Frequently Asked Questions

Placing an order with Bluestreak Crystals is quick and easy. Simply browse our online store, add the crystals you'd like to your basket, and check out securely, no account is required, and there's no minimum order. Since 1 June 2026, every brand, including genuine Swarovski, is available to buy with no application or approval needed.

All orders are placed online through our website, which lets us process and dispatch your crystals as quickly as possible. We're unable to take orders by email or over the phone, but our team is always on hand if you need a little help along the way.

If you have any questions before ordering, about stock, sizes, deadlines, or anything else, our customer service team is happy to help by email, live chat, or telephone.

We're always happy to try. If you've placed more than one order and would like them combined, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. We'll do our best to merge them before dispatch and refund any difference in shipping where we can.

Please note we can't guarantee it, especially during busy periods or once packing has begun, so the sooner you let us know, the better.

Yes, you certainly can. We run a dedicated sample service across all three brands, genuine Swarovski and Preciosa, plus our own Serinity range, so you can see and feel the crystals in person before committing to a larger order.

It's an affordable way to check a crystal's type, size, colour, and sparkle in real life, which is especially helpful when you're matching shades for a project or deciding between brands. When ordering, you simply choose the brand, crystal type, size, and colour you'd like, and you can order as few or as many samples as you need.

Browse the full sample service to find the crystals you'd like to try.

Yes. Since 1 June 2026, genuine Swarovski crystals are open to everyone, with no application, no approval, and no minimum order, whether you're a business, a professional, or buying for a single project.

As a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner, Bluestreak Crystals supplies the complete genuine range, sourced directly from Swarovski in Austria, in both retail and wholesale quantities. Every crystal is 100% authentic, so you can buy with complete confidence.

Browse our Swarovski crystals collection to explore the full range, or contact us for production quantities or pricing enquiries. For larger or repeat orders, you may also be interested in our trade discount programme.

We know that when you're working to a deadline, fast delivery matters. That's why we offer a quick dispatch service, with most orders sent the same or next working day, and ship worldwide from the UK using two trusted couriers.

Within the UK, DPD provides a fast, premium tracked service, and also offers reliable, cost-effective delivery internationally. For express worldwide shipping, DHL Express is trusted for fast, secure delivery with full tracking, so wherever you are, your crystals arrive quickly and safely.

We also offer FREE shipping on UK orders over £150 and on international orders over £300 to selected countries, so larger orders can arrive at no extra cost.

Delivery times vary by destination and service. For full details on estimated delivery times, plus customs fees, taxes, and tariffs for international orders, please see our Shipping Information page.

Yes. We ship worldwide from the UK with a fast dispatch service, using DPD and DHL Express on a Duties Pre-Paid (DDP) basis. DPD offers reliable, cost-effective international delivery, while DHL Express is trusted worldwide for fast, secure shipping, both fully tracked, so wherever you are, your crystals arrive quickly and safely.

We also offer free standard shipping on international orders over £300 to selected countries.

To make international ordering as simple as possible, our website automatically calculates all applicable customs duties and tariffs at checkout and pays them directly to your local customs authority on your behalf. That means your order clears customs smoothly and arrives without delays or unexpected charges.

Bluestreak Crystals is based in the United Kingdom, and all orders are processed and dispatched from our UK premises. Wherever you are in the world, your crystals ship direct from us with fast, tracked delivery through DPD and DHL Express.

You'll find our full postal address and a map at the bottom of our Contact Us page.

If you're ordering from outside the UK, there are no surprise customs charges to worry about. Our website automatically calculates any applicable customs duties and tariffs at checkout and pays them directly to your local customs authority on your behalf, so the price you see is the price you pay.

This Duties Pre-Paid (DDP) approach means your order arrives with nothing extra to settle on delivery:

✅ The price includes everything: Your checkout total covers customs duties and tariffs, with no unexpected charges when your order arrives.

✅ No extra paperwork: You won't need to deal with customs procedures or pay any additional fees on delivery.

✅ Quicker customs clearance: Because duties are prepaid, your shipment moves through customs faster, so it reaches you sooner.

The way duties and taxes apply can vary by country. For full details on customs fees, taxes, tariffs, and delivery times for your destination, please see our Shipping Information page.

As soon as your order is dispatched, we'll automatically send you an email and SMS to confirm it's on its way, including your tracking number and a link to the carrier's website, so you can follow its progress right to your door.

