How Rhinestone Brands Are Different from One Another

Have you ever purchased a blinged out item and was disappointed at the amount of sparkle? The truth is, many companies use the cheapest rhinestones possible. Typically, different rhinestone brands produce varying amounts of sparkle. Different raw materials and the number of facets will affect the embellishment’s glittering brilliance. 

The Two Big Rhinestone Brands

Rhinestone manufacturing has its roots in the glassmaking region of Bohemia. It was artisans from this area who received the first patent for cut crystal stone in 1715.  As time passed, these “pierres de Strass” or rhinestones became increasingly popular.

In the late 1800s, one particular glassmaker, Daniel Swarovski, invented an electric crystal-cutting machine. He moved to Austria and began his own company.  Always on the cutting edge of innovation, Swarovski developed new shades and cuts of rhinestones.

While rhinestone making continued in Bohemia, the craftsmen continued to work independently until 1948. At this time, 25 crystal making factories merged into one national company under the name of Preciosa.

Both companies produce high-quality lead-free crystal components. Swarovski’s Xirius rhinestone has 16 facets arranged in a star-shaped pattern. Plus, the company offers over 100 vibrant colors and effects in different shapes and sizes. Preciosa offers 2 different lines, the Viva 12 with 12 facets and the Maxima with 15 facets. Moreover, you’ll also find a huge selection of colors, effects, sizes, and shapes from Preciosa.
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(Ed. Note: Due to increased pressure from other manufacturers, Swarovski removed itself from the resale market late in 2021. Today these rhinestones are only available to luxury brands).

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Other Rhinestone Manufacturers

Although Swarovski and Preciosa and the highest-quality rhinestone brands available, many other manufacturers exist. Some of these companies also use crystal to make rhinestones while others use glass or plastic.

Generally, these materials have differences in 4 important characteristics:

1. Refractive Index

As light passes through a transparent material, it slows and bends. The greater the degree the light bends, the more light redirects back to your eyes. Hence, materials with a higher refractive index, like crystal, exhibit a greater brilliance.

2. Dispersion

Directly tied to the refractive index is dispersion. This is the ability of a material to break light into separate colors. As the light enters the material and slows, colors bend at different angles exiting as a rainbow.

3. Strength

Facets are those small plane surfaces that catch and reflect light. For the even distribution of light, facets must be uniform and symmetrical. Additionally, the greater the number of facets, the more sparkle to the rhinestone.

Generally, acrylic manufacturers must mold their products because cutting may melt the product. However, glass and crystal manufacturers rely on machines to cut precise facets. Yet, crystal is denser and harder than glass allowing the manufacturer to cut more facets into a single rhinestone.

4. Clarity

Manufacturers use different processes to produce their products. Sometimes, during the manufacturing process, tiny air bubbles can become trapped within the material. Any type of inclusion, like trapped air bubbles, will interfere with the flow of light. Thus, the rhinestone will appear cloudy.

Often, certain materials will naturally accumulate fewer inclusions during the manufacturing process. For example, crystal has more clarity than glass.

Choosing from Among the Rhinestone Brands

Usually, when you can see a bedazzled item in person you can see the quality of the rhinestones. The sparkle and clarity are evident. However, online shopping doesn’t allow you to inspect the embellishments. Unless the retailer specifies the rhinestone brand, it’s probably a lesser quality than a trademarked name.

Yet, some manufacturers do produce quality rhinestones with a much lower price point. While some of these products have slightly less sparkle, from a distance, there’s little to no visible difference. So, if you’re planning a DIY bling project, how do you know you’re purchasing a quality product? Make sure you buy your rhinestones from an established, respected retailer.

Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality embellishments since 2011. Currently, we carry both Preciosa Maxima and PriceLess Asian crystal rhinestones. We offer great customer service, fast processing times, and competitive pricing. Browse our online catalog to find your color and size.