Red Rhinestones

Our red rhinestone shades

Red covers a huge amount of ground, from bright pillar box shades to dark wine tones. These are the families we stock, so you can narrow things down quickly.

Shade family: Classic bright red
Colours to look for: Light Siam, Siam, Medium Siam, Vivid Siam, Scarlet
Best for: Dancewear, competition costumes, bold statement pieces

Shade family: Dark red
Colours to look for: Dark Siam, Garnet, Burgundy, Ruby, Red Velvet
Best for: Rich, deep looks, autumn and winter palettes, bridal accents

Shade family: Warm red
Colours to look for: Red Flame, Padparadasha, Fire Opal, Fire Cloud
Best for: Ombre work, sunset fades, blending red into orange and gold

Shade family: Special finishes
Colours to look for: Light Siam AB, Garnet AB, Vivid Siam AB, Siam Shimmer, Lustre Red, satin finishes
Best for: Extra colour play under stage lighting and flash photography

If you are after ruby rhinestones in a true, classic red, start with Ruby and Siam. For dark red rhinestones with a deeper wine tone, Dark Siam, Garnet and Burgundy are the ones to sample. Mixing two or three shades across one project gives you an ombre effect, which is still a favourite in the Irish dance world and in nail art.

Which type of red rhinestone do you need?

The shade is only half the decision. How you plan to fix the stones down matters just as much.

Non hotfix red rhinestones

Flatback stones with a plain foiled back, applied with glue. These are the most versatile option and the go-to for dance costumes, shoes, bags, phone cases and anything that is not fabric. Pair them with a suitable adhesive from our adhesives range and they will hold beautifully.

Red hotfix rhinestones

Flatback stones with a heat activated glue dot already on the back. Apply with an applicator wand or a heat press and the bond forms as the glue melts into the fabric. Ideal for larger runs on cotton, denim, lycra and stretch fabrics where speed matters. Have a look at our hotfix applicators and tools if you are setting up for a bigger project.

Red sew on stones and shapes

Pre-drilled stones you stitch into place, including peardrop, emerald cut, slim baguette, rivoli and galactic shapes. Because they are sewn rather than glued, they are the most secure option for heavy-wear costumes and garments that get washed. Browse the full sew on shapes collection for more sizes and cuts.

Self adhesive red rhinestones

Peel and stick rhinestones on rolls and sheets, ready to go straight onto cards, invitations, scrapbooks and craft projects with no glue or heat needed. Our self adhesive range is the quickest way to add sparkle when you are working to a deadline.

Sizes from SS2 up to SS50

Our red rhinestones cover the full size range, so you can build depth and texture rather than working with one flat size.

SS2 to SS6 (1.1mm to 2mm) for nail art, tooth gems, fine detail and filling gaps between larger stones
SS10 to SS20 (2.8mm to 5mm) the everyday workhorse sizes for dance dresses, garments and general costume work
SS30 to SS40 (6.4mm to 8.5mm) for bold coverage and focal areas
SS45 to SS50 (10mm to 11mm) for large red rhinestones that carry from the back of an auditorium

Most costumiers work with three or four sizes across a single piece. If you are unsure how the SS system converts to millimetres, our crystal size chart lays it all out.

Choosing your brand

All four of our ranges are true red glass rhinestones rather than plastic or resin, which is why they hold their sparkle and do not dull or scratch the way cheaper craft gems do.

Preciosa is our deepest red range and where most people start. As an authorised Preciosa Silver Partner we carry Viva12 and Maxima cuts in Light Siam, Siam, Vivid Siam, Ruby, Garnet, Red Velvet and Red Flame, in both hotfix and non hotfix.
Swarovski reds are still available in Light Siam and Scarlet while stock lasts. Swarovski has wound down its loose crystal supply, so if you have used their reds before it is worth trying a Preciosa or Zodiac equivalent now rather than later.
Zodiac gives you brilliant sparkle at a fraction of the cost, with a durable foil backing and scratch-proof coating. A firm favourite for costume makers covering large areas on a budget.
Luna covers the more unusual reds, including Burgundy, Lustre Red, Dark Siam Mocha and the satin finishes, so it is worth a look if you want something a little different.

Still deciding between the ranges? A sample pack is the easiest way to compare them side by side before you commit to a full pack.

FAQS

What is the difference between hotfix and non hotfix red rhinestones?

Hotfix rhinestones have a heat activated glue already on the back and are applied with an applicator wand or heat press. Non hotfix rhinestones have a plain foiled back and are fixed with glue. Choose hotfix for fabric and speed, and non hotfix for non-fabric surfaces such as shoes, acrylics and hard accessories, or where heat would damage the material.

Which red shade should I pick?

Light Siam is a clear, bright red and our best seller. Siam and Medium Siam sit slightly deeper. Dark Siam, Garnet and Burgundy give you rich wine tones, and Ruby is the one to choose if you want true ruby red rhinestones. If you are matching a specific fabric, we offer a colour matching service, and a sample pack lets you check the shades in daylight against your material.

Are your red rhinestones glass or plastic?

Glass. Every red rhinestone in this collection is made from genuine glass, which is what gives it the refraction and depth of sparkle you do not get from plastic or resin craft gems. It also means the stones keep their finish over time rather than clouding.

How many red rhinestones will I need?

It depends on the size of the stone and the area you are covering. As a rough guide, a full Irish dance dress typically takes several thousand stones across mixed sizes, while a pair of shoes or a bodice panel needs far fewer. If you tell us the project and rough dimensions, we can help you work out quantities before you order.

What glue works best with red rhinestones?

For non hotfix stones on fabric, shoes and accessories, a specialist rhinestone adhesive is the right choice rather than a general craft glue. You will find the options we recommend, along with guidance on which surfaces each one suits, in our adhesives collection.