There are three easy ways to track your order:

📦 Track via the carrier

Using the tracking number from your dispatch email, follow your parcel directly on the carrier's website:

DPD Tracking · DHL Express Tracking

💬 Track via live chat

Open our live chat window and select "Track your order". Enter your order details or tracking number, and our Bluestreak AI assistant will give you a real-time update.

👤 Track via your account

Log in to your account, go to My Account and open the Orders tab. Select the relevant order and click Track shipment to see its progress.

If you have any trouble tracking your order, our customer service team is always happy to help.

Our customer service team is here to help, whether you have a question about an order, need advice on choosing crystals, or are working to a deadline. You can reach us by email, telephone, or live chat, with full contact details on our Contact Us page.

Our office is open Monday to Friday, 9am to 3pm (GMT), excluding UK bank holidays. For the quickest help during these hours, email or call us and a member of our team will be happy to assist.

Outside office hours, our Bluestreak AI assistant is available via live chat to answer common questions and help track orders any time. If you'd prefer to speak to a person, email or call us and we'll get back to you as soon as we're back in the office.

You can create a customer account on our website at any time, it only takes a moment, and you don't need an account to place an order if you'd prefer to check out as a guest.

Registering does come with a nice benefit, though: you'll automatically join our Loyalty Rewards programme and start earning reward points on every purchase, which you can redeem against future orders. Having an account also makes it easy to track your orders, view your order history, and reorder your favourite crystals in just a few clicks.

Ready to join? Create your account here.

Our Bluestreak Crystals Rewards programme is free to join, simply create an account and you're automatically enrolled. From there, you'll earn reward points every time you shop, and for actions like signing up, leaving a review, or following us on socials etc.

Once you've built up points, you can redeem them against future orders for money off, so the more you shop, the more you save. You can check your points balance and see the rewards available at any time by clicking the Rewards icon in the bottom-left corner of any page.

For full details on how to earn and redeem points, and the rewards on offer, visit our Loyalty Rewards page.

You can download an invoice for any order directly from your account. Simply log in, go to your order history, select the order you need, and download the PDF invoice, ready to save, print, or pass to your accounts team.

If you checked out as a guest, or you're having any trouble finding your invoice, just contact our customer service team and we'll send one over for you.

We want you to be completely happy with your order. If something isn't suitable, you may be able to return it, provided the items are unused and in their original condition and packaging.

Please note we don't offer exchanges, and some returns, such as wholesale packs, may be subject to a restocking fee. As our returns terms vary depending on what you've ordered, we'd recommend reading the full details before starting a return.

You'll find the complete returns conditions and process on our Returns Policy page.

To return an item, please follow the steps on our Returns Policy page, which explains the process and conditions in full.

Please make sure items are unused and in their original condition and packaging. Some returns, such as wholesale packs, may be subject to a restocking fee.

If you're unsure about anything, our customer service team is happy to help.

Once we've received and checked your returned items, we'll process your refund to your original payment method, usually within 2 to 3 business days. Depending on your bank or card provider, it can then take a few more days to appear in your account.

If you haven't received your refund within a week of us receiving your returned items, please contact our team and we'll look into it for you.

We're unable to offer exchanges, including for items bought by mistake. If you've ordered something that isn't suitable, the best option is to return it to us for a refund instead.

As long as your purchase was made within the last 30 days and the items are unused and in their original condition, you may be able to return them. Some returns, such as wholesale packs, may be subject to a restocking fee.

You'll find the full conditions and returns process on our Returns Policy page.

In the rare event that your order is lost, damaged, or stolen, you're covered, at no extra cost. We include Order Protection free on every order, so you never have to worry about adding it or paying more.

If something goes wrong, the Order Protection support team will handle your claim and review it for approval within 1 to 2 business days, sorting a replacement or refund, whichever you prefer, so you're never left out of pocket or waiting long.

You can find full details of how the cover works on our Order Protection page. Need to make a claim? File one here.

If you need to cancel an order, please email us as soon as possible. As we aim to dispatch orders quickly, we can usually only cancel within 1 hour of the order being placed, so the sooner you contact us, the better. After this, your order may have already been processed, in which case our standard returns process would apply.

