How To Find The Best Rhinestone Product

Ultimate Guide to Rhinestones– Choosing The Best Product

If you are new to rhinestones, you may be confused by all the options. For example, you’ll find different sizes, colors, and manufacturers. We’ve put together this guide to rhinestones to help you find the best faux gems for your project. 

A Brief Rhinestone History

While there are many rhinestone options today, this was not always the case. Once upon a time, rhinestones were a naturally occurring resource. Gem hunters found naturally occurring sparkling quartz along the banks of the Rhine River, one of Europe’s greatest waterways.
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Eventually, this natural resource became depleted. Glassmakers began experimenting with ingredients and production, eventually learning to create the modern rhinestone. Today, there are many manufacturers of crystal rhinestones as well as acrylic and glass rhinestones.
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Rhinestone Categories

Ultimately, people like and use rhinestones because of their sparkle. However, due to the nature of the raw ingredients, faux gems offer varying amounts of sparkle:

• Plastic – (jelly, acrylic, resin)
• Glass
• Crystal

Generally, crystal rhinestones have the greatest diamond like sparkle. Moreover, crystalline products have a prismatic effect, the ability to break up light like a prism. While some crystal faux gems may still contain lead, name-brand rhinestone manufacturers use barium, zinc, or potassium oxide instead.

Additionally, manufacturers use different methods to create facets in their products:

• Laser cut
• Molded

​Although molded production methods allow for a higher volume rate, facets are less exact. Comparatively, laser cutting offers precise facet creation with sharper edges and precise alignment for optimal light reflection.

Finally, rhinestone brands have a varying number of facets arranged along the face of the embellishment. Facets are flat surfaces, geometrically arranged to reflect light. The number of facets on rhinestones can range from 8 to 16. 

The 4 C’s To Describe Rhinestone Characteristics

As you sort through your choices, keep in mind these features: color, cut, contour, and clarity.  These distinguishing characteristics affect rhinestone’s price and the quality.

For example, the color should be consistent throughout the embellishment. Furthermore, each batch should reflect a uniform hue without any shade variations.
Next, the cut is the number of facets and their arrangement. Typically, the more facets, the greater the light reflection and sparkle.  Moreover, symmetrically placed facets ensure the maximum light entering the rhinestone reflects back out.

When checking for clarity, your rhinestone should be free from spots, streaks, or bubbles.

Finally, contour represents a perfectly shaped rhinestone. While the round shape is the most popular, some manufacturers also produce square, rectangular, and triangular profiles. 
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A Guide to Rhinestone Sizing

Originally, when gem hunters found rhinestones, they measured them in “stone sizes” or “ss”. Although natural rhinestones no longer exist, this system of measurement is still in use today.

The smaller the number next to the “ss”, the smaller the rhinestones. Likewise, the larger the number next to the “ss”, the larger the rhinestones. Comparatively, the smaller the rhinestone, the more you will need to cover an area. Similarly, the larger the rhinestone, the less you will need to cover an area. Most retailers will also give the millimeter size. 

Below is a conversion chart from ss to millimeters:
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     

Recommendations for Rhinestone Glues

There are several aspects to consider when applying rhinestones. For instance, not all surfaces had a composition allowing glue to adhere strongly. Shiny materials like satin, ceramics, or metal fall into this category. Some popular all-purpose rhinestone glues include Gem-Tac or Fabri-Tac.

Other rhinestone glues can ruin the embellishment. For example, the manufacturers of E6000 don’t recommend its use with acrylic faux gems. Always check the glue manufacturer’s recommended usage first.
Additionally, a few other glue characteristics can affect the success of your bedazzling project:

• Viscosity
• Setting
• Curing
• Washability
• Transparency

How to Attach Rhinestones to Fabric

Gluing rhinestones is the most popular method of attachment, and the method is as follows:

1. Prewash your garment to remove any chemicals applied by the clothing manufacturer.
2. Prepare your work area and lay the garment flat.
3. Squeeze a drop of glue slightly smaller than the rhinestone on your fabric.
4. Using a tweezer or wax-tipped tool, pick up the rhinestone, and gently press it into the glue drop.
5. Some glue should seep out of the edges of the rhinestone to create a seal.
6. Continue gluing until your design is complete.
7. Allow to dry flat for 24 hours.

