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These 3.8mm – 4.0mm hotfix crystals from Preciosa® have no metallic foil backing, so light passes straight through the stone. That makes them the right choice for sheer fabric, mesh, and any design where a traditional foiled backing would show through. MAXIMA is Preciosa's premium rhinestone line, precision-cut in Europe for maximum brilliance and consistency.
Best for: sheer and mesh costumes, organza, tulle overlays, skating dresses, dance bodices with see-through panels, and any project where a foil-free, translucent look is needed.
Why You'll Love Them
- Crystal Unfoiled finish: No metallic backing, so the stone stays transparent from behind
- 16ss (3.8mm – 4.0mm) size ideal for general coverage and versatile embellishment
- Hotfix backing: Heat-activated adhesive for fast, clean application to fabric
- MAXIMA quality: Preciosa's premium European crystal line, precision-cut for maximum light return
- Consistent stones: Uniform sizing and shape in every pack, so no culling required
Size Reference
16ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.8mm – 4.0mm. This mid-sized stone covers ground efficiently and works well for general embellishment, scattered designs, and costume coverage where the stone is visible but not dominant. To compare sizes, see our rhinestone size chart with ss, mm, and inches.
Packaging Options
- Best Value: 10 gross (1,440 pieces)
- Also Available: 1 gross (144 pieces)
Crystal Size Reference Guide
| Stone Size (ss) | Size (mm) | Common Name | Best Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5ss | 1.7mm – 1.9mm | Extra Small | Fine detail, nail art |
| 7ss | 2.1mm – 2.3mm | Extra Small | Fine detail, nail art |
| 9ss | 2.5mm – 2.7mm | Small | Outlines, accents |
| 12ss | 3.0mm – 3.2mm | Small | Outlines, accents |
| 16ss | 3.8mm – 4.0mm | Mid-Sized | General coverage |
| 20ss | 4.6mm – 4.8mm | Most Popular | Dance and costume use |
| 30ss | 6.3mm – 6.5mm | Large | Bold accents |
| 34ss | 7.0mm – 7.3mm | Extra Large | Statement pieces |
| 40ss | 8.4mm – 8.7mm | Oversized | Maximum sparkle and drama |
| 48ss | 10.9mm – 11.3mm | Oversized | Maximum sparkle and drama |
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Crystal Unfoiled mean?
Crystal Unfoiled rhinestones have no metallic foil on the back of the stone. Standard rhinestones use a foil backing to reflect light forward. Unfoiled stones stay transparent, so light passes through rather than bouncing back. This makes them the right choice for sheer fabric, mesh, and see-through panels where a foil backing would be visible.
What is 16ss in millimeters?
16ss rhinestones measure approximately 3.8mm – 4.0mm. This mid-sized stone covers ground efficiently and suits general costume coverage, scattered designs, and embellishment work where the stone reads clearly without overpowering the fabric.
Can I mix unfoiled and foiled rhinestones on the same costume?
Yes. Many designers use unfoiled stones on sheer or mesh panels and foiled stones on opaque sections of the same piece. The unfoiled stones read as softer and more translucent, while foiled stones deliver maximum reflection. The combination can add depth and dimension to a design.
Browse our full Crystal color collection or shop all MAXIMA Crystals by Preciosa hotfix rhinestones.
