Looking for rhinestones for your next costuming, nail art, or other DIY endeavors? When it comes to rhinestone brands, there are several to choose from. Two you may be considering are Preciosa and Swarovski. Preciosa vs. Swarovski rhinestones: which is best for you? Read on to learn what you need to know when choosing between these two popular brands.

The Swarovski Dilemma

There’s no doubt that Swarovski’s rhinestones are radiant. There’s just one problem: after a recent restructuring, Swarovski ceased selling their loose components to Do-It-Yourself DIY customers, dance and costuming companies, nail art distributors, and other industries who manufacture with their crystals, choosing to focus its efforts solely on luxury brands and their higher profit finished jewelry business. This change means that getting your hands on Swarovski rhinestones is no longer possible. If you need rhinestones for your next DIY project, don’t panic. There are plenty of amazing brands you can use as alternatives, with one option being MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa.

About Preciosa

With a five-century-long history in glassmaking, Preciosa creates naturally beautiful and enduring rhinestones. This Bohemia-born company is a global leader in creating gems and stones, not just for luxury businesses, but for people like you—artists, designers, and DIYers!

Our Recommendations

We highly recommend Preciosa’s premium MAXIMA line, which is the same quality as Swarovski 2088 Xirius Flat Back Rhinestones. The only difference is in the faceting. If you want the same star facet as the Swarovski line, check out our STARCUT rhinestones!

And if you were a fan of Swarovski’s Shimmer colors, you’ll love the MAXIMA Shimmer AB rhinestones, which have a similar appearance and are extremely popular.

You may have also heard about Preciosa’s VIVA12 rhinestones. These rhinestones have a lower price than MAXIMA. If you want top-quality rhinestones for a similar price as VIVA12, see our LUX Austrian Crystals! Swarovski factories initially produced these rhinestones for us, which Preciosa now makes.

All three kinds of Preciosa rhinestones—MAXIMA, Shimmer AB, and LUX (Viva12)—are similar in terms of quality, so we encourage you to focus on the color you want.

Preciosa rhinestones aren’t just comparable to Swarovski rhinestones; they also last thanks to MAXIMA hotfix glue and foiling, which withstands the sun, sweat, and your washing machine without corroding. They look amazing and function fantastically—what more could you ask for?

So, Preciosa vs. Swarovski rhinestones: which is best for you? Both brands are of exceptional quality, but only Preciosa is available at this time. At Rhinestones Unlimited, we have a wide selection of Preciosa rhinestones for you to choose from. Whether you want to bling your nails, make your own jewelry, or create one-of-a-kind costumes, we have the shimmering, colorful crystals you need. Our black rhinestones have a classy, luxurious look that is perfect for gowns and refined nail art—but we also carry rhinestones in various other hues. Shop today to find premium rhinestones that speak to you.