DIY Bling Christmas Ornaments with our Free Template
Christmas arrives shortly after the shortest day of the year and when the darkness of night is at its peak. However, twinkling holiday lights hold the promise of hope. Additionally, glittery decorations on the tree add a festive and magical glow. Instead of buying expensive bling Christmas ornaments, use our template to make your own. Make Beautiful Bling Christmas Ornaments Using Our Template If you want to take your decoration up a notch this year, why not create beautiful, bedazzled ornaments? Crystal rhinestone decorations offer an incredible play of light with a magical shimmer against the backdrop of lights. Yet, often the trouble with blinging round ornaments lies with planning the design and spacing. For example, when creating bedazzling clothes, you can lay out the garment flat to check the rhinestone pattern. This can be impossible with a round object. While straight lines and scatter patterns are fairly simple, swirls and curves prove problematic. Often, you begin your gluing rhinestones with high hopes, only to find your spacing is off. Sometimes, crafters will create templates using a Cricut. This machine can precisely create custom designs. However, a Cricut can easily cost several hundred dollars. Instead, our template can help you create complicated, intricate designs. The grid lines allow you to carefully plan the design and spacing of each rhinestone flat back gem. Our rhinestone ornament template is a flat representation of a typical 8-inch round ball. If you have a smaller or larger ornament, you can shrink or enlarge our template. Or, you can create your own by creating a single segment and then connecting the segments to make a sphere. The Best Rhinestones For Bedazzling Ornaments Typically, high quality rhinestones create the most play of light. Manufacturers create sparkle through the use of three key characteristics. 1. Material Generally, manufacturers use one of 3 different materials to make rhinestones:
Each material has certain properties for absorbing and reflecting light. Overall, crystal rhinestones are the best imitators of real gems for a diamond like sparkle. 2. Number of Facets Facets are flat surfaces cut on the rhinestone’s surface. These facets act as mirrors, reflecting light to the viewer’s eye. While generally more facets create more sparkle, the arrangement and symmetry of facets are equally important. 3. Arrangement of Facets Typically, rhinestones with a more complex facet pattern appear more sparkling to the human eye. Brand name crystal rhinestone manufacturers carefully calculate facet arrangement to optimize the light interaction. Choosing Your Bedazzling Glue and Storing Your Bling Christmas Ornaments Typically, most manufacturers use glass or plastic to make Christmas ornaments. Several glue manufacturers recommend their product for these surface types. For example, Aleene’s makes several different adhesives that are suitable for gluing rhinestones. However, many crafters forget to think about storage when choosing their glue. Furthermore, some glues aren’t resistant to high temperatures. Often, many people store Christmas ornaments in their attic. However, summertime attic heat can rise above the maximum heat resistance of many glues. As heat affects the glue bond, the crystal rhinestones can shift from their original positions. Although E6000 can withstand higher temperatures, the constant exposure to attic heat may weaken the glue bond. Thus, you may want to store your bling ornaments in a more temperature-controlled environment. Where to Buy Rhinestones Online Although some craft stores sell rhinestones, these are often in limited colors, sizes, and quantities. Yet, searching online will yield many retailers with different product offerings. Our company, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality embellishments since 2011. With fast processing times, most orders ship the same day. Plus, we have competitive prices and a huge inventory of crystal faux gems. View our inventory to find the perfect flatback faux gem to create beautiful bling Christmas ornaments for your tree.
