...that 80 years later they would add Hotfix technology to their flatback products. More precisely known as the 'Rose' (flatbacks) (as opposed to their precursor, the 'Chaton Rose' (pointbacks), flatbacks weren't originally intended for use with textiles! Hard to believe really given their preponderance now! And we can vouch for that fact too - hotfix flatbacks are a 'hot' choice among NZ's costume makers and designers - for fashion, bridal and dance.

The 'Rose' was originally produced for use in jewellery and it was only after extensive research and development work that Swarovski made crystals for the textile market a specific product. And hence 'Hotfix' was born as a term and as a product. Thank goodness for creativity and science! 

In the picture below you can see the underside of a hotfix stone, in the ss34 sized Bejeweller Applicator tip, which will heat the stone up and it will in turn melt the glue on the backing - ready to apply in a matter of seconds. 

Hotfix was a revolutionary technology that resulted in Swarovski producing an ever-growing range of Hotfix flatbacks and Hotfix flatback shapes. In 1998 the 8-facet Rose was upgraded to a new cut: the 12-facet Rose. And again, in 2004 Swarovski upgraded to the Xilion cut: a stone cut with 14 facets and a unique irregluar arrangement of facets designed to catch the light even more so.

Most recently in late 2011 Swarovski upgraded to a new cut, Article 2038. A slightly higher central table and brilliance factor, changing also from a grey backing to a pinky-apricot backing, making for a brighter appearance from the front.