Which factors influence the price of a tooth gem?
The price of a tooth gem depends on five main factors. Based on our experience at ISIS n GOLD, customers often underestimate the impact of material and size on the final cost.
- Material: crystal (Swarovski, Preciosa), opal, 18K gold, natural diamond
- Size: from 1.5 mm (micro) to 5 mm+ (large shapes)
- Shape: classic round, heart, star, butterfly, letter, custom design
- Crystal brand: certified Swarovski costs 30–40% more than Preciosa (see our detailed comparison)
- Gold vs crystal: an 18K gold tooth gem costs 15 to 100 times more than a crystal
How much does a Swarovski crystal tooth gem cost?
Swarovski crystals are the entry-level choice for quality tooth gems. At ISIS n GOLD, we offer Europe's widest range of certified Swarovski tooth gems, with more than 80 colors.
| Crystal type | Size | Unit price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Classic round (Xirius) | 1.8–2.4 mm | €0.16–0.25 | First application, everyday wear |
| Crystal AB round | 1.8–2.4 mm | €0.20–0.30 | Rainbow effect, parties |
| Large round | 3.0–4.0 mm | €0.30–0.40 | Maximum visual impact |
| Mini gems | 1.5 mm | €0.16–0.20 | Subtle, elegant look |
Why does Swarovski cost more than generic crystals?
The price difference between a Swarovski crystal and a generic rhinestone comes down to several objective factors. Swarovski crystals are manufactured in Austria with 14-facet cutting standards that deliver superior light refraction. They are certified lead-free in compliance with the European REACH regulation (EC 1907/2006), guaranteeing their safety for oral use.
Some suppliers offer Preciosa crystals, made in the Czech Republic. While Preciosa is a legitimate brand, our customers consistently report a difference in brilliance and cutting consistency in favor of Swarovski. Here's a detailed comparison to help you decide:
| Criterion | Certified Swarovski | Preciosa | Generic (rhinestone) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Manufacturing | Austria | Czech Republic | China (usually) |
| Unit price | €0.16 – 5 | €0.10 – 3 | €0.05 – 0.30 |
| Number of facets | 12–14 facets | 10–12 facets | 6–8 facets |
| Brilliance | Excellent ("rainbow fire") | Good | Fair to low |
| REACH certification | Yes (lead-free, nickel-free) | Partial | Rarely documented |
| Cutting consistency | Exact (±0.05 mm) | Good (±0.1 mm) | Variable (±0.3 mm) |
| Lifespan | 6 – 12+ months | 4 – 10 months | 2 – 4 months |
| Oral safety | Guaranteed (lead-free) | Generally safe | Risk (possible lead, cadmium) |
As stated in the REACH regulation from the European Chemicals Agency (ECHA), any product intended for prolonged contact with the human body must be free from harmful substances. That's why our team consistently recommends certified Swarovski crystals for dental use.
What is the price of shaped tooth gems?
Shaped tooth gems (hearts, stars, butterflies, moons) cost more than classic rounds because they require more complex cutting. Our customers often pick a mix of shapes and rounds to create unique designs.
| Shape | Size | Unit price | Popularity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heart | 3–5 mm | €0.80–2.00 | ★★★★★ (best-seller) |
| Star | 3–5 mm | €0.80–1.80 | ★★★★ |
| Butterfly | 4–6 mm | €1.50–2.50 | ★★★★ |
| Moon / crescent | 3–4 mm | €0.80–1.50 | ★★★ |
| Drop / teardrop | 3–5 mm | €0.80–1.80 | ★★★ |
| Letter / number | 3–4 mm | €2.00–5.00 | ★★★ (personalization) |
How much do opal tooth gems cost?
Opals are natural or synthetic semi-precious stones that display a unique play of colors (the "fire" effect). They are more fragile than Swarovski crystals but offer an incomparable look. According to research on the mineralogical properties of opal, their hardness ranges from 5.5 to 6.5 on the Mohs scale.
| Opal type | Size | Unit price |
|---|---|---|
| Round synthetic opal | 2–3 mm | €3.00–5.00 |
| Natural cabochon opal | 2–4 mm | €5.00–8.00 |
| Fire opal (multicolor) | 2–3 mm | €4.00–7.00 |
What is the price of an 18K gold tooth gem?
Gold tooth jewelry sits at the top of the range. At ISIS n GOLD, every piece is handcrafted in France in 18K gold (75% pure gold). Our professional clients tell us gold is the product that delivers the best margins.
| Category | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Simple 18K gold charm | €39–49 | Heart, star, cross, moon |
| 18K gold charm with diamond | €69–149 | Set natural diamond, 0.01–0.03 ct |
| 18K gold zodiac sign | €39–59 | 12 signs available |
| 18K gold letter | €39–49 | Complete A–Z alphabet |
Browse our complete tooth jewelry catalog to see all models and prices.
Why does 18K gold cost more than a crystal?
