Think you know everything there is to know about rhinestones? At Rhinestones Unlimited, we’re obsessed with everything rhinestone-related (don’t act too surprised!). Read these rhinestone facts and see if there’s anything you didn’t already know.

Enjoy These Fun Facts About Rhinestones

1. Why Do Rhinestones Turn Black?

Ooh, this is an interesting one. Basically, if moisture gets into the foil at the back of a rhinestone, it’ll tarnish which, in turn, will make it black. The good news is that the rhinestone brands we carry are top-quality so this should not happen. The only rhinestones that turn black are extremely low quality rhinestones. Stick with our brands and you won’t be disappointed.

2. Why Do Rhinestones Turn Yellow?

When you’re finding your rhinestones are turning yellow, you are most likely dealing with a resin issue. Turns out, resin rhinestones often yellow when they’re not stored properly.

Generally speaking, if you have very inexpensive and lower quality loose rhinestones, you will want to store them in a dry area that won’t be exposed to extreme temperatures. That’ll keep your rhinestones looking great for longer. Again, we don't expect this issue with any of the brands of crystals we carry- Make sure to check out our four amazing high-quality rhinestone brands!

3. What’s the Difference Between Rhinestones vs Cubic Zirconia?

It really comes down to how they are made. Rhinestones are made up of cut quartz crystals, although certain models are crafted from glass or acrylic. Meanwhile, cubic zirconia is synthetic. Made from zirconium oxide, it’s designed to look like a diamond. Generally speaking, cubic zirconia is more expensive because of how it’s manufactured.  Preciosa also manufactures Cubic Zirconia and other semi-precious stones. 

4. What Does AB Mean on Rhinestones?

AB stands for “Aurora Borealis” which pays homage to the beautiful array of colors of the Northern Lights. AB is a special type of rhinestone coating that was originally created in 1955 by Swarovski. It adds a reflective quality that’s responsible for the extra-shimmering rainbow of color effect you see.

5. What Are DMC Rhinestones?

DMC rhinestones stands for Diamante Machine Cut. It’s a rhinestone brand manufactured in China. DMC rhinestones compare most closely to our Priceless Crystal although our Priceless are AAAA quality and most DMC rhinestones have a lesser quality rating.

6. When Did Rhinestones Become Popular?

While rhinestones have been around since they originated back in Europe during the 13th century, they really became popular in America during the 1920s with the boom of rhinestone jewelry! These days, rhinestones are a booming industry and you see them everywhere from nails to handbags to accessories to dance costumes!

7. Does It Even Matter Where I Buy My Rhinestones?

Absolutely! These days, so many people are passing off lower quality rhinestones as top-tier. And the last thing you want is to use a bunch of rhinestones only to find they're not going to last! You want a retailer you can trust. At Rhinestones Unlimited, we believe wholeheartedly in integrity, honesty, and ethical behavior. We are experts in all things rhinestones and value consistency in our brand quality, pricing, customer service and inventory availability. With us, what you see is really what you get. If interested, read more about Rhinestones Unlimited Core Values. In addition, we are a Platinum Preciosa Authorized Partner so you can be assured you are getting the best crystal in the world from the Bohemian region of the Czech Republic!

Rhinestones Unlimited has the Rhinestones of Your Dreams

We hope this blog answered some of your rhinestone questions and inspired you to make something new. Whether you’re working on a brand new dance costume, a stunning rhythmic gymnastics leotard, a team of figure skating dresses, a ballroom gown, your latest drag creation, or a revolutionary work of art, we have all the rhinestones you need to complete your vision. Four qualities, four price points, and consistent quality and integrity in all of our brands; MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa, Starcut Crystal, LUX Austrian Crystal and Priceless Crystal.

SHOP OUR COLLECTION

And stay tuned to our blog for even more facts about rhinestones, updates about our favorite brands, and of course the latest trends. And be sure to tag us on social media so we can see all your beautiful creations!

-xoxo-

Jemm