Why we love flatback rhinestone

What Are Flatback Rhinestones And How Can You Use Them?

​​Since ancient times, people have sought out gemstones. While early ones weren’t sparkling, people liked them for their color. Later on, jewelers developed techniques for cutting facets into gems and polishing, creating sparkle. Glassmakers imitated these methods to produce chatons and later on, flatback rhinestones.
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What Are Rhinestones?

Originally, gem hunters gathered sparkling quartz found along the banks of the Rhine River. Over time, stone collectors depleted this natural resource. During the 17th century, the glassmakers of Bohemia began experimenting with making crystal glass beads. In 1715, glassmakers earned a patent for the world’s first crystal cut stone, the chaton. This cut crystal had a pointed back to mimic the appearance and sparkle of a diamond.

Typically, most historians credit Georg Friedrich Strass with creating the first rhinestone in 1760. Instead of a pointed back, this imitation diamond had a flat back. Strass coated this flat side with a metal powder that acted as a mirror to reflect light. Consequently, the fashion industry could also utilize these sparkling crystals in clothing.
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The Many Uses of Flatback Rhinestone

Flatback rhinestones are extremely versatile, giving you an almost endless number of ways to use them. First of all, you can glue bedazzling gems to clothing. Frequently, you’ll see wedding dresses and other formal wear embellished with flatback jewels. Sports competition attire, such as figure skating and gymnastics, use crystal rhinestones.

Interior design is another place where you can use flatback rhinestones. You can bling out candlesticks, coffee mugs, glass items, and many other home decor items. Rhinestone wallpaper is also a new fashion idea that is trending. Any area in your home that you want to draw attention to or brighten can benefit from sparkling crystals.
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Some other popular items include water tumblers, key fobs, sunglasses, shoes, and cell phone cases. As you can see, the possibilities of using bedazzling crystals are nearly endless. Of course, rhinestone jewelry still remains popular. Cheaper than the cost of diamonds, yet with just as much sparkle, flatback gems never fail to dazzle. 

Is There a Certain Rhinestone Glue to Use?

When gluing bedazzling jewels, it’s important to think about the surface of your bling project. For example, fabric is porous while plastic is smooth. Not all rhinestone glues work well with smooth surfaces, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s recommendations.
 
In addition, there is a 2-step process to gluing flatback rhinestones: choosing the right glue and following the correct procedure. Many people only focus on picking an adhesive to use. This is unfortunate because gluing incorrectly may cause the gems to fall off.

For fabrics, my favorite glue is Gem-Tac. It is clear when dry, washable, and easy to apply. To adhere rhinestones to materials such as metal, glass, and vinyl, I like to use E6000. This glue also dries clear and is washable, but it can be a bit harder to apply.

​When gluing rhinestones, use an amount of glue slightly smaller than the crystal. Some of the glue should seep out from the sides when you press the bedazzling gem into the adhesive. This creates a seal that helps prevent the rhinestones from falling off. Use too little glue, and you are likely to lose some jewels the next time you wash your garment.

So, what are you waiting for? Do you want to begin on a rhinestone project? Rhinestones Etc. sells flatback rhinestones online with competitive pricing and great customer service! We’ve been in business for over 10 years, helping customers create dazzling blinged-out creations.
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Browse the inventory of crystalline products to find the perfect hue and size for your project! ​