Are Diamante Rhinestones Different Than Crystal Bling?

You’ve been browsing online looking for good quality rhinestones. As you search for sellers on Amazon, eBay, or the web, you find a big difference in pricing.  In addition, some retailers label bling products as MC, DMC, or diamante rhinestones. Understanding the difference in these terms can help you find the best rhinestones for your project. 

Diamante Machine Cut (DMC) and Machine Cut (MC)
The term “diamante” has Latin origins, meaning fake jewels. Manufacturers use this word to describe a facet cutting similar to a brilliant cut diamond. Today, people use it synonymously with other terms:

• Strass
• Rhinestones
• Bedazzling crystals
• Crystal bling
• Faux gems

Primarily, the rhinestone industry emerged from European glassmakers, particularly the Bohemians.  These artisans developed manufacturing processes to replicate diamonds and other gemstones. In 1895, one of these glassmakers, Daniel Swarovski, left for Austria to begin his rhinestone company. For years, Swarovski and other Czechoslovakian companies dominated the faux gem market.

In recent years, Asian manufacturers from Korea and China have developed processes to produce rhinestones at a lower price point.  Manufacturers from these countries may use glass or crystal and designate them as either DMC, MC, or diamante rhinestones.  Perhaps these designations differentiated products previously. Today, most companies use the terms interchangeably.

Although these Asian rhinestones have fewer facets than name brands, some still offer a nice sparkle. However, others are of an inferior quality. For example, the foil backing may fall off. Or, the rhinestone may discolor or darken over time. Sometimes, the color isn’t consistent between batches. When purchasing diamante rhinestones, buy from a trusted retailer to ensure a quality product.

Comparison of Different Rhinestone Types
The brand names, Swarovski and Preciosa, have been around for a long time. As established companies, you know they produce quality crystalline components. However, they are also the most expensive. (Note: In 2020, Swarovski severely limited access to their crystal components, focusing on luxury brands instead.)
So, how do you know a generic brand offers a quality product? This infographic describes the distinguishing characteristics: 

1. Material
Manufacturers can use crystal, glass, or plastic to make rhinestones. Crystal is a type of glass. Companies use the same ingredients as glass, but with the addition of a chemical compound. Years ago, companies used lead oxide. Today, many use zinc, barium, or potassium oxide due to health concerns regarding lead. The addition of this compound creates a denser, clearer, and stronger product than the original. And unlike glass, crystal can break up light like a prism.

Glass rhinestones offer less sparkle than crystal, but still have a brilliant appearance. Depending on the ingredients, manufacturers may mold or machine cut the facets. You can tell the difference by the designations DMC or MC.

Plastic rhinestones include jelly, resin, and acrylic products. Manufacturers create these embellishments by molding.  While these are the least expensive type, they also produce the least amount of sparkle.

2. Number of Facets
Facets create the play of light we term sparkle. Manufacturers create facets to maximize the rhinestone’s brilliance. Generally, more facets equal more interaction of light for greater sparkle.

3. Arrangement of Facets
Rhinestone manufacturers arrange facets in a geometrical pattern around the embellishment. Light distribution and sparkle rely on symmetry and proportion of these facets. Furthermore, this arrangement of facets results in a unique sparkle pattern for each brand.

Buying Diamante Rhinestones Online

Typically, it’s easier to determine rhinestone quality when buying in person. Visually, you can see the amount of sparkle. However, buying rhinestones online can be more difficult. If quality is important to you, stick with a name brand product.

Yet, you can still find good quality generic brands. To find cheaper rhinestones with good sparkle, check the seller’s online reviews. Choose a retailer that provides customers a positive experience and a history of reliable service.

Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality crystal products since 2011. We offer fast processing times - most orders ship the same day you place your order.  Moreover, we have a large selection of colors and sizes at competitive prices. 

Browse our online rhinestone store to find the best rhinestones for your project.