Sometimes people use certain words interchangeably when the words mean two separate things. And if you’re not familiar with the terms, you can get confused pretty easily. For example, when buying rhinestones, is there a difference between flat back and glue on rhinestones? The Chaton, the World’s First Cut Crystal Rhinestone In the world of bling, several types of rhinestones can have a flat back: sew-on, hot-fix, and glue on. All these embellishments have a backside that is smooth without peaks or depressions. However, manufacturers only term glue on rhinestones as flat back or non-hot fix. Before we talk about the differences in these rhinestones, let’s look at a bit of crystal history. Originally, glassmakers created rhinestones to replicate gemstones, particularly diamonds. When found in nature, one of the most common shapes of a diamond is an octahedron. This is an 8-sided figure that looks like 2 pyramids connected at the base. Early gem cutters didn’t have the technology to cut multiple facets as they do today. Instead, jewelers would smooth these natural facets to enhance the reflection of light. The chaton, the world’s first patented cut crystal stone, copied this shape. At this time, artisans mainly used rhinestones for jewelry making. However, the fashion industry would soon begin using these sparkling crystals. Chiefly, the World Exhibition in France in 1878 created a new demand for “diamond jewels” for clothing. Thus, manufacturers began to create the flat back rhinestone. Sew-On, Hot Fix, and Glue On Rhinestones Today, manufacturers still create the pointed back chaton. These can be either foiled like flat backs or unfoiled like diamonds. As mentioned earlier, you’ll also find sew-on, hot fix, and flat back rhinestones. While all have a smooth back, the attachment methods differ. Generally, sew-on rhinestones have holes to sew the embellishment into place. Most have two very small holes located near the edge. One, the Lochrosen, is sort of like a crystal sequin with a hole in the middle of the crystal. Another option is the hot fix rhinestones with a heat-activated adhesive on the flat side. If you properly apply it, the glue forms an extremely strong bond that you can wash. To apply, you need a heat press, hot fix applicator, or non-steam iron heated to 250 - 340 degrees F. Often, you may see glue on rhinestones referred to as “non-hot fix” or simply flat backs. While gluing is the preferred method of attaching this type of rhinestone, it’s not the only technique. You can also attach these embellishments by using either rim or Tiffany metal settings. Which Is The Best Type of Rhinestone For Your Bling Project? Usually, the type of bedazzling project and the material you’re using will help you choose the best rhinestone. For example, western wear garments typically use leather, a tricky material for gluing rhinestones. Using metal settings in this instance will result in a very secure hold. Some shoes and handbags may also require metal settings. Generally, flat back rhinestones are more popular among the DIYers. In addition to a cheaper price, not all materials, like tightly woven fabrics, are suitable for hot fix applications. Moreover, the gluing method is a bit easier for first-timers. Plus, you usually have more of a selection of colors, sizes, and shapes with flat backs. If you’re looking for a large selection of colors and sizes in flat back rhinestones, trust Rhinestones Etc. Since 2011, we’ve been supplying quality embellishments with fast shipping, competitive pricing, and excellent customer service. Browse our online store to find the perfect hue for your bling project!