The price of an 18K gold tooth gem reflects both the intrinsic value of the precious metal and the craftsmanship involved in making it. 18K gold (750/1000) contains 75% pure gold, which makes it naturally biocompatible and hypoallergenic — an essential property for any material placed in the mouth.
At ISIS n GOLD, our gold tooth jewelry is made in France by master jewelers. Every piece is available in yellow gold and white gold, with over 350 designs: stars, hearts, butterflies, initials, crosses, lightning bolts, and custom creations.
Factors that influence the price of 18K gold:
- Gold spot price: the price of gold fluctuates daily on international markets. In April 2026, an ounce of gold trades around $2,300
- Design complexity: a simple round charm costs less than an engraved initial or a custom motif
- Size: pieces from 2 mm to 5 mm use more or less metal
- Set stones: some gold tooth gems feature natural diamonds or cubic zirconia
How much does a custom grillz cost?
Grillz are removable metal caps, custom-made from a dental impression. ISIS n GOLD is one of the few brands in Europe offering handcrafted grillz in real gold, compliant with European Union regulations on medical devices.
| Grillz type | Price | Material |
|---|---|---|
| 1-tooth grillz | €89–189+ | 18K gold |
| 2-tooth grillz | €149–289+ | 18K gold |
| 6-tooth grillz | €349–590+ | 18K gold |
| Iced-out grillz (diamonds) | Quote on request | 18K gold + diamonds |
How much does professional tooth gem application cost?
The total cost for the end customer includes the gem + the application service. Based on our network of partner technicians and data from URSSAF for micro-entrepreneurs, here are the average rates in France in 2026:
| Service | Average customer price | Gem cost | Technician margin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swarovski crystal application | €30–50 | €0.20–1 | 85–97% |
| Shaped gem application | €40–60 | €1–3 | 90–95% |
| Opal application | €50–70 | €3–8 | 85–90% |
| 18K gold gem application | €80–150 | €29–49 | 50–70% |
For those who want to start applying tooth gems professionally, read our article Becoming a Tooth Gem Technician.
How do you evaluate a tooth gem's value for money?
To calculate the true cost of a tooth gem, you can't just look at the purchase price. Our experience with hundreds of professionals has helped us identify the key criteria:
- Cost per month of wear: a €2 Swarovski crystal lasting 12 months works out to €0.17/month. A generic at €0.15 lasting 2 months works out to €0.075/month in material, but the re-application cost (€30+ per session) makes the generic much more expensive over time
- Health safety: an uncertified crystal can contain lead or cadmium, substances classified as toxic by the ECHA
- Customer satisfaction: across our 73 Trustpilot reviews (4.5/5), material quality is the most frequently cited criterion
- Warranty: a serious supplier offers after-sales support and care advice
What hidden costs should you plan for?
Beyond the purchase price and application, there are a few additional costs to plan for:
- Removal: €30 to €80 at a dentist (enamel polishing included). This cosmetic procedure is not covered by health insurance.
- Re-application: if your tooth gem falls off before the expected duration, budget for a new session
- Care products: extra-soft toothbrush, suitable mouthwash (~€10/month)
- Pre-whitening: if you want to whiten your teeth before application, budget €50 to €300 depending on the method
How do you spot a tooth gem that's suspiciously cheap?
An abnormally low price is often the sign of a lower-quality product. Based on our experience, here are the warning signs:
- "Swarovski" crystals under €0.10 each: these are very likely fake Swarovski. Authentic crystals have a manufacturing cost incompatible with that price
- DIY kits without dental composite: a generic UV glue doesn't have the same properties as a CE-certified resin composite
- No REACH documentation: a serious supplier provides compliance certificates on request
- "18K" gold under €30: this is likely gold-plated or vermeil, unsuitable for oral use under the European RoHS directive (2011/65/EU)
How much does a tooth gem professional earn?
If you're thinking about becoming a tooth gem technician, profitability is a key question. Based on URSSAF data for micro-entrepreneurs in services, here's an estimate:
- Average price of a Swarovski application: €50 (of which ~€2 is material cost)
- Composite cost per application: ~€2
- Gross margin per application: ~€46
- Time per service: 15–30 minutes
- Monthly potential (10 applications/week): €1,840 gross
The initial investment in a professional application kit (€299 to €800 depending on the package) can be recouped in fewer than 20 services. The French micro-entrepreneur status lets you start quickly with reduced social charges.
Why do prices vary so much between websites?
Price differences between online stores come down to three main factors:
- Crystal brand: Preciosa is 30–40% cheaper than Swarovski. Some sellers pass off Preciosa as "premium crystal" without specifying the brand
- Quantity per lot: a gem sold individually costs 2 to 5 times more than in a pack of 10 or 50
- Shipping fees: some stores advertise a low price but add €5–10 in fees. At ISIS n GOLD, shipping is free from €65 purchase for France.