If you want to see our inventory of Swarovski Flatbacks, style 2028, then click on the link:
Style Number:  2028

Foiled and Hot-Fix Flatbacks	Delivery Times	Standard Items
Ordering Instructions	Gluing Instructions	Other Flatback Shapes
Stone Size Chart	Color and Coating Chart	Standard Color Chart
Standard Coating Chart	Bejeweler (tool for hot-fix stones)	Return to Flatback Inventory
	Heat Press

    These very popular Swarovski Flatback "Rhinestone" Crystals come in a wide selection of sizes and colors.  They are metal-foiled (except for special cases - noted "u" for unfoiled) on the flat side (bottom side) so that they can be glued to any surface without showing the glue through the stone.

Foiled and Hot-Fix Flatbacks:

    Green: Swarovski Flatbacks in Green font are foiled items (not with hot fix).  These are normally glued to the surfaces you are working with: Cell Phones, Shoes, Ornamental Items, Jewelry, Watches, etc.
    Blue: Swarovski Flatbacks in Blue font are flatbacks with hot-fix* glue applied to the bottom.  These are normally applied to fabric, especially cotton or other porous cloth.  There are a number of tools on the market that are used to apply the hot-fix stones.  We offer the "Bejeweler", but there are many other items available that are used to apply the proper heat to the stone which allows the glue to fix itself to the cloth.

    Hot-fix is a highly flexible glue that is activated at temperatures between 120^oC and 170^oC (approximately 250^oF and 340^oF) and bonds with the material.  It is primarily applied to fabric.  As the glue cools, the crytals are securely and permanently fixed to the material.  Hot-fix does not work particularly well for some other common applications, like gluing to metal earring studs, or applying to plastic shoes or cell phones.  For those application, use the regular foiled flatbacks and use a slow drying epoxy.  More gluing information is near the bottom of the page.  Hot-fix will work reasonably well on many surfaces that are not subject to handling, like light switch plates, and ornaments that are not handled.

Bejeweler: Tool for applying the Swarovski Flatback Hot-fix stones:

    Bejeweler  ($18.00): This tool is an electric rhinestone applicator and includes:

• Support stand
• Precision rhinestone tips for sizes 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 7mm crystals
• Universal Hot Spot tip for all other size/shape hot-fix embellishments

Bejeweler Pro International  ($28.00): This tool is also an electric rhinestone applicator with settings for all international voltages.  It includes:

• Universal Electric, for all countries
• Precision rhinestone tips for sizes 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 7mm crystals
• Universal Hot Spot tip for all other size/shape hot-fix embellishments
 
 

Heat Press for Hot-Fix on clothing:

    If you are applying a large number of hot-fix flatbacks to clothing, you may find the Hix Heat Press is an excellent solution.  It allows you to fix an entire pattern of flatbacks to your clothing at one time.  This tool costs $299.00 and can be purchased at RPL Supplies.  (Click on the link to view the information on their website.)
    For a cotton T shirt, an application of about 40 seconds works well.  For jeans, an application of about 1+1/2 minutes works well.  There is a full range of temperature control available up to 400^oF.  A setting of about 300^oF will work fine.  Use a think cloth on top of the flatback design before applying the press.  You may also find that it helps if you warm the clothing first, before applying the press.
 
 

Delivery Times:

    We stock the Swarovski Flatbacks in Crystal (CR) and Crystal Aurora Borealis (AB) in both the foiled and hot-fix stones.  These can normally be shipped to you the same day you order.
    The colored flatbacks are special orders.  When you place an order for a colored flatback that is listed in Swarovski's current inventory, we normally receive delivery in about 16 - 17 days.  An item may come into stock or run out without notice.  We track the Swarovski inventory quite closely, and update the current inventory approximately three times a week.  To see the current Swarovski inventory go to Current Inventory List.  If necessary, we can provide expected production dates for future deliveries.  This usually takes 24 hours.
 

Standard Items vs. Non Standard Items:

    All the Standard Items are listed in the charts on our Swarovski Flatback Page.  For example, in the 2028-5ss the Standard Colors are:

AM, AQ, BLD, BU, BZ, CAP, CHR, CIT, COB, CZJ, EM, ER, FU, HY, JE, JON, KH, LA, LCT, LP, LR, LS, LSI, LT, MON, OL, PAD, PE, PO, PV, RA, RO, RU, SA, SI, SLK, ST, SUN, TAN, TO, WO

    Some other (Non Standard) colors or coatings may be in stock at the Swarovski factory from time to time.  To see the current Swarovski inventory go to Current Inventory List.  You may well notice some colors or special coatings that are in stock that are not Standard Items.  These can be ordered by the factory package whenever they appear in the Current Inventory List.  Some of them can be ordered even when they are not in stock, but they require an order larger than a single factory package.  Ask for details.

