How Rhinestone Brands Are Different from One Another

​There are many applications to using rhinestones today. From jewelry pieces, to clothing and even home decorating, rhinestones make a dazzling impact. Truly, these small pieces of crystal are impossible to ignore as they reflect light.  However, if you’re newly acquainted with rhinestones, you may be confused with some of the different rhinestone brands for sale.

There are 2 big names in crystal rhinestones, Swarovski and Preciosa. While there are some other brand names such as Lux and PriceLess, these are generally less well known. Finally, there are many non-brand name rhinestones mainly manufactured in Asia. Rhinestone brands have different price structures with Swarovski being the most expensive and the lesser known brands cheaper. Generally, this is due to the number of rhinestone facets and the material used in the manufacture of the rhinestone. 

Preciosa Rhinestones

The origins of manufactured rhinestones begin in Bohemia, now the Czech Republic. There skilled artisans honed their craft into producing the early version of rhinestones. Yet, it wasn’t until 1948 that these companies merged together to form the present-day company Preciosa.

Preciosa’s most popular rhinestone is the Viva 12. Made with high quality crystal, this number of rhinestone facets is 12. In 2013, the company introduced its lead-free rhinestone the Maxima. This rhinestone has a patented 15 facet cut into crystal produced without the use of toxic lead.  It’s available in 39 colors, 16 coatings and 53 different sizes.

Swarovski Rhinestones

In the crystal valley of Bohemia, Daniel Swarovski made his living as a jeweler. In 1895, after patenting an electric cutting machine that cut crystal more precisely, he moved to Austria. There he opened a factory where he began to make his crystal rhinestones. Always innovative, the company unveiled the Aurora Borealis effect in 1955 which makes rhinestones shimmer in every shade of the rainbow.
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Today, Swarovski continues its cutting-edge tradition introducing new palettes of color, shapes or cuts. Additionally, the company strives continuously to implement more greener sustainable manufacturing processes. In 2012, the company introduced its certified lead-free crystal.  Presently, their rhinestone, the Xirius, has the greatest number of rhinestone facets of any manufacturer, 16.  Moreover, Swarovski Rhinestones are available in numerous sizes and a total of over 100 intensely vibrant colors and effects. 

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Other Rhinestone Manufacturers

There are many other rhinestones manufacturers of rhinestones generally at a fraction of the cost of the big-name brands. The Asian markets in particular, produce a large amount of quality crystal rhinestones. Typically, these rhinestones have less facets, usually between 8 and 12. Other manufactures also may use glass rather than crystal eliminating the prismatic effect of crystal. Additionally, less colors may be available in some of these lesser known rhinestone makers.

Do You Need a Rhinestone Brand for Your Project?

Some projects such as a wedding gown may require a top of the line brand-name rhinestone. Other times, you may be able to use a lesser known rhinestones manufacturer. When considering a rhinestone brand for your project, think about your budget, scope and amount you need. If you decide you can use a lesser known brand, search for reviews of the product before you buy.

Be sure to check out the inventory at Rhinestones Etc, carrying both Swarovski and PriceLess lines of rhinestones. Selling rhinestones online for over 10 years, we process and ship your rhinestones quickly.


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