If you're new to crystals or planning your next project, one of the first questions you'll ask is: how much are rhinestones?
The truth is, rhinestone prices can vary quite a lot depending on the brand, quality and finish. Whether you're working on a high-end costume or a simple craft project, there's something out there for every budget.
In this guide, we'll break down the rhinestone cost across our four main brands – Swarovski, Preciosa, Zodiac and Luna – so you can choose the right crystals for your budget.
What affects rhinestone prices?
Before we dive into the brands, it's helpful to understand what you're paying for.
The main factors that affect rhinestone prices are:
- Quality of the cut (how sparkly they are)
- Number of facets (more facets = more sparkle)
- Materials used (glass vs acrylic or lower-grade materials)
- Brand reputation
- Durability of the foil backing and coating
Generally speaking, the more refined the cut and finish, the higher the price.
Rhinestone price comparison (Clear SS16 example)
To give you a crystal clear idea of how much rhinestones cost, here's a simple comparison using one of the most popular options: SS16 Clear flatback crystals (wholesale pack).
| Swarovski | Preciosa Viva12 | Zodiac | Luna | |
| Clear | £56.54 | £34.90 | £21.82 | £10.00 |
| AB | £78.03 | £43.33 | £33.73 | £13.00 |
| Standard Colour | £67.20 | £40.35 | £33.73 | £12.00 |
Crystal Size: SS16 (4mm) - Wholesale Pack of 1440. *Prices shown are correct as of March 2026. Non hotfix crystals, excluding VAT. Preciosa price shown is Viva12 range.
You'll see quite a difference across the brands, with Swarovski being the most expensive, and Luna being significantly more affordable.
Price difference in rhinestone colours & sizes
- In general, Clear is always the lowest cost when it comes to colour. This is because it is the easiest to manufacture – no extra coating required.
- Typically, coated crystals such as AB, Shimmer, Metallic or Multi-tone are the most expensive.
- Standard colours such as Emerald, Sapphire, Amethyst and other mono-tone colours are mid-range priced.
In general, the larger the crystal, the higher the price (apart from the ultra tiny ss2 – ss4 sizes, which can be a little more expensive due to the intricate manufacturing process).
Swarovski – The premium choice
Swarovski has always been known as the luxury option when it comes to crystals.
They offer:
- Exceptional sparkle thanks to precision cutting
- A very high number of facets
- Flawless finish and consistency
Because of this, rhinestone cost is highest with Swarovski. You're paying for the name, the heritage, and that unmistakable sparkle.
Best for:
- High-end fashion and couture.
- Competition dance costumes
- Bridal wear
- Projects where only the best will do
- Luxury nail art
- Accessories customization
If your project needs maximum impact and budget isn't a concern, Swarovski is the go-to choice. However, restrictions in recent years means that getting hold of Swarovski can be tricky; in most cases you have to be a Swarovski Authorised Branded Partner to purchase their products. The good news is that we have a selection of Swarovski crystals available to buy on our website, that can be done so without requiring a partnership.
Preciosa – Premium quality, more affordable
Preciosa is Swarovski's closest competitor and offers a similar level of quality.
They feature:
- Excellent sparkle (especially in the Maxima range)
- Strong, durable foil backing and scratch proof coating
- A wide range of colours and sizes
When comparing rhinestone prices, Preciosa tends to be more affordable than Swarovski while still delivering a high-end finish.
Best for:
- Dancewear and performance costumes
- Bridal and occasion wear
- Jewellery making
- Professional projects needing reliable quality
If you want a premium look to rival Swarovski, with a slightly lower rhinestone cost, Preciosa is a fantastic option.
Zodiac – High quality and cost effective
Zodiac is our own brand, created to offer a high-quality alternative at a more accessible price point.
They are:
- Made from cut glass (not acrylic)
- Designed to closely match Swarovski in quality, cut and sparkle
- Durable with a strong foil backing
- Available in a huge range of colours
When customers ask for affordable rhinestones in the UK, Zodiac is always our top recommendation. The sparkle is incredibly similar to Swarovski, but at a much more cost effective price.
For example:
- Swarovski Clear SS16 (1440) – £56.54
- Zodiac Clear SS16 (1440) – £21.82
That's a big saving, especially for larger projects.
Best for:
- Dance costumes and theatre
- Drag and performance outfits
- Large-scale embellishment projects
- Designers working to a budget without compromising on quality
Zodiac gives you that "full sparkle" look without the premium price tag. It can be relied on for consistency, great sparkle and extensive colour range.
Luna – Budget friendly, great for bulk embellishing and beginners
Luna rhinestones are our most budget friendly option, perfect for anyone starting out or working on smaller projects.
They offer:
- A good level of sparkle
- A wide range of colours and effects
- Excellent value for money
If you're looking for low cost rhinestones, Luna is ideal. While they don't have quite the same level of precision as premium brands, they still give a great sparkly finish.
Best for:
- Craft projects
- Festival bling
- Bulk costume embellishment
- Dancewear
- Practice pieces and beginners
- Projects where you need lots of stones at a lower cost
Luna is a great way to experiment, practise, and create without worrying about budget. You can try lots of different colours for a small cost. They are also very popular for costumes such as freestyle dancewear, drag and burlesque outfits, cheerleading uniforms etc.
Which rhinestones should you choose?
If you're still wondering how much are rhinestones and which ones are right for you, here's a quick guide:
- Luxury, high-end finish: Swarovski ££££
- Premium quality, better value: Preciosa £££
- Best balance of sparkle and price: Zodiac ££
- Budget friendly and versatile: Luna £
Final thoughts
When it comes to rhinestone prices, there really is something for everyone. From premium Swarovski crystals to affordable rhinestones like Zodiac and Luna, the right choice depends on your project, your budget and the finish you want to achieve.
If you're ever unsure, we're always here to help. You can even request samples to compare the sparkle for yourself before you buy.
After all, the right crystals can completely transform your design – and we want you to get it just perfect.