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Rhinestones Vs. Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia for Jewelry
Throughout history, both men and women have worn jewelry to indicate wealth and social status. Moreover, gemstone jewelry held a special place of importance, offering protection against evil spirits. Later, the wealthy and noble class wore it to distinguish themselves from the lower classes. Today, manufacturers create faux gems as an affordable option. When comparing rhinestones vs. diamonds vs. cubic zirconia, which one offers the best sparkle? Real Vs. Faux Gems Some historians credit Georges Frederic Strass, a Parisian jeweler, as the father of costume jewelry. In the 1730s, he created the first faux gem made from leaded glass. With a foil backing to reflect light, it would be impossible by candlelight to tell this limitation from diamonds. The popularity of paste jewelry, as it came to be known, soared among the rich and noble born. Aristocrats could freely wear and travel with jewelry pieces without worrying about theft. Additionally, it was available in many colors, enabling wearers to have pieces created for specific outfits. Furthermore, the rise of the middle class also helped fuel the desire for faux gemstones. Due to their more affordable price, men and women of moderate means could look well-to-do. Some famous designers, like Chanel and Dior, began creating rhinestone jewelry. However, even with real gemstones, quality and grade vary. Furthermore, the number and arrangement of facets are another important part of creating sparkle. When comparing materials, remember that superiority varies between manufacturers and jewelers. Crystal Rhinestones Centuries ago, gem hunters gathered glittering quartz found along the Rhine River. Once this natural resource became depleted, glassmakers began experimenting to replicate it. Typically, rhinestone is the most popular word for these manufactured faux gems. However, some companies may describe their products as strass or diamante. Originally, all crystal rhinestones contained lead. Due to health concerns, many manufacturers switched to using barium, zinc, or potassium oxide instead. While chatons have a pointed back like diamonds, the most common rhinestone is the flatback. With a silver backing to reflect light, these rhinestones have a diamond like sparkle. Cubic Zirconia During an unrelated experiment, German scientists created this compound as a byproduct. Thinking it didn’t have any applications, they basically ignored it. Decades later, Russian scientists rediscovered cubic zirconia. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that jewelers began using this beautiful lab-created gem. At that time, Swarovski began cutting and offering cubic zirconia in its product offerings. Its high dispersion index and cost-effective price make it a sought-after diamond substitute. Diamonds Created deep within the earth, intense heat and pressure turn carbon into the hardest substance known to man, diamonds. Raw diamonds are irregularly shaped stones with a dull, glassy surface. Many historians believe that the people of India first discovered diamonds. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1300s that jewelers began experimenting with cutting this mineral. As technology developed, so did jewelers' skill with faceting. Both real and faux gemstones incorporate highly developed engineering principles to angle facets for the play of light. Rhinestones Vs. Diamonds Vs. Cubic Zirconia - Important Attributes
Of course, when making jewelry, price is a critical consideration. However, creating a unique and exciting piece is equally important. One way to achieve this is through a play of light. Each material interacts with light differently to create sparkle. 1. Reflective Index This is the amount of light reflected off the facets or foil backing to the viewer’s eye. 2. Refractive Index When light enters a material, it slows down and bends. The refractive index (RI) of a gemstone is a measurement of the material’s ability to bend light. 3. Dispersion White light consists of different colors traveling at the same speed. When it enters a material, the color wavelengths slow down at different speeds. This causes the white light to separate into colors. Two other terms, fire and scintillation, relate to these properties. Fire is the light reflected through the gem/faux gem top after bouncing around inside. Scintillation is the multi-colored sparkles of light. Our chart at the top of the page compares the materials’ unique characteristics. Best Choice for Rhinestone Jewelry Of course, the debate over rhinestones vs. diamonds will continue. Yet, the beauty and cost-effectiveness of crystal rhinestones help make them a popular choice for jewelry. For many years, Swarovski was the premier brand to use. However, in 2021, the company removed itself from the retail market due to changing economic conditions. A quality Swarovski alternative is Preciosa crystal components. With a similar level of brilliance and sparkle, Preciosa boasts a 500-year history of glassmaking. Its crystal clear rhinestones are almost indistinguishable from diamonds. Furthermore, the company offers a variety of colors and sizes for all your needs. Moreover, Rhinestones Etc. has an extensive collection of both hotfix and flatback Preciosa Rhinestones. We offer fast processing times with same day shipping. Browse our online rhinestone store to find your crystal components. Simple Rhinestone Placement Ideas for Dance Costumes
Bedazzling a dance costume adds depth, texture, and visual interest. Moreover, adding crystal rhinestones can elevate a simple design into an imaginative composition. However, blinged out costumes are pricey, and the manufacturer may use a lesser quality of crystal bling. Instead, you can DIY bedazzle a competitive dance dress, saving yourself money. Below, we provide a few simple rhinestone placement ideas to help you begin.
Rhinestone Placement Ideas - Design InspirationUsing templates can help you achieve symmetry and accurate spacing between the rhinestones. And, you can easily replicate the bedazzle pattern on different parts of the dress. Moreover, you can use our templates on competitive skating dresses, as well as other apparel and accessories.
To use our templates, simply download the pattern and print it out. Punch out holes as indicated on the rhinestone template by using a punch tool. Hollow punch tools create holes in various sizes and are available in many craft stores. Next, lay the template on the dress and mark the holes with a piece of chalk or disappearing fabric marker. Then, before gluing, lay the crystal rhinestones on the marks to view the effect. Adjust the rhinestone placement according to your liking by moving them closer or further apart. Sometimes, you may need to modify the rhinestone pattern size to fit the costume size. A pattern that’s too small creates a weak focal point, while a too large design can be over-dominating. Once you like the positions, you’re ready to glue them into place. Creating Your Designs Sometimes, a costume will naturally have certain areas to bling for dramatic effect. For example, placing rhinestones along a neckline, hemline, or seamline. Scatter patterns are another easy rhinestone design to undertake. Other times, the placement may seem easy but prove problematic for someone new to bedazzling. For instance, lines may look perfectly straight when lying flat, yet crooked when worn by the dancer. Using a body form to stretch the material can help achieve a symmetrical look. The Importance of the Rhinestone Color In Costume Design
Undoubtedly, color plays an important part in rhinestone design. Particular color combinations create vivid and intense contrasts, while others neutralize each other. Furthermore, color perceptions can evoke different emotions, something very important in a dance piece.
