Different Types Of Rhinestones

Rhinestones originated in Austria, where the rock crystals were discovered centuries ago along the shorelines of the Rhine River. During the eighteenth century, as the availability of these coveted rock crystals began to dwindle, techniques were applied to glass crystals, coaxing them to mimic the same impressive sparkle. Today's rhinestones have a metallic finish on the bottom to reflect light, and they are cut and polished to provide the dazzling bling that is sought after by fashion designers and every household's craft enthusiast.
Spectacular Rhinestones by Swarovski
Swarovski, the leading name in crystal, offers a vast selection of rhinestones in an array of colors, cuts and visual effects. Swarovski's Aurora Borealis coating displays a striking rainbow-hued iridescent effect, producing a dramatic show. The elaborate network of facets in the chessboard cut provides the most valued rhinestone crystals for adding sparkle to everything from shoes to wedding dresses. While one can purchase an entire wardrobe of apparel that has already been designed and manufactured with Swarovski rhinestone trimmings, home crafters and sewing hobbyists can easily conjure up their own one-of-a-kind creations by purchasing the exquisite Swarovski rhinestones in bulk.
Color Spectrum
The advantageous quality of rhinestones is the ability to add the look of fine gemstones for a fraction of the cost. Rhinestones can resemble rubies, sapphires, emeralds, and amethysts. Rhinestones can display the shimmer of iridescent opals in a wide array of pastel hues. Rhinestones are available in every shade on the color wheel as well as the black luster of onyx and the crystal clear sparkle of diamonds. For vintage clothing fans, Swarovski has released a line of rhinestones in colors from the bygone era. There are rhinestones to accommodate every color preference, every color-themed project and every personalized birthstone creation.
Shapes
Imaginative decorating is not limited to round rhinestones. In addition to traditional jewelry stone shapes such as marquis, baguettes, rectangles and ovals, there are hearts, butterflies, waves, triangles, cubes, stars and snowflakes to add pizazz to every season's projects.
Application
There are several ways to apply rhinestones. Flat back rhinestones, as the name implies, are flat on the underside. This surface allows one to use craft glues to affix the rhinestone. Hotfix rhinestones come with an adhesive stick-on bottom that adheres when heat is applied from an iron or other heating source. Sew on rhinestones possess two tiny holes that allow the gem to be sewn onto the apparel item. The holes also enable stringing rhinestones together to create jewelry.
Creative Clothing, Fancy Footwork and Amazing Accessories
Rhinestones add a decorative finishing touch to denim jackets, t-shirts, swimwear, pajamas and jeans. Take the drab out of summer flip-flops by creating ornate lines and swirls along the straps, or fashion a decorative clip to secure on top for showing off that beach-ready pedicure. Rhinestones also add bling to sneakers and baby shoes. In addition to jewelry creations, rhinestones impart dazzle to other accessories, including handbags, wallets, socks, baseball caps, belts, key chains, cellphones and hair accessories. Rhinestones are even used to embellish nail art.
Pretty As a Princess
From toddlers to brides, every girl will look and feel like a princess when her outfit sparkles. Colorful rhinestones create dramatic ballerina tutus and other dance costumes that are ready for center stage performances. When it comes to Halloween costumes, crown little princesses with rhinestone tiaras and help little Dorothy find her way home from trick-or-treating with ruby red rhinestone slippers. Rhinestones add a touch of magic to every wedding party, from the bride's dress, headpiece or veil to the bridesmaids' jewelry. Swarovski rhinestones are available in numerous shades to match any wedding color theme.
Pets On Parade
Rhinestones may be applied to collars, harnesses and leashes, giving cats and dogs that pampered look of stardom. Rhinestone-crusted tags for collars and carriers transform pets into diva dogs and fancy felines.
The availability of rhinestones in so many colors and shapes has enabled creative minds to design stunning apparel and beautiful crafts. Embrace the magical power of rhinestones to dazzle and delight everyone by adding more sparkle to life.