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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. Usually, most people use round rhinestones for their bling projects. Available in many sizes and colors, this shape offers the greatest versatility. Yet, many rhinestone manufacturers make other rhinestone shapes. With different facet arrangements, other cuts can enhance your design. Common Rhinestone Shapes Today, like diamonds, the round shape is the most popular rhinestone shape. However, other interesting cuts are also available. Whether you’re creating jewelry, bedazzling clothing, or some other project, different shapes can add another dimension to your creation. From classic to novel cuts, unique shapes have varying faceting patterns that react to light differently. 1. Oval This shape resembles the round rhinestone but offers the illusion of a larger crystal. Its rounded curves with elongated dimensions can create a unique look to your design. 2. Pear Another shape that adds the illusion of length is the pear. With a sharp top point and rounded lower half, this shape mimics a teardrop. 3. Square With parallel faceting, this elegant shape allows light to disperse in unique ways. Some manufacturers will produce this shape with sharp lines and angles. Others round the curves to create the cushion cut so named because it looks like a pillow. 4. Navette Sometimes called a marquise, the navette cut is oval shaped with both ends pointed. This shape offers maximum sparkle and reflection of light. 5. Baguette A slender rectangular shape, the baguette offers a modern and contemporary look. Its shape adds visual interest to any design especially when paired with a round shape. 6. Rhombus The rhombus is a diamond-like shape with sharp angles and lines. With a multi-faceted surface, it flashes beautiful brilliance. 7. Triangle Another angular rhinestone is the triangle. This unique shape is especially striking when paired with square or baguette rhinestones. 8. Rivoli Although a round rhinestone, a Rivoli has vertical facets from the edge to the center with a pointed top. Originally, manufacturers created a point on both sides. However, today you’ll also find the flat backed foiled Rivoli. Designing With Geometric Rhinestone Shapes To understand how manufacturers developed the various shapes, you need to know the history of glassmaking and gem cutting. Beginning in the late Renaissance Period, artisan glassmakers began to cut crystal to replicate more expensive gemstones. These artisans attempted to copy the facet arrangements and shapes of gemstones to optimize light reflection and refraction. During the Art Deco (1919 to 1939) period, gem cutters introduced the baguette, triangle, and square gemstone shapes. These new cuts offered contrasting forms of geometric patterns in jewelry making. Of course, the glassmakers copied these cuts in rhinestone manufacturing to offer different movements of light. Moreover, as gem cutters experimented and introduced new techniques, glassmakers imitated them. Today, rhinestone manufacturers continue to create new and innovative shapes. You’ll find acrylic, glass, or crystal rhinestones in an assortment of geometrical shapes. FAQs About Rhinestone Shapes Using different shapes can add new dimensions to your bling project. Geometric shapes are visually appealing and add a layer of interest to dance customers, skating wear, shoes, or jewelry. Have some other questions? You can contact us here. Below, we answer a few commonly asked ones. What Rhinestone Colors Are Available in the Various Shapes? Typically, you can find virtually any round rhinestone color. However, the availability of colors in shapes depends upon the manufacturer and the shape. Are Different Quantities Available? Generally, the quantities offered depend on the retailer. Often, stores will buy in bulk and sell rhinestones in smaller amounts. Where Can I Buy Rhinestones? Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality embellishments since 2011. We have fast processing times so you get your stones quickly. Browse our online store and find the perfect shape and color for your project. Types of Rhinestones - Choosing the Best for Your Project Rhinestone items are in high demand. However, many of these goods are very expensive. Perhaps you’ve decided to try creating a bedazzled project. Yet, when you try to buy crystals, you find many different types of rhinestones. Should you buy the cheapest or most expensive and what’s the difference between them? What Is a Rhinestone? Before we talk about the different types of rhinestones, we need to look at a bit of history. Since ancient times, people gathered pretty rocks, fashioning talismans and later jewelry. One of the most abundant minerals on Earth also forms some of the prettiest stones. Depending on the elements that mix with quartz as it forms, the result is one of these gemstones:
Due to its characteristics of durability and variety of colors, jewelers prized quartz, especially clear quartz. One particular form of clear quartz mixed with lead during its formation, giving it glittering properties. Gem collectors found these rocks only in one particular place, along the banks of the Rhine River. Sadly, these natural rhinestones became depleted. Interest in manufacturing a replacement for natural rhinestones took root in the middle of the 1500s. Although bead glassmaking had been around since the height of the Roman Empire, enthusiasm for glassmaking had waned. However, during the 16th century, people began to desire beaded jewelry. With an abundance of natural resources, glassmaking became a major industry in Bohemia. Also during this time, jewelers were experimenting with gemstone cutting. Through cutting and polishing techniques, gem cutters labored to achieve the perfect display of color and visual effects. One particular gem cutter, Caspar Lehmann, was the first to adapt the tools and techniques of gem cutting to glass. Other artisans adopted these methods, paving the way for a patent on the world’s first cut crystal stone in 1715. Later on, artisans found ways to color the crystal glass. Additionally, they added a metal powder backing for greater light reflection. One Bohemian glassmaker patented an electric cutting machine to cut crystals faster and more precisely. This artisan moved to Austria and began his own company, Swarovski. Today, you’ll find many companies making rhinestones from 3 primary materials, plastic, glass, and crystal. What Are the Different Types of Rhinestones? Ultimately, the substance the manufacturer uses to create their product will determine the brilliance and shimmer of the embellishment. Generally, each material and manufacturing exhibits different clarity, dispersion, and refraction properties. Together, these characteristics create the sparkle and scintillation of the rhinestone. Another factor affecting the sparkle of the rhinestone is the number of facets. A facet is a small, polished, flat surface cut into the rhinestone to create light movement. The greater the number of facets, the greater the sparkle. Primarily, the manufacturer's choice of material will influence the arrangement and quantity of these surfaces. For example, crystal is denser than glass allowing manufacturers to cut more facets. Often, the scope of your bling project will help you decide which is the best type of rhinestone: 1. Plastic Using synthetic or naturally occurring materials, manufacturers form different types of plastics. Some of these plastics are suitable for rhinestones:
Manufacturers will either inject or compress the material of choice into their molds. Usually, these are the least expensive rhinestones, producing the lowest amount of sparkle. 2. Glass A higher quality of rhinestones is glass. The manufacturer may either cut or mold this type of rhinestone. Glass rhinestones produce a brilliant appearance and more sparkle than plastic rhinestones. Plus, they’re a cost-effective alternative to crystal. 3. Crystal Generally, manufacturers add lead oxide during glass production to form crystal. This new product is denser, stronger, and clearer than simple glass. With higher refractive and dispersion indices, crystal rhinestones produce the most sparkle. However, many rhinestone manufacturers have moved away from using lead due to health concerns. Today, brand-name rhinestone producers use barium, zinc, or potassium oxide instead of lead. Choosing From Among the Types of Rhinestones Usually, within these 3 classifications, you’ll find many different grades of each type. Manufacturers use different processes for production resulting in varying grades. So, within the crystal category, you can find rhinestones with 10, 12, or 15 facets. Furthermore, the availability of rhinestone sizes or colors varies between manufacturers. All of these factors can influence which is the best rhinestone for your project. Certainly, sometimes only the very best will do. For those times, we recommend the Preciosa Maxima brand. With over 500 years of tradition, this brand offers unbeatable sparkle in 100 colors. Moreover, Rhinestones Etc. has an extensive inventory of these rhinestones in stock and ready to ship. Since 2011, we have been providing customers with outstanding customer service and competitive pricing. Browse ouronline store and if you have any questions, send us a message. Rhinestones add an eye-catching sparkle to wherever you add them. Moreover, you’ll find tutorials on bedazzling virtually anything and everything fromclothing to shoes and accessories. When shopping for rhinestones, most likely you’ll find the circular flat back crystal to be the most widely available. However, manufacturers make many more shapes than just round rhinestones. Common Rhinestone Shapes Of course, all manufacturers differ in their product offerings. Some only make round rhinestones while others create all kinds of shaped crystal rhinestones. Generally, among rhinestone companies, you’ll find these common shapes:
Typically, manufacturers offer limited colors for glue on crystals in these different contours. Sometimes, you’ll only find sew on crystals in a particular shape. Usually, the round rhinestone offers the most color and size options than any other shape. Furthermore, different crystal shaped rhinestones are generally more expensive than the circular option. Glassmakers Imitated Diamond Cutters The history of manufactured rhinestones closely follows the development of cutting precious gems. After all, glassmakers created rhinestones to mimic more expensive stones at a lower price. Their inspiration came from the banks of the Rhine River hundreds of years ago where people found a unique form of quartz. Quartz is very abundant on earth producing several gemstone colors including Amethyst, Citrine, and Chalcedony. Although you can find quartz in many areas of the world, these particular pieces blended with lead to give them unique glittering properties. Over time, people depleted this natural resource, yet still wanted these sparkling stones. Glassmakers strove to fill this void. To the east, Bohemia had an abundant supply of raw materials and craftsmen. Artisans began turning out beautiful glass beads bringing fame and prominence to the area. These glassmakers also began testing different ingredients to create a clearer final product. This new form of glass, crystal, was denser allowing more precise cutting. Also during this time, stonecutters began experimenting with facet arrangement on diamonds. They learned that the cuts or facets on a diamond helped control and direct rays of light. Around this time, the brilliant round cut diamond, with its numerous facets, made its appearance. This particular diamond cut optimized light reflection and refraction as well as exhibiting the most brilliance. Glassmakers took notice. In 1715, the world’s first cut crystal stone, the chaton, received a patent. As technology advanced, so did these “pierres de strass” or rhinestones. Artisans found new ways to color the glass and even added a mirror backing for greater light reflection. New cutting machines, like Daniel Swarovski’s electric machine, meant artisans could cut crystal faster and more precisely. Round Rhinestones Are the Most Popular Shape Today As time passed, rhinestones moved from jewelry to fashion. The 1878 World Exhibition in Paris, France, created a new demand for these “diamond jewels” that dressmakers could sew onto clothing. Designers like Coco Chanel began incorporating rhinestones into their fashions. In later decades, nail technicians would add rhinestones to their manicures. Today, you’ll find rhinestones on shoes, pocketbooks, phone cases, key fobs, tumblers, and so many more items. While some designs will incorporate other rhinestone shapes, the round rhinestone remains the most widely used option. Perhaps it’s because a circle is a perfect shape with versatility. It’s easy to work with especially when creating curves for letters or symbols. Or, perhaps it’s because the round rhinestone has more facets than most other shapes. With more facets, the rhinestone reflects a more captivating sparkle. Whatever the reason, the round shape remains the favorite choice today. Where Can I Buy Quality Rhinestones? Rhinestones Etc. has a large selection of round rhinestones. We’ve been selling quality embellishments since 2011. You’ll love our fast processing times and for many orders, same day shipping. Stop by our online store to find your color.
Types of Rhinestones and Grading Generally, rhinestones receive a grading much like precious gemstones. This set of grades describes the quality of the rhinestone. Similar to valuable stones, rhinestones receive an evaluation based on color, clarity, and cut. Sometimes, lower grade rhinestones will have inclusions or imperfections. A batch of rhinestones may contain individual pieces with bubbles or fractures. Often, lower grade rhinestones appear cloudy. While some precious gemstones gain value with inclusions, flaws in rhinestones are a sign of a cheaply made component. Moreover, cheaper made rhinestones can yellow or turn black with age. Generally, consumers think of only name brand rhinestones associated with a high-quality grading. However, some inexpensive rhinestones make the grade delivering top-quality sparkle. Is Buying the Most Expensive Rhinestone Always Sensible? Typically, manufacturers create rhinestones from acrylic, glass, or crystal. Usually, you can easily differentiate between some of the types of rhinestones just by looking at them. For example, acrylic rhinestones create minimal sparkle due to its diffuse reflective properties. The facets scatter the light at many angles. Glass has spectacular reflective properties with the light reflecting back all at the same angle for greater sparkle. However, glass lacks the prismatic quality of crystal. This is the ability to take light and bend it creating more brilliance. Sometimes, you may want to use lower quality rhinestones for children’s craft projects. Other times, like jewelry making, only top-quality will do. Often, the difference between name brand and lesser-known grade rhinestones is the number of facets. Facets are small, flat surfaces manufacturers cut into crystal to create scintillation. Generally, the number of facets and their arrangement is responsible for the crystal’s optical performance of generating sparkle and shine. Meet the PriceLess Rhinestone