EU customers: If you're a consumer in the EU, you also have a statutory right to withdraw from your purchase within 14 days of receiving your order, in line with EU consumer law. This is separate from our standard cancellation and returns policy. To exercise it, please use our withdrawal form, and we'll confirm your request and process any refund due in line with your statutory rights.

Yes, absolutely. We're a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner and an Authorised Preciosa Partner, which means every Swarovski and Preciosa crystal we supply is 100% genuine and sourced directly from the manufacturer, never from third parties or unofficial channels.

Our own Serinity and Estella ranges are crystal brands we design and own, so we control their quality and supply them directly. Whichever of our four brands you choose, you can buy with complete confidence that you're getting authentic crystals.

At Bluestreak Crystals, we offer one of the largest ranges of high-quality crystals in the world, bringing together the leading crystal brands in one place. Our range includes genuine Swarovski crystals and Preciosa crystals, alongside our own Serinity crystals (Austrian made) and Estella crystals (our budget-friendly own brand), so there's the right crystal for every project and budget.

We only ever sell genuine cut-glass crystals, so whichever brand you choose, you can be confident of excellent brilliance and sparkle. Each brand has its own character: some offer the very finest sparkle and precision at a premium, while others deliver beautiful results at a more accessible price.

To help you choose, we've created a Brand Showcase giving an overview and sparkle ratings for every crystal brand we stock, so you can compare them at a glance and pick the perfect match for your work.

Crystals are made from high-quality cut glass, not natural gemstones. The glass is precision-cut with multiple facets and finished with a reflective foiling on the back, which bounces light back through the stone to create that signature brilliance and sparkle.

Many crystals are coloured to mimic natural gemstones, which is why you'll find a sapphire-coloured crystal or one named Citrine without any real gemstone involved. The quality of sparkle comes down to the cut, the clarity of the glass, and the foiling, you can read more in our guide to why crystal quality varies.

"Crystal" is the classic clear, colourless crystal, foiled on the back to reflect light and maximise sparkle. "Crystal AB" (short for Aurora Borealis) has an iridescent coating on top that shimmers with rainbow tones, like the Northern Lights. The AB effect can also be applied over coloured crystals, adding a shimmer over the base colour.

For a full breakdown of every crystal colour and effect, see our Guide to Crystal Colour Effects.

Hotfix flatbacks have a heat-activated adhesive pre-coated on the flat back. They're applied to fabrics and textiles using a hotfix applicator, heat press, or iron (with steam off), making them ideal for durable sparkle on dancewear, costumes, bridal, and fashion.

Non-hotfix flatbacks have no adhesive and are applied by hand with a suitable glue for your surface. They're more versatile, working on glass, metal, plastic, leather, fabric, and nails, so they're the go-to for accessories, crafting, nail art, and mixed-media work.

For a full guide, including which adhesive to use for each surface, see our guide to hotfix vs non-hotfix crystals.

Nail and body art

Yes. You can use any of our crystal brands for nail and body art, as long as you use a suitable, skin-safe adhesive made for the purpose. For nails, we'd recommend avoiding crystals with a metallic coating, such as Crystal Aurum, Crystal Rose Gold, and Crystal Capri Gold. Metallic coatings are prone to abrasion, so the surface can wear with daily use and the crystals may darken over time.

Tooth gems

You can also use any of our crystal brands for tooth gems, again provided a suitable, safe adhesive intended for dental use is applied.

Please note: we can't guarantee the long-term integrity of crystals used on teeth. Acidic foods and drinks, and other substances that enter the mouth, can affect the crystal over time, potentially dulling its surface or colour, or causing it to separate from the foiling on the back. This is a limitation of the environment, not the crystal quality.

To keep crystals sparkling, wipe them gently with a soft, lint-free cloth to remove dust and surface oils, which restores a surprising amount of sparkle on its own. For more stubborn build-up, a little mild soap and lukewarm water works well, just dry thoroughly afterwards. Avoid soaking, hot water, and harsh or alcohol-based cleaners, as these can damage the surface coating or the foiling on the back, especially on AB and metallic finishes.

For a full walkthrough, including how to care for jewellery, figurines, and crystal-embellished textiles, see our complete guide to cleaning Swarovski crystals. If your crystals have lost their shine, our guide on restoring fading rhinestones may also help.

