Banner image courtesy of Edz Norton
When it comes to adding that extra sparkle to your work—whether it’s jewellery, fashion, crafts or décor—not all crystals are created equal. The brand you choose can completely change the final look and feel of your project. So, how do you pick the best one?
Here’s a handy guide to help you figure out which crystal brand suits your style, budget, and project goals.
1. Define Your Project Goals First
Before diving into the world of brands, take a moment to think about your project:
- Is this for a luxury piece or a fun DIY?
- Do you need high brilliance, or are you going for subtle shimmer?
- Is durability important (e.g. dancewear or accessories that move)?
Knowing what you’re creating—and for who—will immediately help narrow your options.
2. Understand the Differences Between Top Brands
Here’s a quick rundown of some of the biggest names in the crystal world and what they’re best known for:
- Swarovski – Famous for ultra-high precision, brilliance, and luxury. Great for premium projects where shine and heritage matter. Learn expert identification techniques by clicking the link.
- Preciosa – Offers excellent quality at a more accessible price. Ideal for professional-level designs and stagewear.
- Serinity – A newer brand, great value, and impressive brilliance. Often chosen by small businesses and jewellery makers.
- Aurora Crystals – Known for their vibrant colours and bold coatings. Great for nail art, fashion embellishments, and anything creative.
- Estella – More budget-friendly but reliable. Perfect for beginners, bulk crafting, or designs where cost is key.
3. Consider Your Budget
Let’s be honest—sparkle can get pricey. Here’s how to make your money work:
- Premium projects: Go for Swarovski or Serinity—you’ll get next-level shine and cut.
- Mid-range or versatile needs: Preciosa gives you excellent quality without the designer price tag.
- Working on a tight budget? Try Estella or Aurora, especially if you’re creating large quantities or experimenting.
Pro tip: Mixing brands can be a smart way to stretch your budget. Use premium stones in focal points and budget-friendly ones elsewhere.
4. Think About Colour Range and Shapes
If your design calls for a very specific colour, coating or shape, make sure the brand offers what you need. Swarovski and Preciosa offer wide ranges with consistent quality. Aurora is great if you want bold and experimental finishes.
Some newer brands may not have as many options—but their growing collections are often more affordable and trendy.
5. Order Samples Before You Commit
Photos online don’t always do crystals justice. If you’re investing in a big project, order a few samples from different brands to compare sparkle, cut, and quality in person.
You’ll be surprised how different two crystals of the same colour can look side by side.
Should You Look for Brand Certificates?
You’ve decided that you want to invest in branded crystals for your designs. But, you want to ensure that you don’t fall victim to scams. Indeed, you need to make smart investments and make sure you’re getting your hands on the real deal. So, how can you do that?
Well, one of the first things you want to look for when you’re purchasing branded crystals is a certificate. There are certain brands, such as Swarovski and Preciosa, which require a certificate in order to supply. Therefore, if a supplier doesn’t show that they have this, it could mean that you’re purchasing fakes. Here are some things you should do.
Look on Their Website
Reputable suppliers will want to show off the brand certificates they have. After all, they’re probably proud to have them and want to ensure that you know they’re authorized. Therefore, take a look at their website to see if there’s a link to their certificates.
Verify the Certificate
Don’t just take it for granted that every certificate is legitimate. You want to take a look at it and make sure it looks genuine. For example, this is going to include a signature and date, as well as the brand’s identity on the certificate. If you’re in doubt, contact the team and they’ll be happy to discuss this with you if it’s legitimate.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right crystal brand isn’t just about price—it’s about matching the crystal’s qualities to your vision. Whether you’re crafting a luxury piece, creating on a budget, or somewhere in between, there’s a brand out there that fits your needs perfectly.