If you've worked with crystals before, you'll know that Swarovski has long been seen as the gold standard. But with rising prices and limited availability, more and more people are now searching for Swarovski alternatives that still offer that beautiful sparkle.
The good news is, there are some fantastic options out there. In this guide, we'll walk you through the best alternative to Swarovski crystals, with a particular focus on why Zodiac has become our number one recommendation. We'll also touch on Preciosa as another strong contender.
Why Look for Swarovski Alternatives?
There's no denying that Swarovski crystals are stunning. Their precision cut and brilliance are hard to beat. However, they do come with a higher price tag, and in recent years they've become harder to source.
This has led many designers, crafters and businesses to explore:
- Swarovski dupes
- brands like Swarovski
- more affordable options for large-scale projects
And that's exactly where Zodiac comes in.
Introducing Zodiac: The Best Swarovski Alternative
After years of research and testing different manufacturers, we developed Zodiac to offer a high-quality, more affordable option for our customers. If you're looking for a true Swarovski crystal alternative, Zodiac ticks all the boxes.
Quality and Sparkle
One of the biggest questions we get is: Can Zodiac really match Swarovski?
The answer is yes – very closely.
Zodiac crystals are cut using the same Xirius-style technique as Swarovski's 2088 stone, with the same number of facet. This means they reflect light in the same way, giving you that bright, eye-catching sparkle.
When placed side by side, it's often very difficult to tell the difference. Many of our customers have made the switch and haven't looked back.
Durability and Performance
Zodiac crystals are designed to last.
They feature:
- A strong, durable foil backing
- A scratch-resistant coating
- Reliable adhesion when used with the correct glue
They've been tested on everything from all kinds of different fabrics, glass, metal, rubber, plastic, card and even fingernails, with excellent results. If applied properly, using the correct glue, they hold just as well as premium brands.
Money, Money, Money…
Let's talk about one of the biggest reasons people look for Swarovski alternatives – price. In terms of how much rhinestones cost, Zodiac offers a huge saving compared to Swarovski, especially when buying in bulk.
Here's a basic price comparison of popular products*:
| PRODUCT | SWAROVSKI | ZODIAC |
| SS16 NHF Clear Crystals x1440 | £67.85 | £26.18 |
| 28x17mm Sew on Peardrop AB x24 | £85.42 | £44.40 |
| 6mm Flatback Raindrop AB x10 | £9.24 | £1.38 |
| SS34 NHF Jet Hem Crystals x144 | £39.18 | £13.19 |
*Prices correct as of April 2026
That's a massive difference, especially if you're working on a project that needs thousands of stones.
Put simply, you get far more sparkle for your money with Zodiac.
The Zodiac Product Range
For the majority of colours, Zodiac have produced almost an exact match. In fact, Zodiac now offers over 100 colours and effects, including Clear, AB, standard colours, metallics, neons, opals, shimmer effects and multi-tone finishes.
Another reason Zodiac stands out among brands like Swarovski is the range. The collection includes:
- Flatback non hotfix rhinestones
- Flatback hotfix rhinestones
- Sew on stones
- Rhinestone shapes
- Beads and pearls
- Rivoli buttons
- Hotfix transfer sheets
- Self-adhesive crystal sheets
- Crystal dust for nail art
- Banding and cupchain
For sew on stones in particular, Zodiac has become a go-to choice thanks to its wide selection of shapes and sizes.
Who Is Using Zodiac?
Zodiac isn't just popular with hobbyists – it's being used across the creative industry, and it's brand name is getting more widely known by the minute. We've supplied Zodiac crystals for:
- Stage costumes
- TV productions
- Fashion designers
- Beauty and nail artists
- Singers -Sam Ryder
Designers love the combination of quality and affordability, especially when working on large-scale or repeat projects.
What About Preciosa?
While Zodiac is our top pick for the best alternative to Swarovski crystals, it's worth mentioning Preciosa too. Preciosa is a well-known, high-quality brand and often considered Swarovski's closest competitor.
Why Choose Preciosa?
- Excellent cut and brilliance, almost equalling that of Swarovski
- Wide range of colours and finishes
- Trusted name in the industry
However, Preciosa is generally more expensive than Zodiac.
So if your priority is premium quality at a slightly lower price than Swarovski, or you need a well-known brand name to sell your work, Preciosa is a great option. But if you're looking for the best value and a true budget-friendly Swarovski crystal alternative, Zodiac is the clear winner.
Zodiac vs Swarovski: Final Thoughts
If you're comparing Swarovski dupes or searching for brands like Swarovski, here's a simple breakdown:
- Swarovski – premium quality, highest price
- Preciosa – excellent quality, slightly more affordable
- Zodiac – very similar sparkle and range, but at a much lower cost
For most customers, Zodiac offers the best balance of quality, durability and price.
Conclusion
So, if you've been searching for the best Swarovski alternatives, we can confidently say that Zodiac is the one to try. It delivers on sparkle, matches closely in cut and quality, and offers a huge range of products – all at a fraction of the cost.
Whether you're a designer, crafter, costumier, dressmaker, nail artist or just starting out, switching to a Swarovski crystal alternative like Zodiac means you can create stunning designs without overspending.
And if you'd like to see the difference for yourself, why not request a sample? Once you try Zodiac, you may never go back.