To further confuse the issue, many rhinestone manufacturers offer over a hundred hues. Plus, color variations in saturation and value exist between manufacturers. Additionally, many companies also offer Aurora Borealis products. These are standard colors with an AB coating, allowing the standard color to show, but with an additional rainbow effect. Combining both the standard and AB colors adds dimension and texture, as movement results in an explosion of color. Ultimately, choosing the best rhinestone color for your project is a personal preference. Do you want a bold and vibrant pop of color, or subtle, blended hues? Alternatively, you can choose crystal or crystal AB, with tones and chroma that match everything. Of course, it’s perfectly acceptable to mix stones from different manufacturers to achieve the look you want. Rhinestone Sizing Furthermore, rhinestone sizing also affects the impact of your design. Depending on the rhinestone manufacturer, flatback crystals range from tiny 5ss to large 50ss. Fundamentally, we can group the sizes into these categories:
Larger stones offer a greater visual impact due to the facet area of light reflection. However, grouping small stones creates a cluster effect that produces sparkling dazzle from any angle. Typically, designers will use smaller crystals for intricate bedazzle patterns and larger stones for a bold impact. The goal is to achieve a well-balanced design with a sense of equilibrium. For example, using too many large rhinestones can overpower the other elements. However, smaller stones cover less area, so you will need more of them to complete your design. Mixing sizes adds depth by allowing the light to bounce unpredictably between sizes. Generally, 16ss, 20ss, and 30ss are the most common sizes for dance costume designs. Ready to Try Out Your Rhinestone Placement Ideas? Rhinestones Etc. is a family-owned online rhinestone seller with high-quality crystal components. We offer fast processing times with the same shipping on most orders. Plus, we have competitive prices and responsive, attentive customer service. Browse our store to find the perfect crystalline product for your project. Plus, check back our our rhinestone template page as we are always adding new stencils. 
Using bling crystals to bedazzle is a fun, vibrant way to customize T-shirts with a unique, personalized design. Moreover, DIYing can save you plenty of money. Yet, after gathering your supplies, you’re faced with deciding on the rhinestone placement. Below, we provide a few general guidelines to help you create the perfect blinged out shirt. Rhinestone Placement - Spacing Bedazzling takes many forms. Rhinestones can beautify tumblers, formal wear, shoes, pocketbooks, and clothing. Some of these bling projects involve covering the object in crystals. For example, crafters will glue the embellishments end to end with little spacing in between to bling tumblers. Other projects, like stoning dance costumes or bedazzling T-shirts, require a more thoughtful process. Ultimately, spacing, the area between each rhinestone, can greatly affect the overall effect of your design. In a fill pattern, closely placed crystals create a dense, sparkling effect. Moreover, spacing rhinestones closely together or end to end creates smoothly flowing lines. However, spacing rhinestones slightly, like ¼ inch, will save you money by using fewer bling crystals. Furthermore, a small gap between stones allows the fabric to stretch. Of course, many expensive, commercial rhinestone machines churn out designs easily and quickly. However, today we’ll be focusing on easy DIY solutions so you can create beautiful rhinestone patterns at home. Rhinestone Stencils Help with Crystal Placement When creating a specific design, rhinestone templates can be invaluable. This tool helps create uniform and cohesive patterns. You can make your own or download one of our free crystal templates. To create your bedazzled shirt, you can use either flatback or hotfix rhinestones. For glueable rhinestones, center your template on your shirt. You can mark the rhinestone placement with a piece of chalk or lay the crystals inside the holes. After removing the stencil, you can make any necessary adjustments to your design. Then, simply glue the rhinestones into place. Creating a hotfix transfer design requires the use of transfer paper. This tool has a clear sticky part and an opaque, nonadhesive piece. First, lay a piece of wax paper over your stencil. Place hotfix rhinestones on the wax paper, facet side up, following the design. Next, take the clear, sticky piece of the transfer paper. Gently press it onto the top of the crystals, ensuring they all stick. Now, you are ready to attach your rhinestone design to your shirt. How to Center Your Rhinestone Transfer Design Rhinestone placement also involves centering your design for a professional look. Some handy tools to help with crystal design positioning are placement rulers. These specialized measurement tools help you align transfer designs both vertically and horizontally. You can also use a simple ruler and mark your shirt with chalk or temporary fabric markers. Typically, your neckline and side seams can help determine the position of your rhinestone design. Using the side seams, measure the width of the front. Divide this measurement by 2 to locate the front center, marking it with chalk. This is the location of the horizontal center of your design. Now, you need to determine the vertical position of the shirt. Typically, the position from the neckline will vary based on the type:
Sometimes, you may need to make some adjustments based on the measurement of your rhinestone design. For example, a taller vertical design may need to sit lower. Comparatively, a narrow horizontal one may require a higher position. While centering is important, remember that any variations of 1/4 or less won’t be noticeable. Buying Rhinestones Online As a family-owned rhinestone supplier, Rhinestones Etc. understand your needs. That’s why we have fast processing times, competitive pricing, and outstanding customer service. Furthermore, we offer flexible quantities, selling both single gross and bulk rhinestones. If you’ve found this information valuable, please share this post with your friends. 
