✨ Rhinestones 101: Placing Your Order

Posted by Rhinestones Unlimited on Jan 4th 2026

You’ve done the planning.
You’ve picked your stones.
You’ve survived the estimating math. (Which, honestly, deserves a small celebration.)

Now it’s time to place your order — and if this step feels bigger than it should, you’re not alone. For a lot of creatives, ordering is where excitement and nerves collide. You want everything to go smoothly, arrive on time, and be exactly what you envisioned.

So let’s slow it down and walk through this together — Rhinestones 101 style — so you know what to expect, what to double-check, and how to order with confidence instead of crossing your fingers.

✨ Step 1: Make Sure You’re Set Up for Wholesale Ordering

Rhinestones Unlimited is a family-owned wholesale distributor, which means you’ll need an approved wholesale account before placing an order online.

If this is your first time hearing “wholesale,” don’t let that intimidate you. This step simply helps us offer consistent pricing to businesses, creators, and professionals — from costume designers to small shops to side-hustle sparkle lovers.

What You’ll Need

To activate a wholesale account, you’ll submit proof of business, such as:

A business license
A seller’s permit or resale certificate
EIN or Tax ID documentation

A quick but important note: we do need the full document, not just the document number. Once everything is approved, you’ll receive login access and can shop just like normal.

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✨ Step 2: Placing Your Order (You’ve Got Options)

Once your account is active, placing an order is refreshingly flexible.

You can order:

Directly through the website
By phone
By email
By fax

If you’re ordering by email or fax, be sure to include your business name and contact information. One safety reminder we always like to share: never send credit card details by email or fax. Online checkout is always the most secure option.

And yes — there’s no minimum order requirement. Whether you’re testing a design or stocking up for a big project, you can order exactly what you need.

✨ Step 3: Pricing, Packaging & Getting the Best Value

Before you check out, it helps to understand how rhinestones are typically packaged.

Most rhinestones come from the manufacturer in full gross quantities (144 stones per gross). While we offer smaller quantity options on many items, full manufacturer packages usually give you the best value per stone.

A few helpful things to know:

Flatback and hotfix stones may come sealed in larger quantities
Shapes and fancy stones are often sold in preset amounts
Smaller quantity packaging takes extra time and materials

If you only need a few stones, we’ve got you covered — just keep in mind that ordering full packages can often save money in the long run, especially if you plan to rhinestone again.

Price Match Promise

If you ever find a lower advertised price on an identical item we carry, let us know. Our Price Match Promise means you don’t have to choose between fair pricing and reliable service.

✨ Step 4: Pause & Double-Check Before You Click “Submit”

This is the moment where Rhinestones 101 habits really shine.

Before finalizing your order, take one last look at:

If you’ve used our Rhinestone Estimating & Size Guide or printable estimating chart, this step should feel more reassuring than stressful. A quick double-check now can save you from having to reorder later.

✨ Step 5: Timing Matters (More Than You Think)

If you’re working toward a deadline — a performance, event, launch, or gift — timing becomes just as important as design.

Rhinestones are in high demand year-round, and inventory can move quickly during busy seasons. On top of that, Chinese New Year closures (usually late January through February) can temporarily affect production timelines, especially for rhinestone jewelry.

If your project:

Has a firm deadline
Uses specific colors or sizes
Can’t easily substitute stones

…it’s always safer to order earlier than you think you need to. Many designers also like to grab a few extra stones for peace of mind — and future projects.

✨ Step 6: Shipping & What to Expect

Orders placed before noon Central Time (Monday–Friday) may ship the same day. Orders placed later typically ship the next business day.

Shipping Basics

We ship via UPS for domestic and international orders
Expedited shipping options are available
Shipping costs are calculated by UPS based on weight, value, and destination
Once your order ships, you’ll receive a confirmation email with tracking information so you can follow it every step of the way.

Reduced Rate Shipping

For U.S. orders under $100, we also offer a reduced USPS shipping option at a single low rate (5–8 business days).

We don’t offer free shipping — and that’s intentional. Keeping shipping separate allows us to keep product pricing as fair and consistent as possible.

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✨ Step 7: Backorders & Staying Flexible

Occasionally, an item may be temporarily out of stock. When that happens, we’ll reach out and walk through your options, which may include:

Holding the order until all items are available
Shipping in-stock items first
Discussing substitutions when possible

A little flexibility — especially with colors or sizes — can keep your project moving forward. One important thing to note: add-on items can’t be added to an existing order, so any additions will need to be placed as a new order.

✨ Step 8: When Your Order Arrives

When your package arrives, open it as soon as possible and check everything against your invoice. Keep items together and in their original packaging while you review.

If Something Needs Attention

Report shortages within 5 days
Report shipping errors or defects within 15 days
Catching things early makes it easier for us to help quickly and efficiently.

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✨ Returns, Restocking & Planning Ahead

If you need to return stock merchandise:

Contact us within 60 days to request a Return Authorization number
Items must be unopened, unused, and resale-ready
A 20% restocking fee applies

Special orders and large-quantity purchases are final sale — which is why careful estimating and planning up front is so important.

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✨ Final Thoughts (You’re Doing This Right)

Placing your order doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. If you’ve taken the time to plan, estimate thoughtfully, and double-check your selections, you’re already doing things the smart way.

Every rhinestone project teaches you something new — and every order builds confidence for the next one. We’re always here to help if questions come up along the way.

✨ Continue the Rhinestones 101 Series

If you’re planning a project from start to finish, these guides pair perfectly with this one: