Swarovski Crystals

Shop Swarovski crystals by type

Our Swarovski collection covers everything from loose flatbacks to finished-project components. Here is a quick guide to help you find the right product for your project.

Flatback rhinestones (hotfix and non hotfix)

Our most popular Swarovski crystals are flatback rhinestones with a flat, foil-backed underside. Non hotfix flatbacks are applied with glue and are ideal for nails, decorating hard surfaces such as phone cases, glass and plastic, and embellishing heat-sensitive fabrics, while hotfix flatbacks come with heat-activated adhesive already on the back, ready to press onto fabric. Both come in a huge spread of sizes and colours.

Swarovski crystals for nail art

Nail technicians love our smaller Swarovski sizes and mixed packs. We stock tiny crystals, shimmer finishes, pointy back stones and crystal mixes that are ideal for detailed nail art and beauty work, where precision and a high-end sparkle really matter.

Sew on stones and buttons

Swarovski sew on stones have holes so they can be stitched securely onto costumes, gowns and heavier fabrics. They are a favourite for dance costumes, skating dresses and bridal wear, where crystals need to survive plenty of movement. We also stock Swarovski sew on buttons and a range of fancy sew on shapes.

Beads, pearls and fancy stones

Beyond flatbacks, our Swarovski range includes bicone beads, round beads, charms, pearls and fancy stones for jewellery making and couture embellishment. These are perfect for anyone creating handmade jewellery or adding a premium finishing touch.

Vintage and rare Swarovski crystals

This is where our collection really stands out. We hold a large range of vintage Swarovski crystals and cabochons, many in colours, effects and shapes that are no longer produced. If you are matching an older piece, restoring a costume, or simply want something nobody else has, our vintage stock is well worth a browse.

How to choose the right Swarovski crystals

A few quick pointers to help you pick with confidence.

Match the application to the project: Use non hotfix (glue-on) for nails, hard surfaces and delicate or heat-sensitive fabrics. Use hotfix for most fabric costumes and garments. Use sew on stones where the crystals need to withstand a lot of movement, such as dancewear.
Get the size right: Swarovski uses the SS (stone size) system. Smaller sizes like SS3 to SS10 suit nail art and fine detail, mid sizes like SS16 to SS20 (around 4mm to 5mm) are great all-rounders for costumes, and larger sizes make bold statement pieces.
Think about colour and effect: Clear crystal and Crystal AB (an Aurora Borealis coating that adds a rainbow shimmer) are the most versatile. White and clear tones suit bridal, while brighter shades and effects lift stage and dance costumes.
Order a sample if you are unsure: We are always happy to help with colour matching, so you can be confident before committing to a larger order.

Swarovski crystals for every project

Our customers use Swarovski crystals across a huge range of creative and professional work, including:

Dance and performance costumes, where durable, high-shine crystals need to catch the light from across a stage
Bridal and couture, for elegant, timeless sparkle on gowns, veils and accessories
Nail art and beauty, using smaller precise crystals and mixes
Jewellery making, with beads, pearls, pendants and fancy stones
Crafting and home decor, for cards, gifts and personalised pieces

Whether you are a professional costumier, a nail technician, or a hobbyist adding a little sparkle, you will find the right Swarovski crystals here, backed by expert advice whenever you need it.

FAQS

What is a Swarovski crystal?

A Swarovski crystal is a premium, precision-cut crystal glass stone, essentially a high-quality rhinestone. Swarovski crystals are made from quartz sand, soda and other minerals melted at high temperatures, then cut with carefully engineered facets that give them their signature brilliant, diamond-like sparkle. That precision cutting and higher refractive index is what makes them sparkle more brightly than ordinary plastic or acrylic rhinestones.

Are Swarovski crystals the same as rhinestones?

Yes and no. "Rhinestone" is the broad term for any small faceted gem-like stone used to embellish clothing, nails and jewellery. Swarovski crystals are simply one of the highest-quality types of rhinestone. So all Swarovski crystals are rhinestones, but not all rhinestones are Swarovski. Cheaper rhinestones are often plastic or acrylic and lack the cut, durability and consistency of genuine Swarovski.

Where are Swarovski crystals made?

Swarovski was founded in 1895 by Daniel Swarovski and its crystals are made in Wattens, in the Tyrol region of Austria. The brand is world-renowned for its precision glass cutting.

What is the difference between hotfix and non hotfix Swarovski crystals?

Hotfix Swarovski crystals have a heat-activated glue already applied to the back, so they can be pressed onto fabric using a hotfix applicator or iron. Non hotfix crystals have a smooth foil-backed reverse with no adhesive, so they are applied with a separate glue. As a rule, choose hotfix for fabric costumes and garments, and non hotfix for nails, hard surfaces and heat-sensitive fabrics. If you need help choosing the right glue, our glue guide and team are here to help.

How can I tell if a crystal is a genuine Swarovski?

Genuine Swarovski crystals are perfectly uniform in size and shape, have a bubble-free, scratch-resistant surface, and tend to feel slightly heavier than plastic or acrylic imitations. Cheap rhinestones are often irregularly cut and can show tiny surface bubbles. The precise, concentrated sparkle of a Swarovski cut is also distinct from the flatter shine of budget stones.

Do you sell vintage or discontinued Swarovski crystals?

Yes. We hold a large range of vintage Swarovski crystals and cabochons, including rare colours and shapes that are no longer produced. Because Swarovski has wound down its loose crystal supply, this stock is genuinely limited, so if you spot something you need for a project, it is worth ordering while it is available.

What can I use instead of Swarovski crystals?

If a Swarovski size or colour is out of stock, our Preciosa and Zodiac ranges are excellent alternatives. Preciosa is a premium, genuine crystal with beautiful sparkle, and Zodiac offers amazing sparkle at a fraction of the cost, with a durable foil backing and scratch-proof coating. Just ask our team and we can point you to the closest match.