Ballroom, Irish, ballet, jazz, and contemporary competitive dancing rely on rhinestones to give the costume a polished and finished look. While you can buy pre-rhinestoned clothing, often these come with a steep price. Typically, you can save a bundle of money by stoning a dance costume yourself. Yet, when you’ve searched for crystals online, you find many different rhinestone sizes using a unique measurement. Let’s explore stone sizes and how to pick the perfect product. Explanation of Rhinestone Sizes Many rhinestone manufacturers make round rhinestone sizes ranging from very small 5ss to large 50ss. This designation, “stone size” or “ss” is unique to rhinestone sizing. Generally, the bigger the number, the larger the crystal rhinestone. Moreover, most retailers will provide a size chart showing the corresponding millimeter size. For your convenience, here is a rhinestone size chart: ss mm ss mm ss mm 5 1.7-1.8 10 2.7-2.85 34 7.0 -7.17 6 1.9-2 12 3.0-3.1 40 8.35-8.54 7 2.1-2.15 16 3.8-3.9 48 10.95-11.11 8 2.3-2.35 20 4.6-4.7 50 12 9 2.5-2.65 30 6.3-6.41 Ultimately, choosing a rhinestone size affects your overall design and its impact. Large rhinestones reflect more light for lots of sparkle and a showy and striking design. Small crystals offer subtle glitter but work better for intricate and meticulous designs. They are also useful as gap fillers to go between spaces left by larger stones. Although there are no rules or guidelines, the most popular rhinestone sizes for dance costumes are 16ss, 20ss, and 30ss. What Are Rhinestones and Why Are They Perfect for Bedazzling Dance Costumes? Dance is a visual art performance reflecting cultures, emotions, and stories. Typically, costumes are an integral part of the dance, enhancing the overall presentation. Adding bedazzling embellishments helps create dynamic images for a mesmerizing routine. Once a natural resource, gem hunters found sparkling quartz along the banks of the Rhine River. Once these “Rhine stones” became depleted, glassmakers sought ways to manufacture them. Today, rhinestone manufacturers create beautiful flatback gems perfect for dance costumes. In particular, the round shape offers the greatest versatility for the availability of rhinestone colors and sizes. Yet, not all rhinestones offer the best sparkle. Manufacturers may use plastic (which includes acrylic, jelly, and resin), glass, or crystal to create their product. While crystal is a type of glass, it contains particular minerals that change some of its properties. Furthermore, crystal rhinestones have the greatest sparkle out of all these materials due to these properties: 1. Greatest dispersion rate 2. Highest refractive index 3. Allows more precision cut facets 4. Superlative clarity Additionally, the play of light depends on the number of facets. Typically, the number of angled planes can range from 8 to 16. Rhinestone manufacturers create facets through molding or machine cutting. Comparatively, the added strength of the crystal allows manufacturers to cut more facets into the crystal than molded glass. Moreover, the facet arrangement affects optical performance as well. Facets control the entry and exit of light from the crystal. Thus, symmetrically positioned facets contribute to the rhinestone’s overall brilliance. Generally, higher quality rhinestones are machine cut for consistent facet size and arrangement. FAQs About Rhinestones When bedazzling dance costumes, buying the best rhinestones doesn’t always mean spending the most money. Many manufacturers make high quality rhinestones at an economical price. Below, we’ve answered a few commonly asked questions to help you make the best choice for your bedazzling project. How Many Rhinestones Are in 1 Gross? There are 144 pieces in a gross. Can I Mix Sizes? Absolutely! Using different sizes on one project will give your project added depth as light bounces randomly. Where Can I Buy Rhinestones Online? Rhinestones Etc. is a family owned rhinestone supplier selling quality embellishments since 2011. Our current inventory includes premium crystal rhinestones from Preciosa and economically priced PriceLess brands. We ship Monday to Friday, offering same day shipping on orders placed by 2 PM. Browse our online store to find crystal rhinestones in bulk at competitive prices. 
