Tooth gems are fast becoming one of the biggest trends in beauty. From subtle sparkle to bold bling, more and more people are choosing to accessorise their smile using tiny crystals known as rhinestones for teeth or tooth gems. But as with any beauty treatment, safety matters – and that's where Preciosa come in.

We're delighted to share that Preciosa, one of the world's leading crystal brands, has introduced cadmium-free rhinestones in selected colours, specially made with tooth gem application in mind.

The History of Rhinestones: From Lead to Lead-Free

We've all heard the term, but what are rhinestones? Traditionally, rhinestones – also known as crystals or diamantes – were made using glass mixed with lead. This made the crystals more sparkly and helped to create cleaner facets. While they looked great, using lead in decorative products, especially those close to the body, raised health concerns over time.

In response, the crystal industry began to evolve. Preciosa has spent years developing high-quality lead-free rhinestones, now recognised for their exceptional sparkle without the need for harmful materials. Their entire flatback range meets international safety standards and is classed as lead-free (containing less than 0.009% lead).

This makes Preciosa one of the most trusted and responsible brands for beauty and body art professionals.

Why Was Cadmium Used in Rhinestones?

Just like lead, cadmium is another heavy metal that was once common in glassmaking. It's particularly effective at creating vivid red, orange, and yellow pigments in crystals. However, cadmium is considered toxic in larger quantities and isn't suitable for use on or near the skin or mouth. With tooth gems being applied directly to the enamel of your teeth, it's important that the crystals used are free from harmful materials like cadmium – even in small amounts.

Just last month, Preciosa launched a gorgeous hot red crystal - without using cadmium in the manufacturing process – called Vivid Siam. It is a feat of great design and engineering to achieve such a vibrant colour without the use of the harmful toxin.

Preciosa's New Cadmium-Free Colour Range

To support the rising demand for safe rhinestones for teeth, Preciosa has now launched four cadmium-free colours in their popular Viva12 and Maxima ranges. These selected shades – Mesmera, Acid Yellow, Vivid Siam and Red Velvet, are safe for cosmetic use, meaning they can be confidently applied by trained technicians as tooth gems. You can purchase a small pack of all 4 colours in mixed sizes, which is a great way of experimenting with the colours before committing to an entire pack. We call it the 'Crystal Eco Mix' and to use Preciosa's phrase, it really does 'shine responsibly!'

These cadmium-free options are available in small sizes (such as SS3 and SS5), perfect for delicate placement on teeth. They have the same brilliant sparkle as the rest of the Preciosa collection, with a strong foil backing and smooth finish that holds up well over time.

Note: If you're a tooth gem technician, feel free to get in touch with us at Crystal Parade – we're happy to recommend colours and sizes based on your client needs.

Why Choose Preciosa Crystals for Tooth Gems?

If you've not worked with Preciosa before, take a look at some of the FAQ's we are regularly asked to find out a little more about the company. Preciosa have been manufacturing precision cut crystals in the Czech Republic for over 70 years, and although they may not be as well known as their main competitors Swarovski, they are certainly just as high on quality and lower on price. Their commitment to quality, safety and sustainability makes them one of the most trusted brands in the world of tooth crystals:

• Lead-free and cadmium-free options
• High sparkle and durability
• Available in tiny sizes suitable for tooth art
• Smooth finish with no sharp edges
• Ideal for long-lasting wear and everyday comfort

When applied correctly by a trained professional using the right adhesive, Preciosa tooth gems will stay in place for weeks – sometimes even months – without damaging the tooth surface.

Crystal Parade – Your Trusted Supplier of Tooth Gems

As a proud Preciosa Authorised Silver Partner, we stock a wide range of crystals that are perfect for tooth gem application, including our best selling tooth gem kits.

Whether you're just starting out as a beauty technician or are looking to expand your existing kit, we've got everything you need.

✅ Same day dispatch available

✅ Small and wholesale packs

✅ Expert advice from our friendly team

✅ Sample service so you can try before you buy

✅ All crystals packed with care here in the UK

We've worked with beauticians, nail artists, and tooth gem technicians all over the country, helping them offer high quality, safe sparkle to their clients.

Final Thoughts

Tooth gems are a fun and expressive way to add personality to your smile – and now, with cadmium-free options from Preciosa, you can do it safely and responsibly.

At Crystal Parade, we're excited to support this growing trend with trusted products and expert advice. If you need help choosing the right rhinestones for teeth or want to know more about cadmium-free colours, get in touch – we're always happy to help.

Shop Preciosa Tooth Gems Today
Discover our range of cadmium-free, lead-free tooth crystals here and give your clients a reason to smile.