The Story of 2 Companies: The Origin of Rhinestones
Today, you have many choices when choosing crystalline products, from top-of-the-line to economical faux gems. Two competing rivals helped shape the industry from its beginning. However, the origin of rhinestones includes financial and political pressures faced by Swarovski and Preciosa.
Key Historical Details
Essentially, the origin of rhinestones includes natural, manual, and automated stages:
1. Natural Resource
Quartz is one of the most common minerals on Earth. Depending on the geological factors and impurities present during its formation, it can form different gemstones. Found along the Rhine River, quartz mixed with lead during creation, giving these gemstones glittering properties.
2. Paste (Diamante)
Historians credit George Frederic Strass with developing the first rhinestone. Although leaded crystal was available earlier, Strass’s version had a higher lead content. He also used a metal powder on the backside for greater light reflection. These additions resulted in faux gems that were indistinguishable from a real gemstone by candlelight.
3. Automation
One particular Bohemian glassmaker, Daniel Swarovski, invented a machine to cut crystal glass faster than by hand. He moved his company to Austria to power his machines by hydropower.
The Origin of Rhinestones Begins with Glassmaking
Unfortunately, this brief history doesn’t explain the entire competitive and political forces that shaped the industry. Rhinestones have their roots in the glassmaking industry, and it’s here we begin.
Ancient people in Mesopotamia and Egypt made glass. In fact, many pharaohs’ tombs contained beautiful glass objects. These ancient people also used glass beads for trade and as symbols of wealth. The rise and fall of empires through history affected the glassmaking industry. As stability decreased, so did glassmaking. In the early 1200s, glassmakers sought refuge in Venice, Italy, to escape attacks by barbarians. Eventually, the government mandated that glassmakers relocate to the island of Murano. The government hoped to reduce fires caused by the extreme temperatures required to make glass. This relocation also helped to preserve the trade secrets and techniques, creating a monopoly. Despite tight control over the glassmaking process, secrets leaked out, and other areas began to compete with Murano. One particular European region, Bohemia, became the heart of this industry due to its abundance of resources. This begins the origin of rhinestones. The Rise of Preciosa and Swarovski
Bohemia is a land abundant in glassmaking materials, but artisans also enjoyed the support of nobility. Prague, the capital of Bohemia, also served as the seat of the Holy Roman Empire.
One particular emperor, Rudolf II, invited an Italian artisan, Casper Lehmann, to establish the first gem cutting workshop in Prague. Bohemian glass was harder and more brilliant than Murano glass, making it suitable for decorative techniques such as facet cutting. Ultimately, Lehmann revolutionized the industry by applying gem cutting techniques to glass Hand-cut Bohemian crystal guaranteed the highest quality decorative elements for the upper classes of society. These iconic works began gracing legendary locations, including the Palace of Versailles. One Bohemian glassmaking family, by the name of Swarovski, operated a small glassmaking factory in Georgenthal. The son, Daniel, worked in his father’s factory, learning the trade. In 1892, he received a patent for a cutting machine that cut crystal stones perfectly and faster than previously possible. He moved his family to Austria, where he opened a factory. Swarovski began producing cut crystal in direct competition with Bohemian glassmakers. Wars and Their Effect on the Crystal Making Industry
Swarovski increased its popularity by partnering with prominent designers like Chanel, Schiaparelli, and Dior. Additionally, the company responded to fashion trends, patenting a crystal embellished headband for the shorter flapper hairstyles of the time.
However, the 1900s saw the American depression and two World Wars challenge and change the industry. These events disrupted production, and Swarovski briefly closed his factory during these historical occurrences. Then, in 2020, Swarovski shocked the world by announcing it would stop selling to wholesalers. No longer would their crystal rhinestones be available to the public. Due to increased pressure from the Asian crystal-producing markets, the company decided to focus on luxury brands. Swarovski would sell only to approved brand partners. Both the Depression and WWI affected the Bohemian crystal making factories as well. However, WWII devastated the industry with Adolf Hitler’s invasion. Many owners of glass factories were of Jewish descent and fled the area. Others shifted from bead making to functional items. Then, a few years after the war, the communists seized control of the government. The government merged the remaining family-owned glass factories into nationalized state-owned enterprises. In 1989, the Velvet Revolution peacefully ended communist rule, and private industry began to reestablish itself. Glassworks in the Jablonec, Liberec, and Turnov regions merged to form Preciosa. Relying on their historical tradition, they continue to produce world-renowned crystal glass components. The Rhinestone Industry Today
Although European crystals are still the finest, many Asian companies manufacture cost-effective alternatives. Generally, Asian crystal doesn’t offer the intense sparkle of most European brands. However, they do have a very attractive price with a more subtle play of light.
