Preciosa Flatback Crystals

Preciosa flatback crystals are precision-cut rhinestones manufactured in the Czech Republic, available in hotfix, non-hotfix and sew-on versions across SS2 to SS48 in 150+ colours and effects. The flagship MAXIMA line features the Chaton Rose Maxima cut, with 15 facets on SS5 to SS20 and 18 facets on SS30 to SS48 for outstanding light refraction at every size, backed with multilayer foiling for enhanced colour depth and durability. Available in retail and wholesale quantities with no minimum order, suitable for fashion embellishment, dancewear, nail art, jewellery making, bridal accessories, tooth gem application and accessory work across leather, glass, metal, plastic and fabric.

Bluestreak Crystals: Authorised Preciosa Partner

Bluestreak Crystals is an official Preciosa Authorised Partner, giving you direct access to the complete range of genuine Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals. Every stone is quality-assured and manufactured to Preciosa's exacting standards in the Czech Republic. Bluestreak also stocks exclusive special production colours not available through standard distribution channels.

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

Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals are available in three application types, each suited to different materials and techniques:

Hotfix flatbacks — pre-coated with a heat-activated adhesive for fast, secure application to fabrics, garments and textiles using a hotfix applicator wand, heat press or iron (steam off). The MAXIMA hotfix adhesive is formulated to withstand sweat, friction and repeated washing, making it the professional choice for dancewear, performance costumes and fashion garments. Also sold as iron-on crystals. Browse the dedicated Preciosa hotfix flatback collection.
Non hotfix flatbacks — no pre-applied adhesive; bond using a crystal adhesive. Compatible with glass, metal, plastic, leather and fabric, making them the preferred choice for nail art, tooth gem application, accessories and mixed-media work. Browse the dedicated Preciosa non hotfix flatback collection.
Sew-on crystals — pre-drilled for hand-sewing or machine-stitching directly onto garments and textiles. Recommended wherever adhesive alone may not provide sufficient hold for high-movement or high-wear designs. Browse the dedicated Preciosa sew-on crystal collection.

What Is the Preciosa MAXIMA Rhinestone?

The Preciosa MAXIMA is Preciosa's premium flatback rhinestone line, cut using the Chaton Rose Maxima faceting pattern. MAXIMA rhinestones feature 15 facets for sizes SS5 to SS20. For sizes SS30 to SS48, the cut increases to 18 facets, allowing greater light capture and more intense sparkle at larger sizes. Combined with multilayer foil backing, the result is outstanding light refraction and colour depth across the full size range, making MAXIMA the professional standard for high-performance Czech flatback rhinestones in dancewear, fashion, nail art and jewellery work.

What Sizes Do Preciosa Flatback Crystals Come In?

Preciosa MAXIMA flatbacks use the SS (Stone Size) system, running from SS2 (approximately 1.2mm) through to SS48 (approximately 11mm). Common sizes include SS12 (3.0 to 3.2mm), SS16 (3.8 to 4.0mm), SS20 (4.6 to 4.8mm) and SS30 (6.3 to 6.5mm). Smaller sizes suit nail art and fine detail work, mid-sizes are the most popular for general garment embellishment, and larger sizes are used for statement and focal applications. Each product listing includes both the SS size and millimetre equivalent for straightforward selection.

Why Choose Preciosa MAXIMA Flatback Crystals?

Preciosa produces MAXIMA crystals using natural Bohemian sand rich in silica dioxide, combined with advanced machine-cutting techniques and traditional Czech glassmaking craft. The Chaton Rose Maxima cut delivers precise faceting and a multilayer foil backing for enhanced brilliance, with consistent colour accuracy across every batch for reliable matching on repeat orders and production-scale work. The full range is lead-free and REACH-compliant, covers 150+ colours including Crystal AB, plain, coating and special effect finishes, and is available in retail and wholesale quantities with no minimum order.

What Are Preciosa Flatback Crystals Used For?

Designers and makers use Preciosa MAXIMA rhinestones across fashion and garment embellishment, dancewear and performance costumes, bridal and occasion wear, nail art and beauty, tooth gem application, accessories including bags, shoes and headpieces, jewellery making, and craft and decorative projects. Their consistent sizing and batch accuracy make them equally suited to one-off bespoke pieces and large-scale production runs. Browse our dedicated nail crystals collection for nail-specific sizes and our tooth gem crystals collection for tooth-gem-specific selections.

