Archive for the ‘About Rhinestones’ Category
All That Glitters – Rhinestone Jewelry – Part V
Finally, we come to the rest of the major rhinestone categories. These rhinestones are most commonly used in low end rhinestone jewelry and heat tranfers (that’s how they put elaborate rhinestone designs on shirts, purses, etc). These are the rhinestones most commonly seen on children’s costumes and rhinestone jewelry.
Korean Rhinestones are considered by most to be far inferior to anything produced in Europe at this time. Korean rhinestones are single-cut, which means the backs must be cut, and they are cast, not molded. Korean rhinestones have poor light reflection qualities and are used in low-end heat-transfer work. You can really tell the difference with this rhinestone both up close and from a distance. For the most part, Korean rhinestones simply look like colored glass and do not have the color quality and brilliance of either the Swarovski or Czech rhinestones and the color selection is quite limited.
Acrylic or plastic rhinestones are not rhinestones at all but are merely pieces of plastic shaped to look like rhinestones. These faux rhinestones do not sparkle like real rhinestones because acrylic does not transmit light as does glass or lead crystal. They are best used for children’s wear and stage costumes.
All That Glitters – Rhinestone Jewelry – Part IV
There are two primary categories of Czech rhinestone crystals. The primary difference between these two rhinestones is the lead content. One is a lead crystal rhinestone with a lead content of at least 20% while the other rhinestone is cut glass and contains no lead. It is important to keep in mind that almost all rhinestone jewelry made from high quality rhinestone crystals will have excellent sparkle and shine – regardless of the type or brand of rhinestone used.
Czech Extra Grade Rhinetones: This rhinestone is made by Preciosa. It is double cut (top and bottom only) and facets are molded. The facets are not as sharp as the machine cut, and there is considerable variance in quality of this stone. This is NOT lead crystal, but is glass. Therefore, this stone does not have the brilliance of either Swarovski or Czech Machine cut rhinestones.
Czech Preciosa Rhinestones: Most costume designers select this rhinestone for stage costumes. It is a less expensive, high quality stone that has a greater sparkle when seen from a distance (fewer cut facets equals greater sparkle). The colors are not considered to be quite as brilliant as Swarovski rhinestones but when seen from a distance of greater than about 6 feet, this difference becomes minimally noticeable.
This eight facet stone is considered to be a very high quality lead crystal rhinestone and contains at least 20% lead by weight. While the cut of this rhinestone gives it a greater sparkle from a distance, because they are flatter, the side sparkle is minimal. Also, the crystal is not quite as bright and sparkly due to slightly lower lead content. However, it is often difficult to tell the difference from a distance.
All That Glitters – Rhinestone Jewelry – Part III
Just like any fine crystal, all quality rhinestones are lead crystal. The amount of lead within the rhinestones can range from 20% -30% lead by weight. It is estimated that Swarovski rhinestones contain about 32% lead or lead oxide in them. The lead is used to maximize the way the light refracts through the crystal which gives them an almost diamond-like sparkling quality. Lead crystal is very soft compared to glass and can be damaged by exposure to of even mildly acidic solutions.
We previously talked a little about Swarovski rhinestones, now we’re going to fill you in on Czech rhinestones.
Czech Machine Cut Rhinestones are a very fine lead crystal rhinestone, usually cut with 8 facets and a relatively large table (the flat top of the rhinestone). At distances of more than about 6 feet, these stones flash brighter than do Swarovski. These rhinestones are generally less expensive that Swarovski and because of greater “sparkle factor” from a distance, are often a costumer designer’s favorite. While the crystal is not quite as bright due to slightly lower lead content, it is difficult to tell the difference at distances greater than 6 feet.
Rhinestone jewelry made from machine cut rhinestone crystal is every bit as sparkly and beautiful as jewelry made from Swarovski rhinestone – however, it is usually far less expensive.
All That Glitters – Rhinestone Jewelry – Part II
Most women love sparkly rhinestone jewelry but few know much about the different types of rhinestones that are used to make a rhinestone choker or a rhinestone belt. Take it from us, all rhinestone crystals are not created equal. The most commonly seen rhinestone crystals are Swarovski, Korean, Czech, Acrylic and finally Plastic.
Swarovski Rhinestones:
Swarovski Rhinestones are considered by many to be the top of the line in rhinestone crystals. The Swarovski name only applies to rhinestones that are made specifically by Swarovski. If a piece of rhinestone jewelry is labeled as “Genuine Swarovski” the rhinestones in the piece must come from the Swarovski. Swarovski rhinestones have traditionally been made of lead crystal with an 8 facet cut. However, in the last couple of years, Swarovski has started producing their stones with a 14 facet cut.
Swarovski rhinestones are considered to be superior in color and thought to look the best up close at distances up to 4-6 feet. Many experts think that the new 14 facet cut has improved the color and sparkle of this rhinestone. However, many also think that the new cut has reduced the sparkle of the rhinestone when seen from a distance greater than about six feet.
All That Glitters – Rhinestone Jewelry
It is said that diamonds are a girl’s best friend. But quality rhinestone jewelry is far more affordable. But what do you know about rhinestones? The name rhinestone originated from pieces of crystal or glass found in Austria’s Rhine River. However, actual rhinestones, like those found in rhinestone jewelry, have been around for centuries and were originally cut and finished by hand.
In the 1700’s, a French jeweler developed a technique for applying lead to the back of glass. This process greatly enhanced the brilliance and sparkle of the glass. In the 1800’s, Swarovski created a glass cutting machine which cut faceted glass that had dazzle and brilliance far superior to hand cut crystal. This became known as “Swarovski Rhinestones”. Swarovski’s invention allowed for a speedy mass production while still producing a magnificent finished stone. Today this process is still being used worldwide, not only by Swarovski but by companies other quality rhinestone manufacturers. While there may be some quality differences, many companies have successfully mimicked the Swarovski technique.