Rhinestone Buying Guide

How to Choose the Right Rhinestone Size

Compare rhinestone sizes, see how large they are, and choose the right scale for your design.

01

Size Explanation

Rhinestones are measured using several sizing systems. Understanding the difference between Stone Size, millimeters, and Pearl Plate sizing makes it easier to compare stones and choose the scale that fits your project.

Stone Size (SS)

SS means Stone Size. It is a sizing system commonly used for round rhinestones. As the SS number increases, the rhinestone gets larger. An SS designation represents a size range, so exact millimeter measurements can vary slightly between manufacturers and cuts.

Millimeters (mm)

Millimeters give you a physical measurement and are especially important when shopping rhinestone shapes, sew-on jewels, beads, pendants and other crystal components. Shapes are often described by two measurements, such as 6x4mm or 10x6mm.

Pearl Plate (PP)

PP means Pearl Plate. You may encounter PP sizing with very small rhinestones and pointed-back stones. PP sizing allows for smaller size increments than SS.

Did you know? Pearl Plate sizing gets its name from a traditional method of sizing pearls using a plate with different-sized holes.

02

Rhinestone Size Chart

Compare rhinestone sizes from tiny detail stones to bold statement stones. The rhinestones below are displayed in the correct mathematical proportion to one another. Click any size to shop.

3ss
1.4mm 5ss
1.7mm 6ss
1.9mm 7ss
2.1mm 8ss
2.3mm 9ss
2.5mm 10ss
2.7mm 12ss
3mm 16ss
3.8mm 20ss
4.6mm 30ss
6.3mm 34ss
7mm 40ss
8.4mm 48ss+
11mm+

03

Size Considerations

The right rhinestone size depends on what you are creating, how closely the finished design will be viewed, how much detail you want, and the kind of sparkle you want to create. A nail design may be viewed from inches away, while a performance costume may need to sparkle from across a stage.

Consider Coverage, Quantity & Application Time

Rhinestone size also changes how many stones you need and how many individual stones you need to apply. Smaller stones create finer detail but require more stones to cover the same area. Larger stones cover more space with fewer individual placements.

04

Mix Sizes for Dimension

Mixing rhinestone sizes adds dimension, helps fill spaces and creates different points of reflection throughout a design. The combination you choose can also depend on the scale of the project and how the rhinestones will be applied.

Design tip: A multi-size scatter does not need to be perfectly spaced. Vary the size and placement of the stones to keep the finished design feeling dimensional and organic.

05

Choose a Rhinestone Brand That Offers the Sizes You Need

Not every rhinestone brand, color or application type is offered in every size. Once you know the size range your design requires, choose a rhinestone brand that offers the combination of size, color, application and price that works for your project.

For Nail Art & Very Small Stones: Preciosa MAXIMA

Preciosa MAXIMA is an excellent place to look for very small rhinestones. The line includes many color choices in tiny 5ss, 7ss and 9ss non-hotfix sizes, along with MAXIMA Nail Art Mix Packs for detailed nail designs.

For Micro Pavé Sparkle: Preciosa Crystal Faerie

For sparkle even smaller than traditional round rhinestones, Preciosa Crystal Faerie micro crystals can be poured over a thicker nail glue or gel to create an encrusted pavé look. Crystal Faerie is especially useful for nails and other tiny craft projects where very fine sparkle is the goal.

For Tiny Hotfix Designs: Preciosa MAXIMA & VIVA12

Preciosa MAXIMA and VIVA12 offer very small hotfix rhinestones for detailed heat-applied designs, including tiny sizes such as 6ss and 10ss. Priceless Crystal tiny hotfix stones are coming soon as an economical bulk option.

For Costuming & Larger Non-Hotfix Stones: LUX European Crystal

LUX European Crystal carries all colors in 12ss through 30ss, with some 40ss options, all non-hotfix. This makes LUX a budget-friendly option for designers who favor larger stones for costumes, apparel and performance designs.

For Economical Costuming & Group Projects: Priceless Crystal

Priceless Crystal is an economical option for costuming and group craft projects. Smaller package quantities can also make the stones easier to divide and distribute among a group.

For a Broad Size Range & Sew-On Jewels: Starcut Crystal

Starcut Crystal offers the entire size range and is also the brand behind our large sew-on rhinestone jewels. These millimeter-sized jewels extend your design options beyond traditional round SS sizes when you need an oversized focal point.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What does SS mean in rhinestone sizes?

SS means Stone Size. It is a sizing system commonly used for round rhinestones. The larger the SS number, the larger the rhinestone.

What are the most popular rhinestone sizes?

For Rhinestones Unlimited customers, especially those creating costumes and apparel, 16ss and 20ss are our most popular sizes. They are versatile sizes that work well with both smaller detail stones and larger statement stones.

What rhinestone size is best for dance costumes?

There is no single best size. 16ss and 20ss are excellent starting points, and many costume designers mix them with smaller or larger stones to create more detail and dimension.

What rhinestone sizes are best for nail art?

Tiny non-hotfix sizes such as 3ss, 5ss, 7ss and 9ss work well for nail art. Our Crystals for Nails mix packs use combinations such as 5ss, 9ss and 16ss rhinestones or tiny crystal shapes. Small flatback shapes and Preciosa Crystal Faerie micro crystals offer additional options for fine detail and texture.

What rhinestone sizes are available in hotfix?

Tiny hotfix sizes include 6ss, 8ss and 10ss. Sizes from 12ss through 20ss are available in both hotfix and non-hotfix options. Some 30ss and 34ss stones are also available in hotfix. At 40ss and larger, our rhinestones are non-hotfix.

Should I mix different rhinestone sizes?

Yes. Mixing sizes creates dimension, helps fill spaces and adds different points of reflection throughout a design. For costuming, a random multi-size scatter or scatter fill is an easy way to use several sizes without needing an exact pattern or perfectly measured spacing.

Are hotfix and non-hotfix rhinestones the same physical size?

A hotfix and non-hotfix rhinestone with the same SS designation are comparable in diameter. The primary difference is the application backing, although available size ranges differ between hotfix and non-hotfix products.

Is the same SS exactly the same size across every rhinestone brand?

Not necessarily. SS represents a size range, and exact millimeter dimensions can vary slightly by manufacturer and cut. If an exact fit is important, check the product measurement or compare the actual stone.

Can I see the actual rhinestone size on my computer screen?

Yes. Use the size chart above as an approximate actual-size reference. Hold down the Ctrl key and scroll your mouse wheel until the 30ss rhinestone is approximately the diameter of a standard pencil eraser. Because all of the rhinestone images are displayed in the correct proportions, the remaining stones will scale with it.

How do I convert SS rhinestone sizes to millimeters?

Use our Rhinestone Size Chart: SS to MM & Inches Conversion Guide for approximate millimeter and inch measurements for each SS size.

What if I want something much larger than a standard round rhinestone?

Consider our largest non-hotfix round stones or move into Starcut Crystal sew-on rhinestone jewels measured in millimeters. Sew-on jewels create oversized focal points and can be sewn onto a garment or glued onto appropriate surfaces.

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