Which Sparkles More: Glass or Crystal Rhinestones?

​Today, you’ll find many different rhinestone products for sale in different sizes and colors. Moreover, each manufacturer uses distinctive raw materials while arranging and cutting facets dissimilarly. Additionally, terms like light refraction, scintillation, or crystalline may be confusing. So, when you want to buy the brand with the most sparkle, do you buy glass or crystal rhinestones? 

What Are Rhinestones?

Fundamentally, the history of rhinestones closely follows the glassmaking narrative. As precious gems were affordable to only the wealthy, less affluent people used glass and later rhinestones in jewelry. The Romans were especially skilled at creating beautiful glass jewelry. However, when the Roman Empire fell, so did interest in glassmaking.

During the Renaissance, glassmaking enjoyed a revival. Beautiful, multi-colored glass Millefiori and Rosetta beads became so popular that some tradesmen used them as currency. Also, during this time, gem cutters began experimenting with faceting techniques to enhance a gem’s beauty. Casper Lehmann, a gem cutter of the time, was the first to apply the gem-cutting processes to glass.
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Also, sometime around this period, a highly prized glittering gem became depleted. Found along the Rhine River, quartz had mixed with lead during formation giving it sparkling qualities. To replicate this stone, artisans began experimenting to create glass or crystal rhinestones.

Over the next several decades, artisans learned how to mix glass ingredients with lead to make a new product. This new form of glass was denser with a higher refractive index than the original substance. The higher density allowed artisans to cut more facets into the crystal while the refractive index gave it more sparkle.  

In the early 18th century, Georg Friedrich Strass added a foil backing to these crystals. enhancing the crystals' glittering properties. Ultimately, the demand for rhinestones continued to grow as designers like Coco Chanel used them in jewelry and clothing.

However, the arrival of the Great Depression left many people looking for style at a more affordable price. At this time, one company, Trifari, began using Lucite to create jewelry. Lucite is a synthetic polymer or plastic that is transparent, durable, and shatter-resistant. As years passed, other companies began manufacturing plastic rhinestones as well.

Faux Gemstones Of Today

Today, many manufacturers exist creating many different crystalline products with varying attributes. When choosing your product, you need to consider both the kind of rhinestone and the manufacturer. For example, some manufacturers create products by pouring molten materials into a mold. Others use a machine to create precision-cut facets. Usually, machine-cut stones offer better quality with consistent facets and sparkle.

Sometimes, retailers use terms like DMC (diamante machine cut) or MC. (machine cut). Usually, these labels distinguish Korean from China-made faux gemstones. However, these names won’t guarantee a superior product as manufacturers from the same country have different quality standards. Always buy from a reputable retailer because low-quality rhinestones usually disappoint buyers in the following ways:

• Foil backings that fall off
• Inconsistent coloring
• Cloudiness or bubbles
• Yellowing
• Lack of sparkle

Which Is the Best Faux Gems - Glass or Crystal Rhinestones?

Generally, imitation gemstones fall into 1 of 3 basic categories based on their raw materials. While plastic uses synthetic compounds, glass or crystal rhinestones use similar natural ingredients.

1. Plastic

In 1907 Leo Baekeland invented the first synthetic plastic. This new product was extremely versatile allowing manufacturers to mold it into virtually anything. Today, you can find many different types of plastic and some of these manufacturers use it to produce faux gems.

Manufacturers produce plastic rhinestones in a variety of colors and shapes through a molded process. These are the least expensive of all and produce the lowest amount of glitter and sparkle. You’ll find plastic rhinestones marketed under these terms:

• Jelly
• Resin
• Acrylic

2. Glass

A higher quality rhinestone is glass made from silica (sand), lime, and either soda or potash.  Depending on the ingredients, manufacturers may mold or machine cut this type of rhinestone.

Soda glass is the most common and inexpensive type of glass. It offers a brilliant appearance with excellent qualities for molding. While potash glass is slightly denser, harder, and more brilliant than soda. Its characteristics make it ideal for facet cutting.

Unfortunately, rhinestone manufacturers don’t designate which type of glass they use in production. However, you can usually tell whether the manufacturer molds or cuts the stone by the designation of DMC or MC.

3. Crystal

A form of glass, manufacturers add a chemical compound, an oxide, to produce a denser, clearer, and stronger product. While some companies still use lead, brand-name manufacturers use barium, zinc, or potassium oxide.

This denser and stronger material allows manufacturers to cut more facets into the product. Plus, crystal rhinestones offer more glittering brilliance than the other materials.

How To Find A Rhinestones Supplier

While crafts stores may carry a few, small quantities, usually you need to buy rhinestones online.  Without viewing the faux gemstones in person, you need to rely on the supplier. Essentially, buying a quality product means finding a reputable seller.

Since 2011, Rhinestones Etc. has been selling quality crystal rhinestones. With competitive pricing, fast delivery times, and great customer service, we want to be your source for bling. Browse our online store to find the perfect rhinestone size and color for your project.