Picking Stones

Rhinestones are a popular embellishment for a variety of projects, from clothing to accessories to home decor. They add a touch of sparkle and glamor to any item, making it stand out and catch the eye. However, with so many different types of rhinestones available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your project. Let's go over some tips on how to choose the right rhinestone for your project.

1. Consider the size of the rhinestones

The size of the rhinestone you choose will depend on the size of your project and the effect you want to achieve. You can use a single size of stone on your entire project to create a uniform look, or you can mix large and small stone sizes in order to create a pattern. Using smaller stones will require more time and energy to apply, but some detail may be lost if you use larger stones. Deciding what type of resources you can commit to the project can give you clarity on what size rhinestones to choose. 

2. Choose the right color

Rhinestones come in a variety of colors and finishes. Clear stones will have a silver backing and will reflect light in a similar manner to a diamond. The Sparkles Rhinestone collection offers an option of "AB '' which has an iridescent finish, this is available in a variety of different colors including Clear, Peridot, Aqua, and Amethyst. Rhinestuds and Nailheads have a metallic finish; Rhinestuds are raised and multifaceted while Nailheads are smooth and rounded. Pearls come in black or shades of white.  White pearls have a neutral undertone while Cream has a warmer cast. 

3. Choose the right type of rhinestone

There are two main types of rhinestones: hotfix and non-hotfix. Hotfix rhinestones have a heat-activated adhesive on the back, which allows them to be easily applied to fabric with a hot iron or press. Non-hotfix rhinestones require glue to be applied to the back before they can be attached. If you’re working on a project that requires a lot of rhinestones, such as a dance costume or a wedding dress, hotfix rhinestones may be the best option as they are quicker and easier to apply but consider how the heat may affect the fabric you are working with. Non-hotfix rhinestones are useful when you are working with heat-sensitive cloth, hard surfaces, or other materials. Fabric glue, craft glue, and other adhesives can be used to attach these depending on what you are attaching them to. For attaching rhinestones to skin, eyelash glue provides a skin-safe option. 

4. Consider the quality of the rhinestone

The quality of the rhinestone you choose will depend on your budget and the level of sparkle you want to achieve. The more facets that a rhinestone has, the more it will catch the light and sparkle. Our Ultra rhinestones are the highest quality cut glass and have the most sparkle, but they are also the most expensive. If you are on a budget, you can choose lower quality rhinestones, but keep in mind that they may not have as much sparkle. 

Choosing the right rhinestone for your project can be a daunting task, but by considering the size, color, shape, type, quality, and testing the rhinestone before applying, you can ensure that your project will look its best. Whether you’re working on a small accessory or a large garment, the right rhinestone can add a touch of glamor and sparkle to any project.