Your guide to rhinestone sizes

Unsure About what Rhinestone Size To Use for Your Project?

Rhinestones add sparkling brilliance to many elements. Jewelry, clothing, handbags, and shoes become elegant and brilliant with crystal components. Certainly, the rhinestone size can dramatically affect the finished look.   

If you’re new to bedazzling, it can be confusing to choose a crystal size.  Manufacturers produce rhinestones in a variety of dimensions and use a unique way to measure them. 

What Does “ss” Mean Anyway?

Many years ago, local gem hunters found sparkling quartz along the banks of the Rhine River. Finders of this natural resource would sort each specimen according to its stone size or “ss”. Later when manufacturers devised a way to produce sparkling crystal, they kept this way of measurement.

Today, manufacturers and retailers of rhinestones will supply an equivalent millimeter size next to the “ss” size for clarity:
          ss            mm          ss        mm          ss        mm
                         3             1.4            8         2.35          20        4.7
                         4             1.6            9         2.65          30        6.41
                         5             1.8            10       2.85          34        7.17
                         6             2.0            12       3.1            40        8.54
                         7             2.15          16       3.9            48        11.11   
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Choosing the Perfect Rhinestone Size

When choosing a rhinestone size, consider these factors:

• Size and scope of your project
• Design
• Desired effect
• Budget

 
Generally, small rhinestones are great for detail work, filling in gaps between larger crystals, or little projects. Some examples of these include bedazzling letters, filling in logos/emblems, or children’s objects.  Moreover, nail technicians often use smaller dimensions for a sparkling manicure.

Whereas other projects may look better with bigger rhinestones. Larger bedazzling crystals have a greater surface area to reflect light, creating a big impact. Typically, you’ll find crystals with greater diameters on competitive sports costumes like gymnastics and skating. Often, designers of dance outfits and bridal wear also use larger dimensions.

Furthermore, it is possible to combine different sizes to achieve a sense of depth. Scatter patterns use a blend of proportions to create a dazzling display of sparkle. Moreover, larger rhinestones cover a bigger area, requiring fewer bedazzling jewels. 

FAQs about Rhinestones

If you’re new to purchasing and applying rhinestones, you probably have many questions. We’ve answered some of your most commonly asked ones below. 

Does the Quality of the Rhinestone Matter?

Generally, you determine the quality of a rhinestone by the material, the number of facets, and consistency in manufacturing. Determining the amount of sparkle, scintillation, and impact will help you choose from the many rhinestone types available. Typically, the pricing of the rhinestone will give some indication of the characteristics of the product.

For example, manufacturers produced acrylic, glass, and crystal rhinestones. Usually, acrylic is the least expensive to make while crystal is more costly. However, even among these materials, you’ll find different levels of quality. Your budget and type of project will guide your decisions for the best rhinestone to choose. 
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What Type of Glue Works Best?

Basically, you can attach rhinestones to virtually anything. Clothing, shoes, handbags, eyewear, keychains, and cell phones are just some of the many objects people bedazzle. Your choice of glue often depends upon the surface structure of the object.

Although many different adhesives work on fabrics, some are easier to apply than others. For example, you can use E6000 on clothing, but it can be difficult to use. This glue tends to be gloppy and dries quickly.

Alternatively, Gem-Tac is easy to apply and works well with fabrics. However, for a stronger bond to glue to glass or metal, E6000 is the preferred choice. Check the manufacturer's instructions for recommended surfaces before you start. 
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Where Can I Buy Quality Rhinestones?

Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been offering competitive pricing, fast shipping, and great customer service. Currently, we carry the brand name Preciosa Maxima Rhinestone and the cost-effective PriceLess brand.