Rhinestone Colors - Choose the Right Hue for Your Project

Most people have heard of color theory, guidelines explaining how to mix, match, or contrast different hues. Generally, you can apply these principles to fashion too. Typically, wearing a particular color says something significant about your personality. Moreover, wearing bedazzled clothing adds a layer of self-expression similar to accessorizing your outfit. Yet, when you create DIY blinged out outfits, do you have trouble choosing rhinestone colors for your project? 
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​Rhinestone Color Categories Offered By Most Manufacturers
Rhinestones trace their history back to the 1700s when Bohemian glassmakers created the world’s first chaton. A cut crystal with a mirror like backing, the chaton quickly took the world by storm. Today, you’ll find manufacturers offering rhinestone shades in 6 basic categories:

1. Crystal
A clear stone, crystal is the first manufactured rhinestone making its appearance around 1775. At that time, jewelers cut facets into the crystal and then coated the backside with a metal powder. This backside coating acted as a mirror to reflect incoming light. The result? Outstanding sparkle that closely resembled diamonds.

2. Color
Diamonds weren’t the only sought after gemstones. The ruby, emerald, and topaz were also very popular. In an effort to replicate other gemstones besides diamonds, glassmakers experimented with adding different metal compounds. Jewelers added copper, chromium, cobalt, and iron to create imitations of other rare precious gemstones.

3. Crystal AB
It was 1956 when fashion designer, Christian Dior, collaborated with rhinestones innovator, Swarovski. Dior was looking to create a new rhinestone that would take inspiration from nature. Together, they created the  AB rhinestone, crystal with an application of iridescent metallic coating.  This coating produced a rainbow effect reminiscent of the Northern Lights.

4. Color AB
The AB coating isn’t limited to just crystal rhinestones. Manufacturers also add this iridescent coating to many of their standard colors. Ultimately, you have the rainbow effect on the surface while the underneath standard color shines through.

5 Shimmer AB
In the last few years, some manufacturers have begun offering Shimmer AB rhinestone colors. This coating is a lighter AB effect that shows the underneath color more vibrantly.

6. Special Effect Coatings
You’ll also find a few rhinestones with a special effect coating on them. Usually, manufacturers use these coatings to give the rhinestones a metallic look. The color Aurum is one such example of a rhinestone with a thin layer of 24-carat gold on top.

Bedazzled Clothing And Choosing Rhinestone Colors
Now that we’ve gone over the basic terminology of rhinestone colors, it’s time to discuss color theory. Colors have varying levels of saturation or degrees of intensity. When choosing a hue, you’ll also want to consider the temperature or perceived warmth of a color. Remember, color is a personal experience and your preference for a certain shade will reflect your individual taste.

If you’re looking for a pop of accent color, you’ll need to choose a complementary color for your garment. Complementary colors are exactly opposite on the color wheel. This contrast makes both hues appear more vibrant. For example, blue and orange are complementary.

Other times, you may want to blend hues. At these times, pick colors similar to each other or different shades of the same hue. When choosing rhinestone colors, you may want to incorporate AB or Shimmer with a standard color.

Finally, the use of a triadic color scheme will create a bold, vibrant, and eye-catching garment. For this combination, choose one dominant color and 2 accent colors spaced equally apart on the color wheel. Some examples of triadic colors are purple, green, and orange or red-violet, yellow-orange, and blue-green.

FAQs About Rhinestones
We love to answer any questions you have about rhinestones. Below, we’ve answered a few commonly asked ones.  

Do Different Manufacturers Use The Same Color Names?
Sometimes, certain companies will use the same color names for a particular hue. For example, a popular name for red is Light Siam. However, different companies produce slightly different shades even if they use the same name.

Should I Find Color Variations In A Rhinestone?
Occasionally, with cheaply manufactured rhinestones, you may find color variation within the rhinestone and between batches. However, here at Rhinestones Etc. we sell only high-quality crystal rhinestones with consistent hues in every product.

How Many Rhinestones Are In A Gross?
One gross has 144 rhinestones.

Where Can I Buy Quality Rhinestones?
Rhinestones Etc.  has been selling quality products for over a decade. With fast shipping and great customer service, we want to be your source for rhinestones. Plus, we have a huge inventory with every color imaginable!

​Let us help you sparkle at your next event!