Non Hotfix Rhinestones

Non-hotfix rhinestones (also known as flatback crystals) are precision-cut glass crystal flatbacks with no pre-applied adhesive, designed to bond using a separate jewellery glue or specialist crystal adhesive. The range covers SS3 to SS48 sizes across over 150 colours and effects from all four leading brands: Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa MAXIMA and Estella. Available in retail and wholesale packs with same or next working day dispatch, no minimum order, and suitable for nail art, fabric embellishment, jewellery, glass, metal, leather and mixed-media work.

Shop Non-Hotfix Rhinestones by Brand

Browse by brand to find the right non-hotfix rhinestones for your project: Swarovski non-hotfix flatbacks for the world's leading Austrian precision crystals, Serinity non-hotfix rhinestones for premium Austrian-made quality created by Bluestreak Crystals, Preciosa MAXIMA non-hotfix flatbacks for premium Czech-made crystal, or Estella non-hotfix rhinestones for our most accessible price point. For nail art specifically, visit our nail crystals collection. For the complete flatback range including hotfix, visit our all-brands flatback crystals collection.

What Are Non-Hotfix Rhinestones?

Non-hotfix rhinestones are flatback glass crystal stones with no pre-applied adhesive. Unlike hotfix rhinestones which require heat to bond, these stones attach to the surface using a separate adhesive chosen to suit the specific material. Also known as glue-on rhinestones, cold fix crystals or flatback rhinestones, they are the most versatile crystal fixing format, compatible with virtually any surface including fabric, glass, metal, plastic, leather, wood, resin and nails.

Non-hotfix rhinestones are the correct format for nail art, hard surface embellishment and any application where heat cannot or should not be used. They are also widely used on fabric and garments alongside hotfix stones, particularly where the design requires precise individual stone placement or where the fabric is too delicate for heat application.

Which Brand Is Right for You?

All four brands are non-hotfix glass crystal flatbacks but differ in origin, cutting technology, product range and price point.

Swarovski — the world's leading crystal brand, manufactured in Austria with the patented Xirius 16-facet starburst cut for the highest possible brilliance. Available in SS3 to SS48 across 150+ colours.
Serinity — premium Austrian-made flatbacks created by Bluestreak Crystals, produced to the same high lead-free standards as the world's leading crystal brands. Over 150 colours and effects, 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). Excellent colour range including exclusive special production colours not available through standard distribution.
Estella — created by Bluestreak Crystals, our most affordable non-hotfix option. Genuine glass crystal flatbacks ideal for high-volume projects, nail art and budget-conscious embellishment.

What Sizes, Colours and Finishes Are Available?

Non-hotfix rhinestones across all four brands use the SS (stone size) system following the same industry-standard conventions. SS3 (1.3mm) and SS5 (1.8mm) are the most popular sizes for nail art, tooth gems and fine detail work. SS10 (2.8mm) and SS16 (4.0mm) are widely used for garment embellishment and accessories. SS20 (4.7mm) and above suit bold statement designs and larger coverage. The full colour range covers Crystal (clear), Crystal AB (Aurora Borealis iridescent), shimmer effects, opal effects, metallic finishes and seasonal special production colours.

What Are Non-Hotfix Rhinestones Used For?

Non-hotfix rhinestones are the most versatile rhinestone format, used across a wider range of applications than any other fixing type.

Nail art (SS3 to SS12 bonded with nail crystal glue)
Tooth gem application (browse our dedicated tooth gem crystals collection)
Garment and fashion embellishment
Dancewear and costume decoration
Jewellery making and accessories
Footwear work on leather and synthetic materials
Glass, resin and craft projects
Phone case and tech accessory decoration
Bridal and occasion wear requiring precise individual stone placement

What Adhesive Should I Use for Non-Hotfix Rhinestones?

The right adhesive depends on the material being worked. For fabric, a flexible fabric-safe crystal adhesive such as Gem-Tac provides a reliable bond that moves with the fabric. For hard surfaces including glass, metal and plastic, E6000 or a two-component epoxy provides a stronger, more permanent bond. For nail art, a specialist nail crystal glue or gel is recommended. For leather, use a strong flexible adhesive compatible with the material. Browse our full range of adhesives and application tools to find the right product for your surface and technique.