Many of us have watched the television show, Dancing with the Stars. Typically, the competitors wear beautiful, glittering costumes that sparkle with each movement. As mothers of dancers, we want to achieve a level of glamour with children’s competition costumes, too. Yet, the best rhinestones for dance aren’t always the most expensive. Best Rhinestones For Dance Undoubtedly, sparkle is important when stoning dance costumes. Generally, high quality crystal rhinestones produce the most glittering scintillation. However, you can create a nice play of light with a greater quantity of less expensive quality stones. Of course, some dance moms only want the highest quality dance rhinestones. These are brand name crystalline products with the greatest number of facets. At one time, Swarovski was the best on the market. However, several years ago, they removed themselves from the retail market. Since then, Preciosa has become the leader in crystal components. While these are the best, they’re also the most expensive. Moreover, choosing a less expensive brand will allow you to buy a greater quantity of crystal bling. Although each rhinestone will have less sparkle, you’ll have more rhinestones for a nice play of light. For centuries, European rhinestones dominated the market, but recently Asian manufacturers have emerged as a less expensive alternative. However, when buying from certain companies, be careful about buying cheaply made products. Sometimes, the color won’t be consistent within batches. Other times, the foil backing may fall off. Buying from a reputable seller can help avoid poorly manufactured rhinestones. Some Dance Costume Stoning Ideas For the beginner, stoning a dance costume can seem intimidating. In addition to choosing colors and sizes, you have to decide on the placement of stones. However, once you begin, you’ll see how easy it is to bedazzle costumes. Often, the best way to begin is to lay out your dance costume on a flat surface. Place some rhinestones on the garment to see the layout. As you place the rhinestones, note the distance between each stone. The ideal spacing depends on your rhinestone size and the pattern. When stoning in a linear pattern, keep the spacing between the rhinestones consistent. Some popular ways to embellish dance costumes include:
Color, Size, and Shaped Crystals To Create Rhinestone Designs Another idea is to mix sizes, shapes, or colors. Doing so gives your crystal design depth and texture. For example, using different sizes allows light to bounce unpredictably, adding overall interest. Rhinestone shapes also have varying faceting patterns that create unique plays of light. Generally, shapes are great for accenting particular areas. However, most manufacturers create shapes in sew on designs, making application a bit more time-consuming than hotfix or gluing. Of course, you can always use a rhinestone adhesive to attach sew on rhinestones. Finally, color choice can impact your rhinestone design. For instance, you can choose a complementary hue for a vibrant pop of color. Or, pick a similar hue for a more subtle and cohesive look. Another option is to use Aurora Borealis rhinestones. These have a special AB coating over the standard color, giving the stone a color-changing appearance. Typically, the facets on AB crystals have greater visibility due to this coating. Rhinestones For Dance - FAQs Are you shopping for the best rhinestones for dance? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions to help you decide on a quality crystalline product. How Many Rhinestones Will I Need? Of course, your rhinestone design usually dictates the quantity of crystals necessary. However, the size and spacing between each piece also affect the required number of rhinestones. Generally, expect to order between 3 and 5 gross. What Is the Difference Between Flatback and Hotfix Rhinestones? While some crystalline products, like chatons, have pointed backs, both hotfix and flatbacks have a flat backside. Although flatbacks require an adhesive to attach them to fabric, hotfix rhinestones have glue on the backside. When heated to 250° F (120° C) to 390° F (200° C), the glue melts, allowing application. The glue solidifies when cooled, forming a permanent bond with most fabrics. For hotfix crystals, you’ll need an applicator tool, heat press, or non-steam iron. Where Can I Buy Crystal Rhinestones Online? If you’re looking for high quality rhinestones for dance, trust Rhinestones Etc. Since 2011, we’ve been selling quality embellishments at competitive prices. We currently carry the luxury brand Preciosa Maxima and the economically priced PriceLess Rhinestones. Moreover, most orders ship the same day, so you receive your crystal bling fast. Browse our online store to find the perfect brand, size, and color for your bling project.