Crystal sizes use two systems: SS (Stone Size) and PP (Pearl Plate). For both, the higher the number, the larger the crystal, for example, SS5 is around 1.8mm, SS16 around 4mm, and SS30 around 6.4mm. SS is the standard for flatback crystals; PP is generally used for smaller stones and chatons.

As a rough guide, smaller sizes (SS3 to SS10) suit nail art and fine detail, mid-sizes (SS12 to SS20) suit garment embellishment, and larger sizes (SS30 and above) make striking focal pieces. For exact measurements, see our crystal size chart, and our ultimate guide to buying beads and crystals explains sizing and crystal types in more depth.

Yes. We provide comprehensive size charts to help you choose the right crystals, beads, and jewellery with confidence. Because crystals and finished jewellery are measured differently, we have a dedicated guide for each:

• Size Chart for Crystals — for crystal sizes (such as the SS and PP systems), beads, and embellishment.
• Size Chart for Swarovski Jewellery — for finished jewellery measurements.

Whether you're designing, embellishing, or buying a finished piece, our charts help you get the right size first time.

Yes. We offer official physical colour charts from Swarovski, Serinity, and Preciosa, organised by product category. Each chart features genuine crystals in every available colour, finish, and effect, so you can see their true sparkle and depth in person.

Physical charts are an invaluable reference for designers, jewellers, and makers, letting you match colours with confidence across different lighting conditions, something no screen can fully replicate.

Prefer to browse online? Our digital colour guides are free to view and download from our website any time.

Yes. Our Thread Hole Size Charts give detailed hole diameters for Swarovski and Serinity beads, pearls, and pendants, so you can choose exactly the right thread, wire, or cord for your designs.

They're an essential reference for jewellery makers and crafters, helping you plan projects with precision and get a perfect fit every time, whatever the shape or size of crystal you're working with.

Yes. We provide detailed crystal application manuals covering every method in depth, including:

• Care instructions
• Gluing
• Hotfix application
• Mechanical application
• Pin application
• Rivet application
• Self-adhesive application
• Setting stones in epoxy clay
• Settings, soldering, and plating
• Sewing and hand application

Written by Swarovski and Preciosa, these Application Manuals can be viewed and downloaded free from our website, an invaluable reference whether you're new to crystals or refining a professional technique.

The best glue depends on your project and the surface you're applying crystals to. As a quick guide:

• Fabric and textiles: a fabric-safe adhesive such as Gem-Tac holds well through repeated washing.
• Glass, metal, plastic, and ceramic: a strong adhesive such as E6000 Plus gives a durable, long-lasting bond.
• Hard-wearing surfaces (leather, accessories, items handled often): a two-component adhesive offers the strongest hold.
• Nail art: always use a dedicated nail crystal glue or gel.

For a full breakdown by surface and crystal type, see our Glue Suitability Chart, and browse our complete glue range to find the right product.

Working out how many rhinestones you need, and the best size to cover an area, can be tricky, which is why we created the Bluestreak Crystal Calculator.

Simply enter the dimensions of the area you want to cover (square, rectangle, circle, or triangle), and the calculator does the rest. It tells you the total surface area, how many crystals of each size you'll need, and how many wholesale packs to buy, taking the guesswork out of planning your project.

Yes. Our industry uses plenty of terms and abbreviations that aren't always easy to follow, which is exactly why we created the Bluestreak Reference Guide. It explains the terminology used across crafting, embellishment, and jewellery making in plain, detailed language, so you can shop and create with confidence.

It's organised alphabetically and easy to navigate, just click through to the letter for the term you're looking for. Whether you're decoding "SS", "hotfix", "chaton", or "Lochrose", you'll find a clear explanation.

Yes. The Bluestreak Craft Studio is full of crafting, crystal embellishment, and jewellery-making projects to explore. Whether you're discovering a new hobby or refining your skills, there's something for every level, from simple, beginner-friendly designs with step-by-step guidance to more intricate projects for experienced makers.

Every project includes a full list of the components and tools you'll need, plus clear step-by-step instructions, so you've got everything to create beautiful, personalised pieces.

Yes. The Bluestreak Nail Studio features a wide selection of crystal nail art designs to inspire creativity at every level. Whether you're just starting out or an experienced nail tech, you'll find everything from simple, beginner-friendly styles to intricate, advanced designs showcasing detailed crystal embellishment and professional techniques.

Every design includes a full list of the crystals you'll need and clear step-by-step instructions to recreate the look.