Rhinestones Etc. offers the best of both worlds. We have an extensive collection of Preciosa crystal components and carry the Asian brand PriceLess. You’ll love our fast-processing times, competitive prices, and outstanding customer service. Browse our online store to find your perfect bedazzling jewel size and color.
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The PriceLess Brand Announces New Rhinestone Sizes
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 crystal rhinestones online. We offer competitive pricing, fast processing times, and excellent customer service. Browse our online store to find your perfect size.
Swarovski Alternatives: What Rhinestone Types Are Comparable
For decades, Swarovski has been an icon among crystal bling manufacturers. Often, consumers would buy these faux gems for their quality over all other rhinestone types. However, declining profits amid a global pandemic have caused Swarovski to re-evaluate its manufacturing role.
Increased Competition from Other Rhinestone Manufacturers
Current trends in DIY crafts, fashion, and accessories have fueled the growth of rhinestone sales. European companies dominated the market with high-quality crystal bling. However, Asian companies, especially Chinese, made technological breakthroughs to create comparable crystalline products at cheaper prices.
As consumers discovered these new bling products, Swarovski sales began to dip. To strengthen the company, Swarovski is undergoing restructuring including a 20% reduction in its workforce. In addition, Swarovski plans to strengthen its brand identity by controlling the distribution of its products. By November 2021, the company will no longer produce loose rhinestones for resale. This means individuals can no longer purchase Swarovski crystalline products from retailers. However, the company plans to continue manufacturing components for high-end luxury brands. If you’re a diehard Swarovski fan, what does this mean to you? Production of some bedazzling crystals will continue until November 2021. However, there will be stock shortages caused by their reduced workforce and factory production. For a time, you’ll still be able to purchase some older stock through resellers. Yet, as the supply diminishes, this brand will become scarce. The Preciosa Brand Equals Superb Quality Crystalline Products
Most likely, this news will leave some consumers scrambling to find a Swarovski alternative. However, comparable rhinestones are still available. Preciosa currently has no plans to reduce its workforce and will continue its ongoing production.
As the oldest manufacturer of rhinestones, Preciosa has over 500 years of glassmaking tradition. Moreover, Bohemian glassmakers created the first cut crystal stone, the Chaton, in 1715. Daniel Swarovski didn’t start his company until 1895. Today, Preciosa continues its innovative tradition with over 35,000 premium products. You can find rhinestones, jewelry stones, beads, pendants, and pearls in the company’s inventory. Plus, the craftsmanship is equal to Swarovski. For example, Preciosa’s Maxima Rhinestone is lead free with a refractive index equal to leaded crystal. With 15 precision-cut facets, this rhinestone offers intense scintillation and sparkle equal to Swarovski You can find Preciosa crystal in flatback, hotfix, or sew-on rhinestone types. Additionally, you’ll find a wide range of captivating colors, sizes, and shapes. Furthermore, Preciosa adheres to all industry standards in the crystal industry. Additionally, products conform to ASTM guidelines and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Rhinestones Etc. will be stocking the Maxima in the coming weeks.
There Are Many Lesser-Known Inexpensive Quality Rhinestone Manufacturers
Also, with the proliferation of new faux gem manufacturers, consumers now had more choices than ever. Acrylic, jelly, resin, and glass rhinestones became just as popular as crystalline products. Each rhinestone product offers varying amounts of brightness, sparkle, and scintillation. However, for the greatest amount of sparkle, choose crystal bedazzling jewels.
One particular less expensive crystal rhinestone that we love is the PriceLess. Made from the highest-grade crystal, these flatback gems are machine cut, hand polished, and inspected for quality. You’ll find a consistent hue between batches without bubbles or cloudiness. Moreover, these bedazzling jewels cost a lot less than other comparable brands. Plus, PriceLess rhinestones are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Currently, we have a few of these flatback gems in stock and plan to increase our offerings in the upcoming weeks.
Where To Buy Rhinestones Online
While it’s sad to see Swarovski leave the retail market, it does provide an opportunity to discover new products. Many other rhinestone types produce exceptional scintillation and brilliance at a lower price.
Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality crystal products online for over 10 years. We offer our products at competitive prices without compromising quality or service. And because we know you need your rhinestones right away, we ship most orders within 24 hours. Explore our crystalline products to find your color and size. |
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Copyright 2014 - 2026 Rhinestones Etc. All rights reserved.