Rhinestone Classifications

A Basic Description of Different Rhinestone Types

Crystal, glass, acrylic, or plastic. There are many rhinestone types available for purchase today. It wasn’t always so. The original rhinestone was a naturally occurring stone found along the banks of the Rhine River. These sparkling quartz pebbles most likely had a high lead content, making them a highly sought-after prize. As the resource became depleted, glassmakers sought to copy the naturally occurring product.

Today, there are different bedazzling jewel manufacturers producing an assortment of colors, sizes, and shapes. If this is your first-time shopping for crystal flatback gems, it can be confusing when looking at all the choices. 
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A Brief History of Brand Name Rhinestone Manufacturers

Glass craftsmen sought to imitate the sparkle and brilliance of real gemstones, particularly diamonds. In 1715, Bohemian glassmakers introduced the chaton, the world’s first cut crystal stone. Later on, craftsmen coated the back of the crystal with a metal foil. These early rhinestones closely resembled real diamonds in appearance. However, these faux gems were quite expensive as glassmakers needed to cut each one by hand.

Almost 200 years later, one enterprising Bohemian glassmaker, Daniel Swarovski, devised a machine that cut crystal faster and more precisely. This new invention cut crystal with unprecedented precision, revolutionizing production. Moving to Austria, he worked hard to turn his product into the premier brand it is today.

Meanwhile, the craftsman of Bohemia continued to work independently until 1948. Then, the 25 companies and factories continuing the glassmaking tradition merged into one national company under the name of Preciosa. Today, the name Preciosa, like Swarovski, is synonymous with quality.
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However, many other companies have sprung up to complete with these giants.  These rhinestones may be crystal, glass, or acrylic with less facets. Consumers find these bedazzling jewels appealing due to their much lower price point. 

​Do Rhinestones Have Molded or Cut Facets?

Facets are the small plane surfaces of the rhinestones. Depending on the manufacturer,  companies produce faceted bedazzling jewels from a mold or by cutting. Acrylic bedazzling gems have molded facets. Manufacturers inject acrylic into different shape molds. Typically, glass jewel manufacturers may use molds or cut facets. While crystal gem manufacturers laser-cut facets.

One characteristic of quality rhinestones is the number of facets, and these vary by manufacturer. The more facets, the greater the reflection of light.  The Swarovski Xirius has the greatest number of facets of any brand, with 16. Preciosa’s Maxima has either 15 or 18 facets, depending on the crystal size. Some of the other lesser-known brands may have 10 facets.  Typically, acrylic flatback gems have only 8 facets.

Note: Swarovski has removed itself from the retail market and now only sells to luxury brands. 
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Acrylic, Glass, or Crystal Rhinestones

Crystal rhinestones are the most expensive but also the most diamondlike. In the past, manufacturers made crystal by adding lead to glass. Today, many companies use barium instead because of the toxicity of lead. At any rate, mixing glass with one of these ingredients leads to higher refraction of light. Thus, when light hits the crystal, it acts as a prism, breaking light up into a myriad of colors. Both Swarovski and Preciosa produce lead-free crystal gems.

Made from plastic, acrylic rhinestones are lead-free. They are also the cheapest option and are great for crafting projects. Glass bedazzling jewels fall somewhere in between acrylic and glass. The quality of glass rhinestones varies depending on the manufacturer. 

Various Rhinestone Types Are Available in Many Colors and Shapes

Whichever flatback gem you decide to buy, you’ll find a large selection of rhinestone colors to choose from. Both Swarovski and Preciosa produce a considerable selection of choices and routinely add new hues to their collections.  Moreover, some manufacturers make animal print, ceramic, or marble rhinestones.

Additionally, rhinestone shapes are almost as varied as the color selection. While round is the most popular shape, you’ll also find square, rectangle, triangle, heart, pear, as well as many others. Moreover, all these shapes are available in different gem sizes. Ranging from tiny .9mm to large 18.22 mm, rhinestone sizes depend on the manufacturer.
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Rhinestones Are Extremely Versatile

​All rhinestones come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, making them extremely versatile. Throwing a girl’s princess party? Some colorful acrylic bedazzling jewels provide inexpensive bling. Prom time and your budget is slim? Browse the racks at the thrift store and give your fashion discovery a boost of sparkle with rhinestones.

Not sure where to begin with faux gems? At Rhinestones Etc., we can help you find the right rhinestone in the right size and color. Explore our extensive collection of quality bedazzling jewels to find your sparkle.