Flatback Crystals

Flatback crystals (also known as rhinestones) are precision-cut crystal stones with a flat reverse face, designed for embellishment across fabric, nails, jewellery, accessories and mixed-media work. Bluestreak Crystals stocks the world's largest selection across all four leading brands: Swarovski (Austrian, premium), Serinity (Austrian, our own brand), Preciosa MAXIMA (Czech) and Estella (our affordable range), in hotfix, non hotfix and sew-on formats across SS3 to SS48 and 150+ colours and effects. All four ranges are available in retail and wholesale packs with same or next working day dispatch worldwide.

Which Flatback Crystal Brand Is Right for You?

All four brands are glass crystal flatbacks but differ in origin, cut, product range and price point.

Swarovski — the world's leading flatback crystal brand, manufactured in Austria with the patented 2088 Xirius 16-facet starburst cut. The highest possible brilliance and the most recognised name in the industry.
Serinity — premium Austrian-made flatbacks created by Bluestreak Crystals, produced to the same high lead-free standards as the world's leading crystal brands at around 10% below leading premium brand pricing. The practical choice for production-scale work.
Preciosa MAXIMA — Czech-made precision flatbacks with the Chaton Rose Maxima cut (up to 18 facets), drawing on centuries of Bohemian glassmaking heritage. Excellent quality at a mid-range price.
Estella — created by Bluestreak Crystals, our most affordable flatback range. Laser-cut glass crystals delivering reliable sparkle at our best value price point. Ideal for high-volume projects, nail art and craft embellishment.

Swarovski Flatback Crystals

Swarovski flatback crystals are the global benchmark for rhinestone embellishment, manufactured in Austria using the patented 2088 Xirius Rose 16-facet starburst cut and 2058 Xilion Rose 14-facet cut for smaller sizes, with platinum foiling to maximise colour depth and brilliance. Lead-free and REACH-compliant since 2012. Available in hotfix, non hotfix and sew-on formats across SS3 to SS48 in 150+ colours and effects. Trusted by fashion designers, nail technicians, costume makers and luxury brands worldwide.

Serinity Flatback Crystals

Serinity flatback crystals are premium Austrian-made rhinestones, a brand created by Bluestreak Crystals in 2022. Precision-cut and platinum foil-backed for consistent brilliance and depth of colour. Available in hotfix, non hotfix and sew-on formats across SS3 to SS48 in 100+ colours including AB, shimmer, metallic and lacquer effects, at around 10% below leading premium brand pricing.

Preciosa MAXIMA Flatback Crystals

Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals are manufactured in the Czech Republic, drawing on centuries of Bohemian glassmaking heritage. The Chaton Rose Maxima cut delivers 15 facets for SS5–SS20 and 18 facets for SS30–SS48, with multilayer foiling for enhanced colour depth and durability. Available in hotfix and non hotfix formats across SS2 to SS48 in 150+ colours.

Estella Flatback Crystals

Estella flatback crystals are Bluestreak Crystals' own affordable rhinestone range, launched in 2021 and sourced globally and finished in the United Kingdom. Laser-cut glass crystals, not acrylic or plastic, delivering reliable sparkle and a consistent finish at our most accessible price point. Available in hotfix and non hotfix formats across SS3 to SS40 in a wide range of colours including AB effects, plus shaped options including hearts, stars, butterflies and more.

What Is the Difference Between Hotfix, Non hotfix and Sew-On Crystals?

All four brands offer multiple application types across their flatback ranges.

Hotfix flatback crystals — pre-coated with a heat-activated adhesive; applied using a hotfix applicator wand, heat press or iron (steam off) directly onto fabrics and textiles. Also known as iron-on crystals. Browse all hotfix rhinestones.
Non hotfix flatback crystals — no pre-applied adhesive; bonded using crystal adhesive. Suitable for glass, metal, plastic, leather, fabric and nail art. The most versatile format for mixed-media and multi-surface projects. Browse all non hotfix rhinestones.
Sew-on crystals — pre-drilled for hand-sewing or machine-stitching onto garments; ideal where adhesive alone may not provide sufficient security for high-movement or high-wear designs. Browse all sew-on crystals.

What Are Flatback Crystals Used For?

Flatback crystals and rhinestones suit a wide range of professional and creative applications. Their flat backing makes them easy to apply to virtually any surface across all four brands.