Certainly, for some shoppers, only a name brand will do. Purchasing a name brand gives a guarantee of a quality product. Yet, many consumers are simply looking for a cost-effective way to add excitement with bling. Furthermore, among crystal rhinestone manufacturers, you can find some quality bling for a lot less than a name brand. One of these is the PriceLess Rhinestone. Featuring 10 precise machine cut facets of the highest crystal, it sparkles beautifully under the lights. Moreover, it’s available in dozens of sparkling colors and several rhinestone sizes. Where Do I Buy Rhinestones? Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality embellishments at discount prices for over a decade. With outstanding customer service and fast shipping, we want to be your source for sparkle. Check out our selection of colors and let us help you dazzle. For decades, Swarovski has been an icon among rhinestone manufacturers. Many consumers choose this name brand over all other rhinestone types. However, declining profits amid a global pandemic has caused Swarovski to re-evaluate its manufacturing. Currently, the company is undergoing restructuring including a 20% reduction in its workforce. In addition to reducing its workforce, Swarovski is eliminating portions of its business. By November 2021, the company will no longer produce Swarovski crystal components, such as crystal rhinestones, for resale. This means individuals will no longer be able to purchase Swarovski rhinestones from retailers. However, the company plans to continue to produce components for high end luxury brands. If you’re a diehard Swarovski fan, what does this mean to you? Production of some crystal components will continue until November 2021. However, there will be stock shortages caused by their reduced workforce and factory production. Additionally, for a time there will still be some older stock available through Swarovski Authorized Resellers. Yet, the bottom line is, soon you won’t be able to purchase Swarovski Rhinestones. However, comparable rhinestones will still be available. Currently, Preciosa has no plans for reducing its workforce and will continue its ongoing production. Plus, there are many quality lower priced crystal rhinestones to fill in the gap. The Preciosa Brand Equals Superb Quality With Swarovski Rhinestones out of the retail picture, Preciosa may emerge from its shadow. Although equal to Swarovski in quality, Swarovski has dominated the market as the premier rhinestone brand. Yet, Preciosa is the oldest manufacturer of rhinestones with over 500 years of tradition. Moreover, it was Bohemian glassmakers who 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. Preciosa’s Maxima Rhinestone is lead free with a refractive index equal to leaded crystal. With 15 precision cut facets, craftsmen designed this rhinestone for intense scintillation. You can find Preciosa crystal in flatback, hotfix, or sew-on rhinestones. With a multitude of colors, you’ll find a wide range of captivating colors and coatings. Moreover, these sparkling crystal colors come in over 200 rhinestones sizes and a variety of shapes. Furthermore, Preciosa adheres to all crystal industry standards. Additionally, products conform to ASTM standards 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 In the past few years, non-brand name manufactures have proliferated the market. The Asian markets in particular, began producing a large quantity of rhinestones. Keep in mind that these manufacturers may produce either glass or crystal rhinestones. Although much cheaper in price, glass rhinestones lack the prismatic quality of crystal. Crystal has the ability to bend light producing rainbows. However, both have reflective properties through the facets and coating on the back. One particular less expensive crystal rhinestone that we love is the PriceLess. Made from the highest-grade crystal, these rhinestones are machine cut, hand polished, and inspected for quality. You’ll find consistent hue with no bubbles or cloudiness. Moreover, these rhinestones cost a lot less than comparable brands. Plus, PriceLess are available in a wide variety of colors and sizes. Currently, we have a few of these rhinestones in stock and plan to increase our offerings in the upcoming weeks. There Are More Rhinestone Types Than Just Swarovski While it’s sad to see Swarovski rhinestones leave the retail market, it does provide an opportunity to discover new products. Many of these products produce exceptional scintillation and brilliance at a lower price. Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality products for over 10 years. We offer our products at discount prices without compromising quality or service. And because we know you need your rhinestones right away, we ship most orders within 24 hours. In the world of glitter and glamour, the rhinestone reigns. Facets catch and reflect light creating a brilliance that is unmatched by any other embellishment. And the beauty doesn’t belong only to Hollywood stars on the red carpet. You can achieve fabulous results by applying rhinestones to dresses, shirts, shoes, pocketbooks or any other clothing and accessory. But which ones should you use, hot fix rhinestones or flat back rhinestones? Generally, it’s a matter of preference and your project. Flat back rhinestones will easily stick to more surfaces with the right adhesive. However, when you use transfer paper you can adhere more hot fix rhinestones at one time. Additionally, the glue on hot fix rhinestones cools in a few minutes, creating a permanent bond. |
KarenI have been adding bling for over 20 years. Through my projects, I hope you find inspiration. Categories
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