Another method is to use hotfix rhinestones. These are crystal faux gems with glue on the flat side of the embellishment. You can use a hotfix tool, heat press, or iron without steam to adhere them.  To attach heat rhinestones with a hotfix wand, follow these steps:

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 for gluing rhinestones.
2. Attach the appropriate tip and heat the hotfix wand.
3. Position the rhinestones crystal side up.
4. With a light touch, cover the crystal with the cup at the end of the tip.
5. Pick the wand up, turning it 180 degrees so you can see the glue side.
6. Wait 10-15 seconds for the glue to heat (you will see it bubble).
7. Gently tap the tip onto the fabric, and the rhinestone will stick.

In a few minutes, the glue will cool and form a secure attachment. However, be careful when placing the rhinestone on the fabric. Too much pressure will cause the rhinestone to stick in the tip.

Another nifty tool is hotfix transfer paper. You can create intricate designs or lettering by laying rhinestones on the sticky side. Then use a heat press or iron without steam to apply. Preciosa recommends a temperature range of 120°C to 200°C (250°F to 390°F) to activate the glue.
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However, due to a lack of absorbency, some fabrics are not suitable for use with hot fix rhinestones. These include leather, imitation leather, tightly woven fabrics, or thin fabrics such as organza. Furthermore, manufacturers don’t recommend hotfix with fabrics treated with water repellents, stain-resistant compounds, or easy-to-care treatments.

Other Methods for Attaching Rhinestones

Two other ways of attaching rhinestones to fabric are sewing and metal settings. Sew-ons are rhinestones with predrilled holes for sewing. Simply sew the rhinestone on with a needle and thread through the holes.

Generally, metal settings are available in Tiffany or rim styles. The difference between the styles is the way the setting grabs the faux gems. Tiffany settings enter from the back of the fabric, with the prongs folding over the rhinestone. Alternatively, rim settings fit over the top of the rhinestone with the prongs folding on the inside of the fabric. 
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FAQs about Using Rhinestones

​Are you ready to begin a bedazzling project, but have questions? Below, we answer a few commonly asked questions about rhinestones.
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How Many Rhinestones Will I Need?

​When calculating rhinestone amounts, consider the area and placement. For example, are you outlining a shape or covering it?

To create a straight line of rhinestones:

1. Multiply the number of inches by 25.4
2. Then divide your answer by the millimeter size of the rhinestone. So, for:

                3.1 for 12ss (3.1 is the mm size for 12ss rhinestones)
                3.9 for 16ss (3.9 is the mm size for 16ss rhinestones)
                4.76 for 20ss (4.76 is the mm size for 20ss rhinestones)

For a large area covered with rhinestones, use this formula:

1. Find the area by multiplying the width and length of the area you wish to rhinestone.
2.  Multiply the answer in Step 1 by

                                67.14 for 12ss rhinestones
                                42.41 for 16ss rhinestones
                                29.20 for 20ss rhinestones

Still having trouble figuring out how many rhinestones you need? Contact us here, and we will be glad to help you do the math.
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What Color Rhinestones Should I Use?

Of course, certain hues present a particular appearance. For instance, choosing a contrasting hue offers a pop of color. However, choosing the best rhinestone color is a personal preference.

Not sure what color to use? Popular colors, crystal or crystal AB, are always good choices. Both colors look great with anything. Crystal is a clear rhinestone. While Crystal AB is a clear rhinestone with an Aurore Borealis (AB) coating, giving the rhinestone a rainbow effect. Additionally, Crystal AB rhinestones pick up and reflect the surrounding color.
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Where Can I Buy Rhinestones Online?

Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality rhinestones online. We offer an extensive inventory, fast processing times, and friendly customer service. Browse our online store to find the perfect crystalline product for your bling project.
 
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