Glass Vs Crystal Rhinestones

What Is the Difference Between Glass and Crystal Rhinestones?

The difference between glass and crystal rhinestones is like the difference between wine glasses. For example, drinking from a Waterford Crystal goblet is an opulent experience. The crystal-clear clarity of the goblet and the play of light along its surfaces are visually stimulating.  For elegance and luxury, the choice is crystal clear.

​The same is true for bedazzling gems. With flat faceted surfaces to reflect light, both produce sparkle. However, crystal rhinestones have a higher refractive index, resulting in greater light reflection. Additionally, crystal has a higher dispersion index than glass, giving it a prismatic effect. 
​

Isn't Crystal a Color?

Indeed, it is, and that’s where some confusion can arise. When you’re referring to crystal as a rhinestone color, you’re talking about the clear bedazzling gem. There’s also a clear crystal with the rainbow coating called Crystal AB, as well as many other colors.  The color name doesn't correspond to the material the manufacturer uses to make the flatback jewel. If you’re shopping for rhinestones, it’s important to determine the material the manufacturer uses to produce its bedazzling crystal gems.

Actually, crystal is a form of glass. Manufacturers make crystal by mixing glass components with lead. In doing so, the glass becomes clearer and inherits a higher level of refraction as well as a prismatic effect. However, due to safety concerns about lead,  some crystal manufacturers substitute other minerals in place of it. Many of these lead-free crystals have similar refraction and prismatic qualities to leaded crystal.
​
Have you ever played with a prism as a child? Light enters the prism, bends, and exits the prism as a rainbow. Crystal has the same effect on light as a prism. This is why crystal chandeliers produce rainbows on nearby walls.

How Does the Rhinestone Quality Compare?

Generally, crystal is harder and denser than glass. This allows manufacturers to precision cut facets into the surface of the rhinestone. Glass becomes brittle as it hardens, making it harder to cut. Typically, this is why you’ll find that crystal faux gems have more facets than glass rhinestones.
​
In particular, the top name brands, Swarovski and Preciosa, manufacture lead-free crystal with the highest number of facets. These lead-free rhinestones have all the sparkle and brilliance of leaded crystal. Swarovski’s Xirius has 16 facets, while Preciosa’s Maxima has 15. The number of facets in glass rhinestones varies by manufacturer, but generally are between 8-11 facets.

The Importance of the Number of Rhinestone Facets and the Arrangement

Light reflects off of flat surfaces. Thus, the great the number of flat surfaces or facets a rhinestone has, the greater amount of light it reflects. Moreover, the arrangement of the facets along the surface affects the dispersion and reflection of light.
 
As light hits the surface of a rhinestone, the facets reflect some of the light back to the viewer. Some of the light enters the rhinestone, bounces inside, bends, and exits out the top. This bending of the light results in the prismatic effect as the crystal spits white light into colors. The number of facets and the angles determines light’s performance and visibility. ​

Should I Use Glass or Crystal Rhinestones for my Project?

Glass is cheaper to produce than crystal. Therefore, crystal rhinestones are more expensive than glass bedazzling gems. In some instances, you may want the highest quality rhinestone product. For example, jewelry projects or formal wear like a wedding gown may require brand-name crystal gems. Other times, you may want less expensive glass bedazzling jewels.

At Rhinestones Etc., customer service is our top priority. With fast processing and competitive pricing, we want to be your source for bling. Browse our online store for a great selection of crystal rhinestones. 


​