Swarovski alternatives

What’s The Best Flatback Crystals On the Market Today?

Several years ago, the premier crystal rhinestone brand was Swarovski. Although no longer sold to consumers, crafters continue to seek out the remaining stock of this brand over others. Why does Swarovski command this admiration, and are there other comparable flatback crystals for sale?

What Made Swarovski The Best Crystal

Late in 2020, Swarovski shocked the world by announcing the company was changing its marketing directive. The company would continue to sell crystal jewelry and figurines to the public. However, they would now sell flatback crystals only to approved luxury brands. This decision would remove the iconic brand from the retail market.

What made these crystal products stand out from all the others? Several key characteristics made these the crystals of choice:

• 16 precision-cut facets - the most in the industry
• Facets arranged in a star shaped pattern for maximum play of light
• Superior crystal brilliance and clarity
• Extensive range of colors
• Consistent quality and durability

Furthermore, from early on, the company employed a marketing plan that helped expand its brand recognition and audience. It partnered with fashion designers like Elsa Schiaparelli, Coco Chanel, and Christian Dior.
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Always innovating, the company never rested on its laurels, but pushed the boundaries of crystal design. It developed the Aurora Borealis (AB) coating and was the first to offer cubic zirconia as a jewelry component. Ultimately, Swarovski successfully eclipsed its competition, becoming the most sought-after brand. 
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Comparison of Preciosa Crystal and Other Brands

Preciosa is a high-quality brand with a glassmaking tradition spanning 500 years. This company sells 2 lines of flatback crystals, Viva 12 and Maxima. The Maxima is a great Swarovski alternative, offering these unique features:

• 15 facets in 20ss or smaller stones and 18 in larger rhinestones
• Reflection of 264 unique rays of light
• Unmatched brilliance
• Expansive range of colors
• Reliable quality and durability

Moreover, after Swarovski’s restructuring, manufacturers developed several new brands to compete in the crystal market. Often, these crystalline products have exclusive distributors, which means you can only buy them from a particular wholesaler. Furthermore, some bedazzling gems copy the star pattern Swarovski created with its 2088 rose cut crystal rhinestones:

• Primero
• Zodiac
• Serenity
• Starcut

Additionally, many other crystal brands exist. Usually, these lower-tier brands have fewer facets or use cheaper materials to make their products. Sometimes, the ratio of raw ingredients and manufacturing process can affect their brilliance and durability.
For example, you can spot cheaply made crystal rhinestones by examining their foil backing. Often, these products may have scratches or chips in the backing. Sometimes you may even see the foil peeling away from the stone.
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Moreover, manufacturers make rhinestones from materials other than crystal. Glass, acrylic, jelly, and resin rhinestones all belong to a lower quality tier.
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FAQS About Flatback Crystals

Are you ready to begin a bling project and have some questions about which product is best? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about rhinestones. 
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Are Different Rhinestone Brands' Colors the Same?

Although companies may use the same name to define a rhinestone color, it will differ in tone, intensity, and hue. These properties affect a color’s overall appearance. In a nutshell, the color will be different between manufacturers. 
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Can I Mix Rhinestone Brands on a Single Project?

Absolutely! Varying facet patterns will change the play of light, creating dimension, texture, and visual interest. This also works for using different crystal rhinestone sizes. The one rule of thumb is to use rhinestones of the same material. 
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Where Is The Best Place to Buy Crystal Rhinestones?

Although craft stores sell rhinestones, they offer limited brands, colors, and sizes. Alternatively, buying rhinestones online offers an extensive product range.

Rhinestones Etc. is a family-owned business offering both the luxury brand, Preciosa, and budget-friendly, PriceLess. Customers love our swift shipping and quality products. Here’s what a few of them say about our service:     

RhinestonesEtc has beautiful products, great customer service and fast shipping! I will always go to this shop first. - Jennifer

Excellent seller, fast shipping. Will absolutely shop again soon. - Kelli

The gems are absolutely beautiful and the shipping was very fast. – Kathy
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Ready to begin your bling project? Browse our selection of quality rhinestone bedazzling jewel Bedazzling Jewelsproducts.