Preciosa have two styles of flatback rhinestone: Viva12 and Maxima. To look at and work with, they are very similar, both are round stones with a foil backing. The difference is the number of facets (cuts) the stone has.
Viva12: Viva12 crystals have 12 facets (cuts) which offer a fantastic sparkle. The job of these facets is to reflect light at different angles which creates the dazzling starlight effect you see when the light hits them. The Viva12 crystals are available in every colour and coating from sizes SS5 (1.8mm) to SS48 (11mm). We stock these rhinestones in both small pack quantities, ideal for one off or smaller projects, and wholesale packs, ideal for larger scale projects and trade customers.
Maxima: Maxima crystals were launched by Preciosa just a few years ago, and are an updated version of Viva12. Maxima rhinestones from size SS5 (1.8mm) to SS20 (5mm) have 15 facets, the larger sizes from SS30 (6mm) upwards have 18 facets and these are often used by people looking for maximum sparkle, imitating that of Swarovski. For this reason, Maxima crystals come at a higher price than Viva12, although to look at, they are almost identical.