Design with Non-Hotfix Rhinestones

Non-hotfix rhinestones combine beautifully alongside hotfix rhinestones and sew-on crystals within the same design, using the most appropriate fixing method for each surface and area. Pair with crystal beads and crystal pearls for jewellery and mixed-material designs. For nail art tutorials and inspiration, visit the Bluestreak Nail Studio. For embellishment project guides, visit the Bluestreak Craft Studio.

Why Buy Non-Hotfix Rhinestones from Bluestreak?

Bluestreak Crystals is the only supplier stocking non-hotfix rhinestones from all four leading 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 are non hotfix rhinestones? ▾

Non hotfix rhinestones are flatback glass crystal stones with no pre-applied adhesive, bonded to the surface using a separate glue chosen to suit the specific material. Also known as glue-on rhinestones, cold fix crystals or flatback rhinestones, they are the most versatile rhinestone format available, compatible with fabric, glass, metal, plastic, leather, nails and virtually any other surface. Available across four brands at Bluestreak: Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella.

What is the difference between non hotfix and hotfix rhinestones? ▾

Non hotfix rhinestones have no pre-applied adhesive and are bonded using a separate glue appropriate for the surface, making them suitable for the widest range of materials including nails, glass, metal and plastic as well as fabric. Hotfix rhinestones have a heat-activated adhesive pre-applied to the back and are applied using a hotfix applicator wand or heat press, making them faster to apply on fabric but unsuitable for heat-sensitive surfaces or nail art. For maximum long-term security on performance costumes and bridal wear, sew-on rhinestones provide the most durable attachment of all three methods.

What glue should I use with non hotfix rhinestones? ▾

The best adhesive depends on the surface. For fabric, use a flexible fabric crystal adhesive such as Gem-Tac. For hard surfaces such as glass, metal and plastic, E6000 or a two-component epoxy provides a stronger permanent bond. For nail art, use a specialist nail crystal glue or gel. For leather, use a strong flexible leather-compatible adhesive. Browse our full range of adhesives and tools for the right product for your application.

Can non hotfix rhinestones be used for nail art? ▾

Yes. Non hotfix flatback rhinestones are the correct format for nail art. Hotfix rhinestones require heat to bond and are not suitable for nail application. Non hotfix rhinestones are bonded to the nail using nail crystal glue or gel, making them safe for use on natural nails, acrylic extensions and gel nails. SS3 (1.3mm) and SS5 (1.8mm) are the most popular nail art sizes. For nail art tutorials and design inspiration, visit the Bluestreak Nail Studio.

What is the difference between Swarovski, Serinity, Preciosa and Estella non hotfix rhinestones? ▾

All four are non hotfix glass crystal flatbacks but differ in origin, quality and price. Swarovski is Austrian-made with the patented Xirius 16-facet starburst cut for the highest brilliance. Serinity is also Austrian-made, created by Bluestreak Crystals to Swarovski-equivalent specifications. Preciosa MAXIMA is Czech-made with up to 18 facets and an excellent colour range at an accessible price. Estella is Bluestreak's most affordable range, ideal for high-volume work and budget-conscious projects.

Can I use non-hotfix rhinestones for tooth gems? ▾

Yes, non-hotfix flatback rhinestones in SS3 to SS7 are the professional standard for tooth gem application. Swarovski, Serinity and Preciosa all supply suitable rhinestones for this purpose. Application must always use dental-grade bonding composite designed for intraoral use — never nail glue or jewellery adhesive. Browse our dedicated tooth gem crystals collection for the curated range.

What size non hotfix rhinestones should I use? ▾

The right size depends on the application. For nail art, SS3 (1.3mm) and SS5 (1.8mm) are the most popular sizes for detailed designs, with SS10 and SS12 used as focal accent stones. For garment embellishment, SS10 to SS20 are the most widely used range. For bold statement designs and larger surfaces, SS20 to SS30 and above are appropriate. For jewellery making, the size depends on the setting or design being used. All four brands use the same SS sizing system for easy cross-brand comparison.

Can non hotfix rhinestones be washed? ▾

Yes, when bonded with the correct adhesive for the surface and application. For fabric-applied non hotfix rhinestones, turn the garment inside out before washing and use a gentle cycle at low temperature to protect the adhesive bond. The bond strength of non hotfix adhesives on fabric is generally lower than that of correctly applied hotfix rhinestones or sewn-on stones, so for garments subjected to frequent washing or high physical use, hotfix or sew-on formats are recommended for greater long-term durability.