If you've worked with crystals before, you'll likely have already come across Preciosa. Known for its excellent quality and sparkle, it's a go-to choice for many designers and crafters.
And now that Swarovski have introduced restrictions on who can purchase, not to mention their very high prices.
But with so many options now available, a common question we hear is: are there good Preciosa alternatives out there?
The answer is yes!
In this guide, we'll compare Preciosa with two of our most popular affordable crystal brands – Zodiac and Luna – so you can decide which is best for your project and budget.
PRECIOSA CRYSTALS
What makes Preciosa so popular?
Preciosa is one of the leading names in the crystal world, and for good reason:
Quality
Preciosa crystals are made from high-quality cut glass, with multiple facets designed to reflect light beautifully. Their Maxima range in particular is known for its strong sparkle and consistent finish.
They also offer:
- Excellent durability
- Smooth, scratch-resistant coating
- Reliable foil backing
- Huge range of colour choice
- Wide variety of crystal products, including shapes, pearls and beads
If you're comparing Preciosa vs other brands, it definitely sits at the premium end of the scale, just below Swarovski in terms of quality and cost.
Colour choice
One of Preciosa's biggest strengths is its colour range. From classic Clear and AB to bold neons, metallics and opals, there's something for every design.
Price - £££
As a premium brand, Preciosa crystals are more expensive than budget options. While they are more affordable than Swarovski, they still sit in the higher price bracket.
Best for:
- Bridal couture
- High-end dance costumes
- Professional fashion and design work
- Projects where quality is key
ZODIAC CRYSTALS
If you're looking for crystals like Preciosa but at a more accessible price point, Zodiac is a fantastic option. Simply put, they are the best balance of quality and price.
Quality
Zodiac crystals are made from cut glass and designed to closely match the sparkle and cut of the premium brand Swarovski. When placed side by side, many customers struggle to tell the difference.
They offer:
- Bright, consistent sparkle
- Durable foil backing
- Strong adhesion when applied correctly
- Huge colour choice, including colours not produced by Swarovski or Preciosa
- Great range of crystal components such as pearls, beads, shapes, crystal sheets and many others
- Excellent quality sew on stones in colours and shapes not offered by Preciosa
For many designers, Zodiac has become the go-to when looking for reliable Preciosa alternatives.
Colour choice
Zodiac has an impressive and ever-growing range of colours and coatings, including:
- Clear and AB
- Metallic and neon finishes
- Multi-tone and special effects
- Shimmer and Opal effects
- Traditional jewel tone colours
In fact, in some areas, Zodiac offers even more variety than traditional brands.
Price - ££
Zodiac is significantly more cost effective than Preciosa, making it ideal for larger projects or designs that require lots of crystals, or projects where you may be restricted on budget.
Best for:
- Dance and performance costumes
- Drag and stage wear
- Large-scale embellishment projects
- Designers working to a budget
- Nail Art
- Projects that require the look of high end crystals without the cost
LUNA RHINESTONES
Luna is our most budget friendly option, perfect for anyone looking to keep costs down. They are fantastic value for money because they are available to purchase in wholesale packs at low prices – but still have a great quality and shine.
Quality
Luna rhinestones still offer a really good level of sparkle, especially when used in larger quantities. While they don't have the same precision cut as Preciosa or Zodiac, they still give a lovely finish.
They are ideal for:
- Filling large areas
- Adding extra sparkle without increasing cost
- Practice and beginner projects
- Crafts such as cardmaking
- Body art & headwear
Colour choice
Luna offers a solid selection of popular colours, including:
- Clear and AB
- Core rainbow colours
- Multi-tone and shimmer effects
- Metallic and Neon finishes
Price - £
Luna is a low cost option, making it one of the most accessible affordable crystal brands available.
Best for:
- Craft projects
- Practice costumes
- Group or team outfits
- Designs where budget is the main focus
- Freestyle dancewear
- Performance costumes
- Bulk embellishment projects
PRECIOSA vs ZODIAC vs LUNA
Pros & Cons
| PRECIOSA | ZODIAC | LUNA | |
| PROS | Premium quality and sparkle Wide product range Trusted brand in the industry |
Excellent sparkle, similar to premium brands More affordable than Preciosa Huge colour and product range |
Budget friendly Great for large coverage Easy to work with for beginners |
| CONS | Higher price point Less cost effective for large projects |
Not quite the same prestige as premium brands Slight difference with Swarovski when compared very closely |
Lower level of precision cut Smaller product range Less sparkle than higher-end brands |
So, which should you choose?
Choosing between Preciosa and other brands really comes down to your project and your budget.
- Go for Preciosa if you need top-tier quality, hoping to sell your product or a require flawless finish
- Choose Zodiac if you want the look of premium crystals at a more cost effective price
- Opt for Luna if you need a budget friendly option for larger or simpler designs
Many designers actually mix brands, using Preciosa for focal points and Zodiac or Luna for coverage.
Final thoughts
There's no one-size-fits-all answer when comparing Preciosa vs other brands.
The good news is that with options like Zodiac and Luna, there are now more Preciosa alternatives than ever before. Whether you're creating a high-end couture piece or a fun craft project, you can find the right balance of sparkle and price.
If you're unsure which to choose, we always recommend trying samples and seeing the difference for yourself.
As always, we're happy to help in any way we can, with product knowledge, advice on tools and application, colour samples and inspirational ideas.