Nail art (browse our dedicated nail crystals collection)
Fashion and garment embellishment
Dancewear and performance costumes
Bridal and occasion wear
Tooth gem application (browse our tooth gem crystals collection)
Jewellery making
Accessories including bags, shoes and headpieces
Home décor and craft projects

Browse our full range of adhesives and application tools, visit the Bluestreak Craft Studio for embellishment guides, or explore the Bluestreak Nail Studio for nail art tutorials.

Why Buy Flatback Crystals from Bluestreak?

Bluestreak Crystals is the only supplier stocking all four leading flatback crystal brands under one roof, as an official Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner, official Preciosa Authorised Partner, and the creator of both Serinity and Estella. Every crystal is sourced directly and guaranteed genuine, with same or next working day dispatch on the majority of orders worldwide, including express options to the USA in 2 to 5 days.

All brands are available in retail and wholesale packs with no minimum order. Buy a sample pack before committing to a large order, use our digital colour guides for confident colour matching, or apply for a trade discount for tiered pricing on bulk and repeat orders.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between hotfix and non hotfix flatback crystals? ▾

Hotfix flatback crystals have a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the reverse, allowing them to be bonded to most fabrics and textiles using a hotfix applicator, heat press or iron (steam off), also known as iron-on crystals. Non hotfix flatback crystals have no pre-applied adhesive and are bonded using jewellery glue or two-component adhesive, making them suitable for a wider range of surfaces including metal, glass, leather, plastic and nail applications.

What is the difference between Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella flatback crystals? ▾

All four are glass crystal flatbacks but differ in origin, cut and price. Swarovski is the world's leading brand with the patented Xirius 16-facet starburst cut. Serinity is Austrian-made with the same cut specifications as Swarovski, created by Bluestreak Crystals. Preciosa MAXIMA is Czech-made with up to 18 facets, developed to match Swarovski's brilliance, available to all at a mid-range price. Estella is Bluestreak's own budget range, reliable laser-cut glass crystals at the most affordable price point.

What are the most popular flatback crystal sizes? ▾

The most popular flatback crystal sizes are SS12 (3.2mm), SS16 (4.0mm) and SS20 (4.7mm) for garment embellishment and accessories; SS5 (1.8mm), SS6 and SS10 (2.8mm) for nail art and fine detail work; and SS30 (6.4mm) and above for statement focal embellishment. All four brands use the same SS sizing system, making cross-brand comparison and mixing straightforward.

Which flatback crystal brand should I choose? ▾

Choose Swarovski for the highest possible brilliance and brand recognition. Choose Serinity for equivalent Austrian-made quality, the closest alternative to Swarovski. Choose Preciosa MAXIMA for excellent Czech-made precision at a slightly lower price. Choose Estella for the best value per stone on high-volume projects where cost efficiency is the priority.

Are flatback crystals lead-free? ▾

Yes. All four brands in this collection, Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella, lead-free flatback crystals compliant with EU REACH regulations. Swarovski has been lead-free since 2012, Preciosa since 2013, and both Serinity and Estella have been lead-free from launch. All are safe for professional production and consumer goods worldwide.

Can I mix flatback crystals from different brands? ▾

Yes. All four brands use the same SS sizing system, making cross-brand mixing straightforward. Colour names are shared across brands but as each manufacturer produces colours independently, minor shade variations can occur. We recommend using our sample service or colour charts to verify colour matching before committing to a large order.

What glue should I use for non hotfix flatback crystals? ▾

For fabric applications, a fabric-safe adhesive such as Gem-Tac is recommended. For hard surfaces such as glass, metal or plastic, E6000 or a two-component epoxy adhesive provides the strongest bond. For nail art, a specialist nail crystal glue is recommended. Browse our full range of adhesives and application tools for the right product for your surface and technique.

What size flatback crystals do I need for nail art? ▾

SS3 (1.4mm), SS5 (1.8mm) and SS7 (2.2mm) are the most popular sizes for nail art, with SS3 used for fine detail work and accents, SS5 for everyday designs, and SS7 for statement gems. SS9 (2.6mm) and SS10 (2.8mm) work well for focal stones on accent nails. Sizes above SS12 are generally too large for nail use but popular for competition and show nail designs.