Flatback Rhinestones & Crystals

Flatback rhinestones (also known as flatback crystals) 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 Rhinestone Brand Is Right for You?

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

Swarovski — the world's leading flatback rhinestone 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 Rhinestones

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 Rhinestones

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 Rhinestones

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 Rhinestones

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 Rhinestones?

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

Hotfix flatback rhinestones — 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 rhinestones — 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 rhinestones — 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 Rhinestones Used For?

Flatback rhinestones and crystals 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 Rhinestones from Bluestreak?

Bluestreak Crystals is the only supplier stocking all four leading flatback rhinestone 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 flatback rhinestones and crystals? ▾

Flatback rhinestones and flatback crystals are the same product: precision-cut crystal stones with a flat back for embellishment. "Rhinestone" is the common US term and "crystal" the UK and trade term. Both describe genuine glass crystal flatbacks, not acrylic or plastic.

What size flatback rhinestones do I need? ▾

Flatback rhinestone sizes are measured in SS (stone size), from tiny SS3 up to large SS48. SS6 to SS10 suit nail art and fine detail, SS16 to SS20 are the most popular all-round sizes, and SS30 plus make bold statement pieces.

Are glass flatback rhinestones better than acrylic? ▾

Glass crystal flatback rhinestones offer far greater brilliance, clarity and durability than acrylic or plastic, with precision-cut facets that reflect light brilliantly. All four brands we stock, Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella, are genuine glass crystal, never acrylic, for a premium professional finish.

What glue should I use for non-hotfix flatback rhinestones? ▾

Non-hotfix flatback rhinestones need a crystal adhesive such as E6000 Plus, or a gem-setting glue suited to the surface you are decorating. Hotfix rhinestones need no glue, as they have heat-activated adhesive on the back. Browse our adhesives and application tools for the right option.

Can you apply hotfix rhinestones with an iron? ▾

Yes, hotfix flatback rhinestones can be applied with an iron, a heat press or a hotfix applicator wand. The heat melts the adhesive on the back so it bonds to fabric. Use a steam-off setting and press firmly, following the heat guidance for your material.

Which flatback rhinestone brand is the most affordable? ▾

Estella is our most affordable flatback rhinestone range, offering reliable glass crystal sparkle at our best value price point, ideal for high-volume and craft work. Serinity offers premium Austrian-made quality at around 10% below leading premium brand pricing, while Swarovski is the industry's premium benchmark.

Do you sell flatback rhinestones wholesale? ▾

Yes. All four brands are available in retail and wholesale packs with no minimum order. Trade customers can apply for a tiered trade discount on bulk and repeat orders, and you can buy a sample pack to check colours before committing to a large quantity.

How quickly do flatback rhinestone orders arrive? ▾

Most flatback rhinestone orders are dispatched the same or next working day, with worldwide shipping. Express delivery to the USA typically takes 2 to 5 days. A large share of our customers are based in the USA, so we ship internationally every working day.