Interesting Facts About Rhinestone Jewelry

Executive Summary about Rhinestone Jewelry By Chuck R Stewart

This famous rock crystal were first collected from the River of Rhine, hence its name. It was previously referred to as Strass in several languages of Europe in reference to a famous jeweler who developed the innovative method of using the rock crystal as an imitation to diamonds. This rock crystal is a popular material in making wholesale rhinestone jewelry, sparkling costumes and adornments in other clothing accessories.

Of late, the diamante has also been used as embellishment in fingernails, fashion accessories, eyelashes and even in our cell phones. Just picture how great it is to have an amazing ornament set made from these high quality lead crystals.

The brilliance and quality of these stones make them the brand of choice for many craftsmen and jewelers. The Chaton rose cuts are one of the most popular picks. This cut comes in assorted stone sizes ranging from under a millimeter in width up to the size of a dime. On top of the different sizes and cuts, the stones are also presented in two versions, the No-Hot-Fix and the Hot-Fix versions. Glue can be applied in the No-Hot-Fix versions or the NHF.

On the other hand, heat-sensitive type of glue is applied on the backing of the Hot-Fix stones. One can use ordinary home irons to attach the HF versions on clothes and fabrics, while special tools are used when this type of diamante is attached on other types of surfaces. The adhesive type will depend on the surface on which these pastes are attached. Cleaning of garments with these adornments is through regular hand washing and dry cleaning is not recommended.

There are inexpensive paste-laden items including diamante tiaras and combs which are perfect gift ideas, and there are party favors for children that are also available in the market. There are wide collection of adorned bags, barrettes, wands and other attractive accessories which you can also include in your choices.

One can also consider high end tiaras that are adorned with high quality pastes which are perfect gifts for birthdays, fashion events and other important social functions. There are also word pins, patriotic pins and an assortment of decorative pins which you can also consider. One might also be interested to check out the variety of purses in various sizes that are also laden with the crystal adornments.

How to Identify Rhinestones - Types, Cuts and Backs

Executive Summary about Rhinestone Jewelry By Deena O'Daniel

Vintage and contemporary costume jewelry is often accented with or covered in rhinestones. The stones can be glass, crystal or acrylic plastic. Vintage rhinestones were produced in Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Japan and Germany.

Types of Rhinestones

* Cabochon stones have flat backs and smooth, rounded tops with no facets. They may be any color, including black, and may have the depth and color variations of opals

* Faceted stones are cut or molded, and have multiple flat surfaces that reflect light. * Opaque stones are not transparent or foil backed, and are often made to simulate turquoise, coral, jade and onyx. * Cameo stones have a design raised on the top surface.

Rhinestone Cuts

* Machine Cut rhinestones are the most brilliant. Swarovski rhinestones, produced in Austria, are the most valuable and prized. * Table Polished stones have just the top facet, or "table" of the rhinestone polished. They won't have the sparkle of machine cut rhinestones.

* Fire Polished rhinestones are molded glass stones that are polished using heat, vibration or a combination of both. They are often brightly colored, but do not sparkle like the machine cut nor do they have the sharp finished edges.

Backs

* Flat Back rhinestones have a flat even underside, and are often applied with adhesive to other materials such as fabric, crafts and nails. * Faceted Backs are pointy with faceted undersides are also used in crafts and clothing

* Foiled Backs have underside of the rhinestone coated with a metallic foil, similar to that used on mirrors, which causes light to be reflected back and giving the stone sparkle. Foil backed rhinestones are probably the most common type

* Unfoiled Backs have no foil on the bottom of the stone, allowing light to pass through it, giving it a precious gem appearance.

* Domed backs are rounded on the underside, not faceted or flat.

A popular finish for vintage rhinestones is Aurora Borealis. It's all a matter of taste, and there are so many variations of size, shape and color or stones, to say nothing of styles of jewelry, that every bracelet, necklace, pin or pair of earrings you collect will have unique features and sparkling appeal.