Complete Your Designs

Preciosa flatback crystals combine naturally with Preciosa crystal pearls and Preciosa chatons and fancy stones for coordinated designs across jewellery and embellishment projects. Browse our full range of jewellery making tools and adhesives for compatible applicators, glues and accessories. For project inspiration and step-by-step guides, visit the Bluestreak Craft Studio and the Bluestreak Nail Studio.

Why Buy Preciosa Flatback Crystals from Bluestreak?

Authorised partner — guaranteed genuine Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals manufactured in the Czech Republic
Exclusive colours — special production colours not available through standard distribution channels
Largest global MAXIMA range — extensive stock across all sizes, colours and effects
Fast dispatch — 95% of orders shipped same or next working day, with express options to the USA in 2 to 5 days
Worldwide shipping — reliable international delivery with tracked options
Colour support — Preciosa colour charts and a sample service to support confident colour matching
Trade pricing available — apply for a trade discount for tiered pricing on bulk and repeat orders
Other brands in stock — Swarovski flatback crystals (Austrian, platinum standard), Serinity flatback crystals (Austrian, our own brand) and Estella flatback crystals (our affordable range) also available

Browse the full Preciosa flatback crystal range to start ordering. For pricing enquiries or production-quantity discussions, contact our team at hello@bluestreakcrystals.com.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Preciosa MAXIMA cut? ▾

The Preciosa MAXIMA uses the Chaton Rose Maxima cut, Preciosa's premium flatback facet design, developed specifically to match the brilliance of Swarovski's Xirius cut. MAXIMA features 15 facets on sizes SS5–SS20 and 18 facets on sizes SS30–SS48. The additional facets at larger sizes allow more light to be reflected, producing outstanding sparkle and colour depth. It is Preciosa's highest-performance flatback rhinestone line, available in both hotfix and non hotfix formats.

Are Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals as good as Swarovski? ▾

Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals were developed specifically to match Swarovski's Xirius cut in brilliance and performance. Both deliver professional-grade sparkle trusted by designers and brands worldwide. The primary difference is in the facet design, Swarovski uses its patented starburst Xirius cut, while Preciosa MAXIMA uses the Chaton Rose Maxima cut. Preciosa MAXIMA is available without Swarovski's approval restrictions and at a 20–30% lower price point, making it the professional's choice for high-quality embellishment without premium pricing.

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

Preciosa MAXIMA 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 size Preciosa flatbacks do I need for nail art? ▾

SS3 to SS9 are the most popular sizes for professional nail art, with SS5 and SS7 the workhorse sizes for detailed designs and SS9 for slightly larger accent stones. SS12 and above work for focal statement stones on accent nails. For nail-specific curated selections, visit our dedicated nail crystals collection and for inspiration visit our nail art studio.

What SS sizes do Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals come in? ▾

Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals are available in SS sizes from SS5 (approximately 1.8mm) through to SS48 (approximately 11mm). Common sizes include SS12 (3.0–3.2mm), SS16 (3.8–4.0mm), SS20 (4.6–4.8mm) and SS30 (6.3–6.5mm). Smaller sizes suit nail art and fine detail work; mid-sizes are the most popular for general garment embellishment; larger sizes are used for statement and focal embellishment.

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

For fabric applications, a fabric-safe adhesive such as Gem-Tac is recommended, as it holds well through repeated washing. For hard surfaces such as glass, metal or plastic, E6000 or a two-component epoxy adhesive will provide the strongest, longest-lasting bond. For nail art applications, a specialist nail crystal glue is recommended. Browse our full range of adhesives and application tools to find the right product for your surface and application method.

Are Preciosa flatback crystals lead-free? ▾

Yes. Preciosa MAXIMA flatback crystals are lead-free and compliant with EU REACH regulations, making them safe for use in professional production and consumer goods worldwide.

How do Preciosa MAXIMA crystals compare to Swarovski's Xirius cut technically? ▾

Both cuts are precision machine-cut flatback rhinestones designed to maximise light refraction, but they differ in facet design. Swarovski's Xirius Rose cut (article 2088) features 16 facets arranged in a patented starburst pattern. Preciosa's Chaton Rose Maxima cut features 15 facets for SS5–SS20 and 18 facets for SS30–SS48 — meaning at larger sizes, MAXIMA actually has more facets than the Swarovski 2088. Both produce outstanding brilliance that most designers cannot distinguish in side-by-side comparisons. The foil backing also differs slightly, Swarovski uses platinum foiling, while MAXIMA uses a multilayer silver foiling, but both deliver comparable colour depth and durability in professional applications.