Yes. Our Creative Team has many years of hands-on experience in crafting, jewellery making, and rhinestone embellishment, and we love sharing it. We regularly publish tips, tutorials, and in-depth guides to help you get the best results from your crystals, whatever your project.

You'll find step-by-step project ideas and inspiration in our Craft Studio, and practical know-how in our articles and ultimate guides, covering everything from application techniques to choosing the right crystals for the job.

Yes. For step-by-step video tutorials, our YouTube channel has longer, in-depth guides for crafting, embellishment, jewellery making, and sewing. We also share quick tips, timelapses, and project inspiration on Instagram and TikTok, and we go live each week on TikTok to answer your questions.

You'll find links to all our channels, including our Creative Studio, Serinity, and Estella accounts, on our Social Media & Tutorials page.

Storing your crystals properly keeps them organised and protects them from scratches, dust, and damage, and saves you hunting for the right size or colour mid-project. The most popular option is a clear, compartmentalised storage box or tray, which lets you sort by size, colour, and shape, and see everything at a glance.

We recommend labelling each compartment by type, colour, and size for quick access, and keeping more valuable crystals somewhere dry and secure. For a full walkthrough, see our guide on how to store and organise your rhinestones, and browse our storage solutions to find the right box, tray, or pots for your collection.

If your crystals have lost their sparkle, you can often bring it back. Dullness is usually caused by a build-up of skin oils, lotions, or dust rather than poor quality. Start with a gentle clean: a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in warm water with a little mild soap, dabbing each stone and avoiding the back, then leave them to air dry fully.

Avoid soaking, alcohol-based products, and polish on foiled or coated crystals, as these can permanently damage the surface or foiling. If the foiling itself has lifted or oxidised, the sparkle can't be restored, in which case replacing the affected stones is the best fix. For the full method, see our guide on restoring fading rhinestones.

We offer a few ways to work with us, depending on what you do:

• Trade Discount — for businesses buying crystals in volume to use in their own work, with tiered pricing.
• Distributor Programme — for businesses reselling our crystals to their own customers in retail and mix packs.
• Brand Ambassador — for creators who share their work and refer customers, earning discount on purchases or free product, and featured promotion.

Not sure which suits you? Contact our team and we'll point you in the right direction.

Yes. If you regularly buy crystals in higher volumes, you can apply for our Trade Discount Programme for tiered pricing that grows as your business does. It offers:

• Discount across our entire range of crystals and beads
• Discount on retail, mixed, and wholesale packs
• A trade discount code with no limit on how many times it can be used

Trade pricing is based on your spend, with minimum order and annual spend thresholds applying. For the full details, current thresholds, and to apply, visit our Trade Discount page.

If you run a business and want to resell our crystals, you can apply to our Distribution Partner Programme. Distributors buy pre-counted, labelled retail and mix packs, ready to sell straight on to your own customers with minimal setup.

You'll receive marketing support, including official Distribution Partner status, flyers, stickers, and posters, plus a listing with a link to your business on our Distributors page. You can resell across all our brands, including genuine Swarovski and Preciosa alongside our own Serinity and Estella ranges. To apply, visit our Distributor Programme page.

Our Brand Ambassador Programme is a chance to partner with Bluestreak Crystals and be rewarded for sharing the crystals you love. It's open to creators across nail art, dance, costume, bridal, jewellery, fashion, makeup, and more.

Ambassadors enjoy benefits such as discounts and free product, promotional materials, and featured promotion across our social channels, reaching a combined audience of over a million. In return, we ask you to actively share your Bluestreak creations across your social media.

To see the full benefits and minimum requirements, and to apply, visit our Brand Ambassador page.

Yes. Bluestreak Crystals is a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner and an Authorised Preciosa Partner, so every Swarovski and Preciosa crystal we supply is genuine and sourced directly from the manufacturer. Read more on our Swarovski partnership page and Preciosa partnership page.

If you sell or represent products made with Swarovski crystals, how you reference the Swarovski name, logo, and branding is set out in Swarovski's official brand guidelines. These cover how to describe your products, credit the brand correctly, and use Swarovski branding in your own marketing.

As a Swarovski Authorised Distribution Partner, we provide access to the official guidelines so you can represent the brand accurately. You'll find them, along with more detail, on our Swarovski Brand Guidelines page.