    Please take note that all flatbacks (except CR & AB) are available by special order only.  Once they are ordered from the factory, the order cannot be cancelled.  In special cases we can accept returns from these orders, however there is a 15% restocking fee, and the packages must be unopened.  Of course, if the item that you receive is incorrect, damaged in shipping or improperly manufactured, you can return them for a full refund.

    *

Ordering Instructions:

    Important: For most orders of colored Swarovski Flatbacks, we require a 25% deposit at the time of your order.  (PayPal orders must be paid in full at the time of your order.)  Please take note that all flatbacks are sold by full factory packages only.
    When you have chosen the flatbacks you wish to purchase, contact us with your list.  The items that are in Swaroski's inventory are either in Austria or warehoused in Rhode Island.  If an item is in Rhode Island, in special circumstances, we can have it shipped to us in about 3 business days.  (There is a $10 extra fee for this kind of expedited shipping.)  In most normal cases we receive delivery in about 2 weeks.
    "Standard Items" that are currently out of stock may be ordered at any time.  Approximate delivery dates can usually be obtained in about 1 business day.  If you must have them by a certain date, we will let you know if this is possible before finalizing your order.
    Just email us at: Flatbacks and list your inquiry or the items you want to order.  Be sure to include your name, address and phone number.  If you are a first time customer, we will need a credit card number to complete the order.
    Please take note that the colored flatbacks are Special Order items.  Once the factory has shipped the items to us, we cannot cancel our order.  If the item is a "standard item" with the factory, we can accept a cancellation with a 15% restocking fee.  If the item is a non-standard item, cancellations are not possible.
 
 
 

Glueing Instructions:

    For gluing the foiled Swarovsk Flatbacks, we highly recommend a slow drying epoxy.  We have found the best to be an epoxy that sets up in about an hour and dries hard in about 24 hours.  You can find some epoxies that set up in about 5 minutes and dry hard in about 4 hours, but these are not as strong, and the setting time does not work well if you are making a large number of post earrings at one time.  Purchase an epoxy (or other glue) that is recommended for glass and metal.  Some are good for one, but not recommended for the other.  Super glue is definitely not recommended.
    With the slow drying epoxy, you will need to set the stone on your post and then check on it in about 15 minutes or so to be sure it is centered properly.  There is a tendency for the stone to slip over the first few minutes, depending on how level your post is and the shape of the stone.  Once the stone begins to set up firmly, don't adjust the setting or you will weaken the bond.
    It is important not to touch the bottom of the crystals or the top of your post (particularly the flat posts) with your fingers.  Your fingers have a slight amount of oil or dirt on them, which will weaken the bond.  Many jewelers also soak both the stone and the post in Acetone first, before gluing.  This cuts through any oily or greasy film that might be on them.  The Acetone will not damage the crystal stone or the foil in any way.
 

Other Flatback shapes:

    There are other flatback shapes besides the standard 2028 item.  These are available in a more limited selection of colors and coatings.  To see the pricing and inventory for these items click on Other Swarovski Flatbacks.  These flatbacks are pictured below:

Flatback Sizing:

    Swarovski uses the terminology "Stone Size" (ss) to measure flatback sizes.  Sizes range from 5ss (1.8mm) to 48ss (11mm).
    Please take note that Swarovski produces it's popular 2028 Flatback in the following sizes:

5ss, 6ss, 7ss, 8ss, 9ss, 10ss, 12ss, 14ss, 16ss, 20ss, 30ss, 34ss, 40ss, and 48ss     The Stone Size Chart below includes many more sizes than are produced, but it serves as a sizing chart for all kinds of Swarovski stones, as well as other kinds of stone, like diamonds, rubies, emeralds, etc.  It is a hand chart to use when determining the size you need. Stone Size Chart
Please note that the actual size on your computer screen will depend in part on the size and resolution of your moniter.
I recommend that you put a mm ruler on your screen and compare the mm size.  For some of you these dots will appear larger than their actual size.