Posts Tagged ‘rhinestone’
Belts That Shimmer
My best friend Stacey is your stereotypical shopaholic. Her closets – yes, she has two – are filled, floor to ceiling, with a wardrobe that dates back to the beginning of her obsession: sophomore year. She uses her coat closet to store nothing but fashion magazines – I swear there are more than 200 copies in there. And all the while, she is constantly on the lookout for the latest fashion trend or bargain sale to renew look.
I find it difficult to tolerate her antics at the shopping mall because Lord knows how long she can spend in the fitting room of just one department store. However, against my better judgment I accompanied her to an outlet mall last weekend. The days started off slow, that is, until we discovered a store we’d never heard of before; they specialized in rhinestone belts. I became completely overjoyed with our newfound fashion source; I even purchased a purple belt for myself. Stacey bought seven.
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.
The Best of the Best in Costume Jewelry
Although many people consider diamonds the gold standard for jewelry, that doesn’t mean you can’t find quality items using synthetic diamonds or rhinestones. It is impossible not to shine when you have something like this on.
Many of the very best designs were heavily influenced by the Art Deco movement. A rhinestone bracelet can be an elegant, high quality, and well-made alternative to a much more expensive diamond alternative. And rhinestone jewelry allows you to bring glamour wherever you go.