When to Use Pointed Back Rhinestones and Flat Back Rhinestones

If you are new to rhinestones, you are probably overwhelmed by the options and choices. Who knew there were so many colors to choose from? And sizes? It’s certainly not one size fits all. Then there are pointed back rhinestones or flat back rhinestones.  When are pointed back rhinestones used?

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Pointed back rhinestones

A pointed back is comprised of three main areas: the girdle, crown and pavilion. The girdle is the widest part of the stone. Next, the crown is the part above the girdle and the pavilion below. Facets are cut along the pavilion as well as the crown to reflect light to provide the maximum brilliance. Light entering the crown will be reflected back through the crown by the facets in the pavilion. This method of faceting takes the best advantage of the optical properties of the stone to produce maximum sparkle.

Pointed back rhinestones can be used in jewelry making. These rhinestones require a setting in a cup shape for the pointed back to sit in. Browse the internet and you can find settings for rings, earring and pendants. Depending on the type of setting, the rhinestone is either glued in or the prongs are bent to hold the rhinestone.
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Nail design is another way small pointed-backs can be used. Sizes such as 10ss or smaller work well as the pavilion is small. Videos on YouTube show technicians placing rhinestones into the topcoat or attached with nail glue. You can read how to attach rhinestones to nails here.

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​Flat Back Rhinestones

Flat back rhinestones are coated with foil on the backside and facets are cut just on the crown. In this case, the foil coating helps reflect light back up through the facets cut into the crown. Additionally, the number of facets cut into the crown affect the amount of sparkle; the more facets, the more sparkle. Swarovski’s Xirius Rhinestone has the most with 16 facets and most other manufacturer’s having 10 or 12 facets.

There are settings for flat back rhinestones in jewelry making as well. Simply glue the rhinestone to the flat surface on the setting or bend the prongs to hold the rhinestone.

Nail design allows for more creativity as larger size stones can be glued to the nail surface. Moreover, this allows for a wider variety of rhinestone sizes to be used.

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So how do I choose which type of rhinestone to use? First, determine its use when choosing between the two types .  Clothing, shoes, dancing and skating costumes will require flat back rhinestones. However, nails and jewelry making depends simply on your preference. 

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