What Are the Various Rhinestone Sizes - Which Is Right for My Project?

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​Small, medium, or large - it’s a question we’re asked frequently.  When there are multiple sizes for the same item, you need to decide which size is best. Sometimes this is an easy task as when you’re deciding on coffee sizes. Occasionally, you may need the caffeine in the large size while on other days, the small will do. Other times, it can be more difficult, like when your choosing rhinestone sizes. Rhinestones are available in sizes from a tiny pinhead to large quarter size, and everything in between. With such a large assortment of sizes, it can be difficult to choose one.

​So, how do you choose the best rhinestone size for your project? 
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First, you need to think about the scope of your project and the object you’re bedazzling. This will give you clues as to which size to use. Generally, certain sizes lend themselves better to certain projects. For example, you wouldn’t use a very large size 40ss rhinestone for nail design. And generally, sayings or words may require the use of smaller rhinestones. Whereas, when bedazzling formal wear or dance costumes, you may want to use larger rhinestones. Sometimes you may even want to use a mix of sizes.

Rhinestones size is also dependent on the area you need to cover. Undoubtedly, larger stones will cover a larger area than smaller rhinestones. So, when you’re encrusting an object with rhinestones, you’ll need less large size rhinestones than smaller ones. For instance, you need about 47 size 12ss rhinestones to cover 1 square inch. While you need only about 30 size 20ss rhinestones to cover the same size area. 

​Do Certain Size Rhinestones Have More Sparkle?
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​Typically, the size of the rhinestone will not affect the sparkle of the rhinestone. Instead, sparkle varies by manufacturer and the shape of the rhinestone. Rhinestones can be crystal, glass, or acrylic. These different materials reflect and refract different amounts of light.

For many years, manufacturers created high-quality rhinestones from leaded crystal. Some still do. Adding lead to glass is what gives crystal its refractive property. Refraction is the property by which crystal bends the light to produce its prismatic or rainbow coloring. The percentage of lead affects the quality of the crystal or rhinestone. As manufacturers used different amounts of lead, the quality of rhinestone also varied.
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However, safety concerns arose about lead content in rhinestones. Therefore, some manufacturers moved towards producing a crystal rhinestone without the use of lead. Today, two leading manufacturers,  Swarovski and Preciosa, produce sparkling lead-free rhinestones. These rhinestones have all the qualities of their leaded counterparts without the harmful effects of lead.

Additionally, the number of facets and the arrangement on the crystal also determine the sparkle. Facets are the small plane surfaces cut on the surface of the crystal that reflect light. Manufacturers differ in the number of facets on their products. The shape of the rhinestone also determines the number of facets. 

​When Looking at Rhinestones Sizes, What Does “ss” mean anyway?
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As you shop for rhinestones, you should notice retailers showing sizing by a number followed by “ss”. With rhinestones, the larger the number, the larger the rhinestone. The “ss” designation harkens back to years ago when rhinestones were a naturally occurring product. Collectors would group these natural rhinestones according to their “stone size” or “ss”.

Many, if not all vendors will have a size chart converting the “ss” into millimeter size. Thus, you can check a ruler and get the exact measurements of the rhinestones. For your convenience, here is a chart with both ss and millimeter sizing:
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                         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     

​What Is the Best Rhinestone Size for Your Bedazzling Project?
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Many manufacturers offer an abundance of rhinestone sizes for you to choose from. Many of these sizes vary by just a fraction of a millimeter. Both the type of project and the scope can help you narrow down your choices. If you’re still having difficulty, drop us a message here. We’ll be glad to offer suggestions to help you pick a rhinestones size that’s right for you.

Rhinestones Etc. has been selling rhinestones online since 2011 and we’ve helped many customers. We offer fast shipping, excellent customer service, and discount rhinestones prices. Browse our online store before you begin your next bling project.