrive within 1–2 working days, depending on the selected delivery option.
Can I buy in bulk for my jewellery business?
It depends on the supplier. Bluestreak Crystals, for example, caters to both retail and wholesale customers, offering flexible quantities, bulk discounts, and dedicated support for business buyers.