The Origins of Manufactured Rhinestones Historically, manufactured crystals emerged from the glassmaking industry to replicate more expensive gemstones. Although crystal is a form of glass, not all glass is crystal. As craftsmen experimented, they discovered that adding lead during production altered the properties of glass. The new product was denser, with a higher refractive index. This meant that leaded glass or crystal was more brilliant than plain glass. Although legends surround much of the early history of rhinestone making, most likely the Fišer brothers were instrumental. After studying glassmaking in Venice, they returned to Bohemia, settling in the Turnov region. Over time, the techniques of creating beautiful cut crystal spread throughout the area. By the 1800s, the Bohemian city of Jablonec nad Nisou had become the world center for the jewelry industry. AB Crystals: A Collaboration Between Dior and Swarovski As years passed, the demand for rhinestones grew. However, the industry remained a cottage industry with each crystal painstakingly cut by hand. One Bohemian glassmaker, Daniel Swarovski, revolutionized crystal production with a new machine. Compared to hand cutting, his factory cut crystal faster and with consistency, propelling his company to the industry forefront. In the 1950s, Swarovski’s ever-innovating company collaborated with a popular designer, Christian Dior. Dior loved replicating elements of nature into his styles. Like other designers of the time, he often created jewelry pieces to accompany his clothing lines. The AB rhinestone, or Aurora Borealis, tried to replicate the breathtaking display of color in the Northern sky. The original AB rhinestones were clear crystals with the iridescent coating. This coating gave the crystal an ever-changing palette of colors similar to the natural phenomena. In time, rhinestone manufacturers began to apply this coating to other crystal colors besides crystal AB. Today, you’ll almost always find an AB crystal to accompany the standard color. Choosing An AB Rhinestone Color Generally, the AB coating varies among rhinestone manufacturers due to the chemical composition and the amount applied to the crystal. Some companies use a heavier layer while others add a lighter covering. Typically, a lighter coating allows more of the original color to shine through. Additionally, lighter AB colors have more of a rainbow effect, reflecting a wider range of colors. Darker colors reflect a metallic, greenish-blue color with less assortment of hues. Ultimately, the coating on AB gems intensifies the facet visibility giving them greater glittery sparkle than standard colors. Moreover, AB rhinestones reflect the colors that surround it. Combining AB rhinestones with standard colors on your bling project gives it dimension and texture. Today, you’ll find a wide variety of shapes and types of AB crystals: Rhinestones:
FAQS About AB Crystals Are you looking to buy some AB rhinestones online? Below we answer a few commonly asked questions to help you find the right crystals for your project. Are All Manufacturers AB Colors the Same? No. Manufacturers use different chemical compositions and coloring processes to create their crystal line. Hence, colors of the same name can be very different between brands. How Do You Apply Crystal AB Rhinestones? The method of application depends on the rhinestones type. For example, hotfix crystal AB rhinestones require a heat press or applicator tool to attach the embellishments. Alternatively, you’ll need rhinestone glue or settings to adhere flatback rhinestones to fabric. Where Can I Buy Bulk Rhinestones? Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality crystal rhinestones online. Our line of Preciosa AB crystals is available in single or bulk packaging. We also carry the PriceLess brand in bulk for a very cost-effective price. Browse our collection of AB colors to find the crystals for your next bling project! 
Crystalline products are available in different sizes, colors, shapes, and application methods. Typically, using glue with crystal bling is the most popular type of application. However, hotfix rhinestones can offer easy attachment, especially with intricate rhinestone designs. Hotfix Vs. Flatback Rhinestones Some crystalline embellishments have a pointed back like diamonds. Generally, craftsmen use these for jewelry designs. Others have a flat backside that fits tightly against most surfaces. Although all fabric rhinestones have flatbacks, retailers use this term to describe glue on crystals. You attach flatbacks using an adhesive or metal settings. Two other types also have a flat side: sew-on and hotfix. Sew-on rhinestones have predrilled holes near their edges to attach the crystals by needle and thread. However, many manufacturers only create sew ons in shapes other than round rhinestones. Hotfix rhinestones have a layer of glue on the backside. When heated, the glue melts into a liquid and then back into a solid after cooling. You can use these rhinestones for dance, skating wear, tee shirts, and other apparel. Additionally, you can create rhinestone designs with hotfix crystals and transfer paper. This specialized paper consists of 2 parts, a sticky clear side and an opaque, non-sticky piece. Simply lay the rhinestones on the sticky part to replicate logos, words, or symbols. Then, apply heat to attach multiple stones at one time. How To Apply Hotfix Rhinestones To properly attach heat fix rhinestones, you need heat and pressure. Most manufacturers require a temperature range of 250° F (120° C) to 390° F (200° C). You can attach hotfix crystals using one of the following methods: 1. Ultrasonic Machine For professional results, this tool is invaluable for speed and accuracy. It uses quick vibrations to create friction and heat. At the same time, the machine presses the stone onto the material. Units can range from manual tabletop models priced at a few hundred dollars to large semi-automatic machines costing thousands. 2. Heat Press Although less expensive than an ultrasonic machine, a good quality heat press will still cost several hundred dollars. This tool has 2 flat plates that heat and close to produce the pressure to apply multiple stones at once. You can choose different options like the style of opening (swing-away, clamshell, and drawer design) and the size of the plates. 3. Manual Applicator Sometimes called a wand, this tool applies rhinestones one at a time. It comes with different tip sizes to match rhinestone sizes. After heating the tool, you place the tip over a faceted side-up stone to pick it up. In a few minutes, you’ll see the glue begin to heat and bubble. Then, simply tap the stone into place on the fabric. Generally, applicators are inexpensive and easy to use. 4. Iron Finally, you can also use your home iron to adhere heat activated crystals. You’ll need an iron without vents to ensure you apply even pressure. Moreover, any moisture from the steam vents can interfere with the glue. Although you can apply multiple rhinestones simultaneously, the accuracy of correctly applied pressure depends on the individual. Typically, it takes about 5 minutes for the glue to cool after heat application. However, it takes 24 hours for the glue to reach full strength. Furthermore, you can safely wash clothing with hotfix rhinestones. To protect the crystals, turn the garment inside out and choose a gentle wash cycle. Additionally, most manufacturers recommend using a wash bag. Types Of Fabrics Suitable For Hotfix Crystals Although heat activated rhinestones offer a quick and efficient way to attach the embellishments, not all fabrics are suitable. For example, treated fabrics have chemicals that interfere with the glue:
Buy Quality Hotfix Crystals Online Typically, most big box craft stores carry a narrow selection of rhinestones. Although a Google search will return many retailers, not all sell quality crystals. Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling high quality embellishments at competitive prices. We offer excellent customer service with very quick processing times. Many orders ship the same day as purchased. Browse our selection of hotfix crystals to find your color. 
From tiny 5ss to large 50ss sizes, faux gems add sparkle and beauty. Furthermore, various rhinestone sizes are important for creating designs and transfers with visual impact and dimension. That’s why PriceLess recently announced brand-new sizes to its line of crystalline products. The New PriceLess Sizes The PriceLess line is a high quality crystal rhinestone from Asia. This company offers many different hues including AB colors and multicolor stones at cost-effective prices. Previously, PriceLess only offered crystals in 12ss, 20ss, and 30ss sizes. However, PriceLess recently expanded its line. The company now offers size 16ss in all colors. Additionally, the manufacturer now creates 40ss and 50ss in certain popular hues. These new sizes open up more design possibilities for embellishing clothing and accessories. Multiple Rhinestone Sizes Offers Greater Versatility Fashion trends rise and fall, but rhinestones have remained popular. Beginning in the early 1900s, Coco Chanel made these fake gems desirable. Since then, consumers' love for sparkling rhinestone encrusted objects has grown tremendously. Moreover, these faux gems have become popular in the DIY industry with crafters stoning everything from clothing to everyday items:
However, not all sizes work perfectly with every project. For example, larger 30ss, 40ss, and 50ss sizes are great for dancewear, skating wear, and jeans. While smaller 12ss, and 16ss work better for phone cases, nail design, and accessories. Furthermore, different sizes create distinctive plays of light. For instance, smaller stones have a subtle charm and work great for more intricate patterns and designs. In comparison, the facets of larger rhinestones allow for greater light reflection creating exceptional brilliance and visual impact. Finally, combining different rhinestone sizes allows light to bounce unpredictably for added dimension. An Explanation of “ss” Rhinestone Sizes Unlike natural gemstones, manmade rhinestones are available in standard sizes. The industry uses a measurement that dates back to when crystal rhinestones were a naturally occurring resource. Typically, manufacturers and sellers provide a size chart converting “ss” (stone size) to millimeters (mm): Rhinestone Size Chart Converting SS to MM ss mm ss mm ss mm 5 1.7-1.8 10 2.7-2.85 34 7.0 -7.17 6 1.9-2 12 3.0-3.1 40 8.35-8.54 7 2.1-2.15 16 3.8-3.9 48 10.95-11.11 8 2.3-2.35 20 4.6-4.7 50 12 9 2.5-2.65 30 6.3-6.41 FAQs about Rhinestones Beginning a bling project but have questions about buying rhinestones? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions. How Do I Choose A Size for my Rhinestone Project? Usually, your budget, design, and item will help determine a good size. Generally, larger rhinestones cost more than smaller ones, but cover a bigger area. Furthermore, intricate designs or words are easier to recreate with smaller rhinestones. Finally, some projects, like nail design, simply work better with smaller stones. Of course, picking a size is a personal choice and there are no wrong options. What Is the Best Type of Rhinestone to Buy? Like choosing a size, this depends on your project and preference. Manufacturers create rhinestones from plastic, glass, and crystal. Each material offers a different amount of sparkle. Additionally, rhinestone brands have 10-15 facets cut differently producing varying scintillation. Although crystal rhinestones are the most expensive, you’ll also get the most sparkle from this embellishment. Plus, a rhinestone with more facets will have greater scintillation. This is due to the play of light across the surface of the stone. Which Manufacturer Creates the Finest Crystal Products? With over 500 years of glassmaking tradition, Preciosa is the premier rhinestone manufacturer. The company offers over 120 colors in both glue on and heat activated applications in a multitude of sizes. Each lead free crystal has pristine cut facets. These range from 12 (2ss – 4ss) to 15 (5ss – 20ss) and 18 (30ss -48ss). Where Can I Buy Rhinestones Online? Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality rhinestones online. We offer competitive pricing, fast processing times, and excellent customer service. Browse our online store to find your perfect size. What’s The Best Rhinestone Glue For Your Bling Project?
The versatility of rhinestones continues to drive the fashion industry. From formal wear to jeans and streetwear, designers' obsession with bling crystals continues to shape trends. Yet, for many of us, these bedazzled items are way out of our budget. Instead, you can DIY many bling projects. However, before you begin, you’ll need to choose the best rhinestone glue for your project.
Fabric Glue For Rhinestones
When considering rhinestone glue for fabrics, keep in mind that materials differ in fiber composition. For example, silk and satin both have slippery surfaces that make it difficult for some glues to bond properly. Also, some glues may not be suitable for fabrics as they can soak into the fibers, causing brittleness. Therefore, always check the manufacturer’s recommendations before starting a bling project
Some popular choices for the best bedazzling glue for clothing include:
Best Rhinestone Glue For Plastics, Glass, And Metals
While clothing continues to be a popular item to bedazzle, consumers also like rhinestone encrusted accessories. Many of these items may use plastic, glass, or metal as their base material:
Typically, any items with smooth, shiny surfaces present some attachment problems. Generally, these items can benefit from lightly roughening the surface with fine grit sandpaper first, Then, wipe the surface clean of any dust. This abrasion helps the glue to form a stronger bond with the surface. Some options for the best rhinestone glue suited for smooth surfaces like metal or plastic include:
Other Glue Considerations When searching for the best rhinestone glue, the surface is only one important consideration. Some adhesives, like hot glue, are inflexible and can crack with movement. While others have chemicals that will react with a plastic rhinestone’s foil backing. E6000 is a good glue for crystal and glass rhinestones. Yet, it can cause clouding or darkening in resin, jelly, or acrylic rhinestones. Then, too, each glue has a unique chemical composition affecting its adhesive properties. These characteristics can influence the ease of gluing crystals and the final results. 1. Viscosity The thickness of the glue affects how easily it flows. Typically, thicker glues are harder to control and don’t spread as easily as thinner adhesives. Nonetheless, thicker glues generally deliver a stronger bond than less viscous ones. 2. Open and Set/Fixture Time Once you expose glue to the air, it will begin to harden. Open time is how much time you have before the glue solidifies. This will impact how quickly you must place the rhinestones into the glue. As the glue begins to harden, it will become impossible to move the rhinestone, setting the embellishment into place. Finally, the handling stage is when you can pick the item up without fear of the crystals falling off. 3. Curing Time While your glue may appear hard, it won’t achieve a full-strength bond until it has cured. The time varies with adhesives from a few minutes to several hours. 4. Washability Some bling projects, like clothing and mugs, require washing after use. Thus, any rhinestone glue cannot be water soluble or have the bonds break down when exposed to water. Moreover, experts recommend against dry cleaning rhinestone clothing as the chemical solvents can dissolve the adhesive. 5. Transparency When Dry To properly attach glueable rhinestones, some of the adhesive must seep out of the edges to form a seal. Using an adhesive that dries clear ensures that any excess glue will not be noticeable. Of course, you’ll also need beautiful flatback rhinestones. When you need to buy rhinestones online, Rhinestones Etc. has competitive prices, fast processing times, and great customer service. Browse our online store to find your color and size. |
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Copyright 2025 Rhinestones Etc. All rights reserved.