Choosing the right type of flatback rhinestone makes all the difference to a finished embellishment, but with several brands and two main backing types to pick from, it is not always obvious where to start. This guide explains what flatback rhinestones are, the differences between the main brands (Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella), and how to choose between Hotfix and non-Hotfix. With this overview you can pick the rhinestones that best suit your project, budget and surface.
Whether you are decorating a piece of clothing or a home furnishing, flatback rhinestones can add head-turning glamour and sparkle. With so many types to choose from it can take time to find the right combination of quality, durability and aesthetic, and plenty of contradictory advice on the internet does not help. Below we break it down brand by brand so you can shop with confidence.
What are flatback rhinestones?
Flatback rhinestones are as the name implies: loose crystals with a flat back for easy adhesion to clothes, costumes and other textiles and surfaces. They can be used to decorate everything from clothing and jewellery to home furnishings, phone cases, sculptures and more.
Why use flatback rhinestones?
Flatback rhinestones are perfect if you are looking to add real glitz and sparkle to a finished product. When bought from reputable brands they deliver authentic luxe and charm that simply cannot be replicated with glitter or acrylic-based rhinestones.
They are also easy to apply thanks to their flat reverse side. Whether you opt for Hotfix or non-Hotfix crystals, flatback rhinestones are designed for simple, neat application.
Different types of rhinestones
At Bluestreak Crystals we offer flatback rhinestones from the following established brands.
Swarovski
The most recognised name in crystal, Swarovski is the platinum standard in flatback rhinestones, offering both Hotfix and non-Hotfix options. Austrian-made and cut with the patented Xirius and Xilion Rose facet design, Swarovski crystals pack extra facets into every stone for maximum brilliance from every angle. They are world-leading in glass-cutting methods, quality and finish, and are popular for clothing, accessories and jewellery.
Serinity
Made in Austria and created by Bluestreak Crystals, Serinity flatback rhinestones share the same specifications as Swarovski, including the Rose cut on several sizes, at around 10% below leading premium brand pricing. They are lead-free and produced to the highest global standard in crystal-cutting. Available in a wide range of stunning colours, from Aquamarine to Capri Blue, Serinity rhinestones come with heat-sensitive glue already applied (Hotfix) or non-Hotfix, and are ideal for clothing, textiles and most other surfaces.
Preciosa
Preciosa flatback rhinestones are the highest quality Chaton Rose MAXIMA crystals, produced in the historic Bohemian Crystal Valley region of the Czech Republic with centuries of Bohemian glassmaking heritage behind every stone. The multi-layer satin finish enhances their durability and resistance to long-term wear and tear, making them ideal for clothing, bridal accessories and costume design at a more accessible price point than the Austrian brands. Bluestreak Crystals is a Preciosa Authorised Partner offering the largest range of Preciosa flatback rhinestones in the world.
Estella Crystals
Estella Crystals are our most affordable range, based in the United Kingdom and sourced sustainably from across the world. The brand offers both Hotfix and non-Hotfix flatback rhinestones in a wide range of colours, perfect for everything from casual phone cases to bridal clothing. Estella non-Hotfix rhinestones can be easily attached to a variety of textiles and hard surfaces using a one or two-component glue.
What are rhinestones made of?
Branded flatback rhinestones, such as those by Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella, are made with glass, which gives them a highly reflective shine and sparkle. Some manufacturers now use materials such as plastics and acrylics when producing rhinestones, but we would always recommend sticking to trusted manufacturers, especially if you are using rhinestones to decorate purchasable goods. Plastic and acrylic rhinestones are not as durable and will likely come off when put in the washing machine or worn regularly.
What's the difference between Hotfix and Non-Hotfix flatback crystals?
The main difference between Hotfix and non-Hotfix flatback crystals is in how they are attached to surfaces. Hotfix crystals arrive with a pre-applied adhesive that uses heat to activate, while non-Hotfix crystals require the use of a one or two-component glue.
Whether you opt for Hotfix or non-Hotfix really depends on what you are using them for. For custom gowns or clothing, Hotfix crystals give a simpler process and clean precision. For harder items such as phone cases, jewellery or any surface that cannot take heat, non-Hotfix flatback rhinestones with a suitable glue are the better choice.
FAQs
What are flatback rhinestones used for?
Flatback rhinestones are used to embellish clothing, dance costumes, bridal gowns, shoes, phone cases, nail art, jewellery, home decor, automotive interiors and craft projects. The flat back allows the crystal to sit flush against a surface for clean application using either heat-activated adhesive (hotfix) or crystal glue (non-hotfix). Dance and gymnastics costumes alone use millions of flatback rhinestones globally each year.
What is the best brand of flatback rhinestones?
Swarovski is the world's leading brand of flatback rhinestones, made in Wattens, Austria since 1895 with patented precision cutting that delivers maximum brilliance. Serinity (also made in Austria, finished in the UK) matches Swarovski quality at roughly 10% lower cost. Preciosa is the leading Czech alternative at a budget-friendly price point. Estella offers the most affordable option globally sourced and finished in the UK.
What is the difference between hotfix and non-hotfix flatback rhinestones?
Hotfix flatback rhinestones have heat-activated glue pre-applied to the back and bond to fabric when heated with a hotfix applicator or iron at around 130-150°C. Non-hotfix flatbacks have a smooth foiled back with no pre-applied adhesive, requiring separate crystal glue like E6000 Plus or Gem-Tac. Use hotfix for fabric and large-scale embellishment; use non-hotfix for nail art, hard surfaces and heat-sensitive fabrics.
What are flatback rhinestones made of?
Premium flatback rhinestones from Swarovski, Serinity and Preciosa are made from lead-free precision-cut crystal glass with metallic foil backings that maximise light reflection. Estella flatbacks use crystal glass sourced globally. Avoid acrylic or plastic flatbacks for any project that will be worn, washed or used regularly: they dull quickly, lose their backing, and cannot match the brilliance of glass crystal.
How are flatback rhinestones sized?
Flatback rhinestones use the SS (Stone Size) measurement system. Common sizes range from SS3 (1.4mm) for ultra-fine detail to SS48 (11mm) for statement pieces. Popular sizes for embellishment include SS6 (2mm), SS10 (2.8mm), SS16 (3.9mm), SS20 (4.7mm) and SS30 (6.4mm). For nail art, SS5-SS12 works best; for costumes, SS16-SS30 delivers maximum stage impact.
How do I attach flatback rhinestones?
For non-hotfix flatbacks: apply a small dot of crystal glue (E6000 Plus for hard surfaces, Gem-Tac for fabric) to your surface, place the rhinestone foil-side down using tweezers or a wax picker, press firmly for 30 seconds, and allow 24-48 hours to cure. For hotfix flatbacks: position the rhinestone glue-side down on fabric and apply heat at 130-150°C for 10-15 seconds using a hotfix applicator or iron.
Are Swarovski flatback rhinestones worth the extra cost?
Yes, for projects where brilliance and longevity matter. Swarovski flatback rhinestones cost 2-5 times more than budget alternatives but maintain sparkle for 5-10+ years compared to 1-2 years for cheap acrylic rhinestones. The Xirius Rose cut delivers more facets and superior light return, which is visible from across a stage or in photographs. For competition costumes, bridal wear and luxury jewellery, the cost difference pays back through visual impact and lifespan.
