Black Rhinestones

Our black rhinestone shades

Black is not just black. These are the shades our customers come back for, and mixing two or three of them is the easiest way to build depth into a design.

Jet: a pure black, reminiscent of the midnight sky. It gives a sophisticated, classy sparkle rather than a loud one, which is why it is such a favourite for male dancewear and black costumes. Our widest black range, across Preciosa, Zodiac and Luna.
Jet Hematite: a steely black with a metallic coating that brings extra shine. Works beautifully alongside Jet and Black Diamond for a gradient effect, and another popular choice for male costume work.
Nightfall: a steely gunmetal grey that is very sparkly and looks stunning applied to dark fabrics. A great alternative if you have been using Swarovski Graphite.
Black Diamond: a smoky grey that sits beautifully with Jet, Jet Hematite and Clear for an ombre or gradient effect. A good match if you are used to Silver Night.
Cosmojet: one of our own Zodiac shades, jet black with a shiny mirror top and a mirror foil backing that reflects the light beautifully. Currently available in non hotfix only.

You will also find Hematite and Labrador in this collection, both silver-toned metallics that pair beautifully with black for a graduated finish. For a ready-made blend, our crystal mixes take the guesswork out of shade matching.

Choosing the right black rhinestones

Black Swarovski crystals

If you have been locked out of Swarovski for the last few years, this is the good news you have been waiting for. Since 1st June 2026 Swarovski have removed their purchasing restrictions, so anyone can buy genuine Swarovski crystals with no application, no approval and no minimum order. Our black Swarovski crystals include Xirius hotfix and non hotfix flat backs in Jet, Jet Hematite and Black Diamond, running from SS3 (1.5mm) up to SS40 (8.5mm), plus Jet AB if you want an iridescent finish over a black base. You will also find Jet and Black Diamond in sew on stones and fancy stones.

Most of our black Swarovski flat backs come in wholesale packs, with some smaller packs available and more of the range moving to smaller quantities over time. If Swarovski is not the right fit for your budget, Preciosa Maxima is the closest match on cut and sparkle, and Zodiac is the one to reach for on large-scale embellishment. Our team is always happy to colour match across the brands if you are partway through a project. You can read more in our guide to Swarovski removing its purchasing restrictions.

Black flat back rhinestones, hotfix or non hotfix

Black flat back rhinestones come in two application types, and the right one depends on what you are embellishing.

Hotfix rhinestones have a heat-activated glue already on the back. Apply them with a hotfix applicator wand, heat press or a household iron. Best for fabrics that can take heat, and much quicker across large areas.
Non hotfix rhinestones have a plain foil back and are applied with glue. Best for delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics, shoes, nails, and anything you need precise control over.

Not sure which you need? Our guide to hotfix and non hotfix rhinestones breaks it down, and you can browse adhesives and hotfix applicators to complete your kit.

Black sew on stones and larger shapes

For heavy-wear costumes and statement pieces, sew on stones are the most secure option. Our black sew on stones come in rivoli, peardrop, navette, square and baguette shapes, with pre-drilled holes so they can be stitched straight onto the garment. Preciosa fancy stones in Jet, Jet Hematite and Black Diamond add larger focal points to bridal, dance and theatre work.

Sizes and pack quantities

Our black rhinestones run from SS3 (1.5mm) up to SS40 (8.5mm) in flat backs, with fancy shapes and sew on stones going larger still.

SS3 to SS10 - nail art, tooth gems, greetings cards and fine detail work
SS12 to SS20 - the everyday workhorse sizes for clothing, dance costumes and jewellery
SS30 and above - Irish dance dresses, shoes, statement costume pieces and larger sew on shapes

Retail packs start at 100 stones so you can test a shade before committing, and wholesale packs of 1,440 keep the cost down on bigger projects. If you are unsure on sizing, our crystal size chart shows every size against a millimetre measurement. Our 50p sample packs are also a lovely way to get a feel for the Zodiac and Luna ranges.

What to use black rhinestones for

Dance and performance: ballroom, Latin, Irish dance and ice skating costumes, especially for male dancers who want impact without full-on bling
Clothing and accessories: denim, jackets, shoes, bags and hats, with black rhinestones for clothes sitting neatly against darker fabrics
Drag, burlesque and theatre: dramatic, sophisticated finishes that read beautifully under stage lighting
Nail art: smaller black stones for nail designs, plus lead free Preciosa non hotfix crystals suitable for face, body and tooth gems
Jewellery and craft: black glass rhinestones for earrings, statement necklaces, greetings cards, scrapbooking and home decor

FAQS

What are black rhinestones used for?

Black rhinestones are used across dance and performance costume, fashion, nail art, jewellery design and craft. They are particularly popular for menswear and male performance costumes, where the darker finish gives impact without the full sparkle of Clear or AB crystals. Black, silver and gunmetal grey rhinestones are also a favourite for creating sophisticated, expensive-looking pieces in textiles, jewellery and nail art.

How do you apply black rhinestones to fabric?

Black rhinestones are applied using either the hotfix or non hotfix method. Embellishing with hotfix rhinestones needs a heat source such as an iron, heat press or hotfix applicator wand to melt the glue on the back. Embellishing with non hotfix rhinestones uses glue instead, which gives you more control and suits heat-sensitive fabrics, shoes and nails.

What sizes do black rhinestones come in?

Our black flat back rhinestones run from SS5 (1.6mm) up to SS40 (8.5mm) in popular shades such as Jet, Jet Hematite, Nightfall and Black Diamond. Larger black sew on rhinestones and fancy shapes are also available for statement work, in sizes and cuts that go well beyond the standard flat back range.

Can anyone buy black Swarovski crystals?

Yes. Since 1st June 2026 Swarovski have removed the purchasing restrictions that had been in place since 2021, so there is no application, no approval process and no minimum order. Whether you are a costume designer, nail technician, jewellery maker or working on a personal project, you can buy genuine black Swarovski crystals in Jet, Jet Hematite, Black Diamond and Jet AB across hotfix, non hotfix, sew on stones and fancy stones. You can also say you have used genuine Swarovski crystals in your own work, as long as you follow Swarovski's brand usage guidelines.

Do black rhinestones fade over time?

If you are buying a good quality brand such as Preciosa, Swarovski or Zodiac then no, the colour will not fade. To keep your rhinestones in the best condition, store them away from direct sunlight, wrap them carefully to avoid scratches or chips, and clean using a damp cloth only.