Differences In Foiled Vs. Unfoiled Crystal AB Rhinestones

Most rhinestones have a silver coating on the underneath part of the embellishments. This foiled backing is what helps reflect light out through the embellishment to enhance its optical performance. So, when you see unfoiled crystal AB rhinestones for sale, you may wonder about its practical use.

Foiled Rhinestones Followed Gemstone Jewelry Making

Ultimately, you must follow the history of jewelry and glassmaking to understand modern rhinestone manufacturing. From earliest times, artisans sought precious stones to create beautiful pieces of jewelry. In particular, jewelry makers prized a form of quartz found along the banks of one of Europe’s rivers. When these “Rhine stones” became depleted, artisans sought to recreate these and other more expensive precious stones.

Moreover, as technology evolved with gem cutting, glassmakers imitated these processes to create similar effects. The first artisan to apply gem-cutting techniques to glass was Caspar Lehmann in the late 1500s.

Another breakthrough occurred in 1674 when a glass maker introduced lead as an ingredient in production. George Ravenscroft’s new commodity, crystal, was denser and clearer than glass. It also had a higher refraction index with more sparkle and brilliance than glass. Both Lehmann and Ravenscroft paved the way for the world's first cut crystal stone, the chaton, in 1715.

While these early rhinestones were pretty, they still lacked the sparkle and brilliance of today’s embellishments. So, jewelers began experimenting with reflecting light out of the crystal. Taking a cue from mirror manufacturing, artisans began adding a foil backing. Finally, the faceted top with a foiled underneath achieved an effect very similar to diamonds.

Unfoiled Crystal AB Rhinestones Lack A Silver Backing

With advancements in technology, manufacturers have developed new and innovative rhinestone colors. Sometimes, these colors use a different color backing than silver to achieve their desired effect. For example, to achieve the eye-popping color of neon, these rhinestones don’t have a silver backing.

However, unfoiled rhinestones are transparent with no backing at all. Do unfoiled rhinestones glitter or glimmer at all?

Typically, when light hits a rhinestone, some of the light enters the rhinestone. It reflects off the silver backing and then exits the embellishment creating sparkle. Of course, this reflected light does create a good portion of the rhinestones’ glittering brilliance. However, light also reflects off the smooth surfaces of the facets cut into the rhinestone.

Generally, crystal AB foiled rhinestones will pick up the color of the underneath fabric. However, unfoiled crystal AB rhinestones will absorb most of the light creating a more elegant and subtle sparkle.

FAQs About Rhinestones

Ready to begin your bling project but have more questions about rhinestones? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions. If you have others, please feel free to contact us via our online form.

Does The Type of Rhinestone Matter?

Ultimately, this depends upon your project. You’ll find many rhinestones manufacturers creating acrylic, glass, or crystal rhinestones. Moreover, manufacturers cut and arrange facets differently. All these factors will affect the rhinestone’s sparkle.

What Is the Best Rhinestone Glue to Use?

It’s the texture of the surface dictates the best rhinestone adhesive. For example, metal or leather has a smoother surface than fabric. Usually, a rough surface creates additional surface area to create a stronger bond. 

When gluing to fabric, you want a glue that’s washable and dries clear. Some popular choices include Gem Tac, Jewel It, and API Crafters Pick.

Where Can I Buy Rhinestones?

For unfoiled crystal AB rhinestones and other rhinestone colors, shop Rhinestones Etc. Since 2011, we have been supplying quality embellishments with fast processing times, competitive pricing, and great customer service.

Moreover, we have an extensive inventory of the premier brand, Preciosa. Made from the finest crystal, this company has over 500 years of crystal-making history. Additionally, we carry the beautiful, economically priced PriceLess Rhinestones. This is a sparkling crystal embellishment with a large variety of colors.

Browse our online store to find the perfect rhinestone color for your project.