Rhinestones are simulated diamonds made from glass or acrylic. People use rhinestones to decorate apparel and fashion accessories. Young adult women and young girls typically wear rhinestones. They come in several styles including Swarovski crystals, Preciosa machine cut, Czech extra glass and acrylic rhinestones. Some forms of jewelry, such as rings, have rhinestones on them to simulate the look of diamonds or gemstones.
Swarovski Crystals
The name of these crystals and this company is of the founder, Daniel Swarovski. Another name for Swarovski crystals are Austrian crystals. These are the highest quality rhinestones in the world, according to the Just Jen website. They have a higher lead content and more precise cut that reflects light at different angles. They also come in a variety of colors. You can attach Swarovski crystals to fabric by hotfix transfer or heat-activated glue. They are used for apparel, fashion accessories and jewelry.
Preciosa Machine Cut Rhinestones
These are lead rhinestones that have individually cut and polished facets. They have a narrower color range than Swarovski crystals. Preciosa machine cut rhinestones come in two shapes. The Czech chaton rose rhinestones have eight facets and flat backs, and the Czech rauten roses come from high-quality glass, have sharp facets, and are not machine cut. Even though they're not lead crystal, these rhinestones are highly polished and brilliant. They come in 10 sizes, ranging from 7 mm to 25 mm.
Czech Extra Brilliant Rhinestones
Glass is what makes up these flat-back rhinestones. They come from molds and have two individual machine cuts, one each in the front and back of the rhinestone. The extra brilliant rhinestones come in two shapes. The Czech extra chaton rose has two cuts on the top and back of the rhinestone. The Czech rauten rose is a high-quality glass rhinestone, similar to the Preciosa Czech rauten rose rhinestones.
Acrylic Rhinestones
Acrylic rhinestones are made with plastic and molds and come in a large variety of shapes and colors. They're not as brilliant or reflective as the previous rhinestones, but they're an affordable option. Most are smooth or have multiple facets.Their shapes include ovals, squares, stars, hearts, diamonds, mirrors, chaton rose and rauten rose, and their colors include crystal, topaz, rose, hyacinth, aqua, peridot and sapphire. They range in size from 11 mm to 25 mm. Attach these rhinestones with jewel adhesives or mountings to jeans, handbags, shirts, hats and other fashion apparel.
