Rhinestones 101 - A Guide To All Things Bling!
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New to Rhinestones? Here's Your Complete Rhinestones 101 Guide
Whether you're just starting your rhinestone journey or looking to understand the differences between types and quality levels, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about rhinestones.
What Are AB Rhinestones?
The "AB" designation next to a rhinestone color stands for Aurora Borealis, named after the stunning Northern Lights. Just as natural phenomena display a beautiful array of ever-changing blues, greens, reds, and violets across the horizon, AB-coated rhinestones create the same shimmering rainbow effect.
The AB coating gives rhinestones an iridescent finish that shifts and sparkles as light hits them from different angles. The appearance changes subtly depending on the surface color beneath the stone and your viewing angle, creating a dynamic, eye-catching effect perfect for adding extra dimension to your designs.
Hotfix Rhinestones vs. Flatback Rhinestones
Hotfix Rhinestones
Hotfix rhinestones feature a heat-activated glue disk on the back that bonds the rhinestone to the fabric when heated. This makes them ideal for apparel decoration and textile projects.
Application instructions for Be Createful hotfix rhinestones:
- Apply heat at 325°F for 15 seconds
- Allow to cool completely
- Peel transfer tape and press again for 5-10 seconds
The second press sets the stones firmly and prevents lifting during the transfer tape removal. Following this two-step process ensures your Be Createful rhinestones will adhere beautifully for years to come. For more detailed instructions, please visit our Be Createful Guide to Heat Pressing Hotfix Rhinestones on Garments and Fabric.
Flatback Rhinestones
Flatback rhinestones require adhesive to attach to your finished product. Popular adhesive options include Supertite Fusion Tack or Supertite Multi-Grab 36. Quality flatback rhinestones feature a thin silver foil backing that maximizes light reflection and sparkle.
Choosing quality flatback rhinestones: Look for rhinestones with a brushed backing rather than a shiny, mirror-like finish. The brushed backing has a slightly textured surface that allows adhesive to bond more securely. Rhinestones with smooth, mirror-like foil backing tend to peel and fall off more easily due to poor adhesive grip.
Hotfix Rhinestone Quality Guide
Understanding rhinestone quality helps you choose the right stones for your project and budget. Here's a breakdown from highest to most economical quality:
Premium Quality Rhinestones - BEST!
Swarovski Rhinestones - The gold standard
• 14-16 facet cuts for most sizes
• Exceptional brilliance and clarity
• Premium pricing: approximately 10x more expensive than other options
• Best for: High-end projects, bridal wear, competition costumes
LUXE® Rhinestones (12-16 facets) and Preciosa Rhinestones (12-14 facets)
• High facet count delivers brilliant sparkle
• Often mistaken for Swarovski at a fraction of the cost
• Excellent quality-to-price ratio
• Important note: China now manufactures imitation Swarovski and Preciosa stones. Some retailers sell these imitations as genuine—always purchase from trusted suppliers.
Mid-Range Quality Rhinestones - Better
DMC (Diamante Machine Cut) Rhinestones
• 12 facets, Korean machine cut
• Approximately 1/10 the price of Swarovski
• Double machine-cut for precision
• Slightly larger than lower-quality rhinestones
• Suggested template size: .132"
MC (Machine Cut) Rhinestones
• Chinese-manufactured or imitation DMC
• 12 facets
• Lower facet quality and adhesive compared to genuine DMC
• Budget-friendly option for practice projects
Economy Quality Rhinestones - GOOD
Korean Rhinestones
• Popular choice for quality and affordability
• Consistent size and shape stability
• Approximately 1% defect rate per 1,440 stones
• Rigorous quality control and inspection
• Suggested template size: .130"
• Only Korean and DMC rhinestones consistently pass low-lead testing
Chinese Rhinestones
• Most economical option
• Quality varies widely by manufacturer
• Higher-grade Chinese rhinestones can approach Korean quality
• Best for: Practice projects, large-scale budget work
Important Notes About Rhinestone Quality
Understanding quality grades: You may see rhinestones labeled with grades like AAAA, AAA, A, or B. However, this grading system is not regulated or independently tested. Each manufacturer determines their own grading, so "AAAA Korean" from one supplier may differ significantly from another supplier's "AAAA Korean" rhinestones.
Lead testing: Be Createful Korean rhinestones have passed low-lead safety testing, making them the safest choice for children's products and items that may come in contact with skin.
Quality consistency: Just because a rhinestone is labeled "Korean" doesn't guarantee it matches the quality of another company's Korean rhinestones. Always purchase from reputable suppliers who stand behind their product quality.
Ready to Start Your Rhinestone Project?
Now that you understand the basics of rhinestone types and quality levels, you're ready to choose the perfect stones for your creative vision. Explore our complete collection of LUXE® Premium Rhinestones, Flatback Rhinestones, and Rhinestone Starter Kits to bring your designs to life.