For crafters and beading enthusiasts, the perfect rhinestone can be the difference between a mediocre project and an amazing one. But where can you find high quality rhinestones for your crafting projects? The answer is: online. With the rise of the internet, there are now dozens of options for sourcing and purchasing rhinestones of all shapes, sizes, and colors. From individual stones to bulk orders, there is something for everyone. For the best selection and quality, look for sites that specialize in rhinestones, such as those that offer pre-sorted packs of rhinestones in a variety of colors and sizes. With these sites, you can be sure that you’re getting the best quality rhinestones and the most bang for your buck.
What are Rhinestones?
Rhinestones are imitation diamonds that are created and then set into metal settings. They are often made of Swarovski crystals or other synthetic materials. While not as expensive as real diamonds, they are incredibly beautiful, especially when used in crafting projects. Rhinestones are used in a variety of ways in the crafting world, but their most common use is in beading projects like jewelry, clothing, and home décor. They are also very popular for use in wedding and prom decorations. Rhinestones have actually been used for decades in a wide range of applications. They are often referred to as sequins, and are used in a variety of ways in design and decoration, including clothing, crafts, and home décor.
Types of Rhinestones
There are different types of rhinestones that all vary in size, shape, and color. The most common types are AB, Swarovski, and crystal rhinestones. AB rhinestones are the most widely used of these. They are often used in clothing and accessories. Swarovski rhinestones and crystal rhinestones are more commonly used for decorating clothing and home décor items.
– AB rhinestones: The most common type, AB rhinestones are available in a wide range of colors and sizes. They are often used in clothing and accessories, but can also be used in crafts such as beading and flower arranging. AB rhinestones are also very popular in home décor projects, where they can be used to adorn pillows and blankets, and can even be used to create picture frames and wall decorations.
– Swarovski rhinestones: This type of rhinestone is often used in home decorating projects, as they come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit different decoration needs. They can also be used in clothing and accessories, but are not as common in this application.
– Crystal rhinestones: This type of rhinestone is most commonly used in home décor projects, where they can be used to add a little pizzazz to any room. They are also used in clothing, but are not as common in this application.
Sorting and Sizing Options
When purchasing rhinestones for your crafting projects, you have to make sure that you order the rhinestones correctly. Rhinestones come in a variety of sizes, from extra small to extra large. When ordering rhinestones, it is important to know for what project you are ordering them, as different applications require different sizes of rhinestones.
– Rhinestone size: Just like real diamonds, rhinestones come in a variety of sizes. The size of a rhinestone is measured in millimeters or by the number of rhinestones per inch. The size of a rhinestone will determine how large it appears when used in a project.
– Rhinestone shape: While rhinestones are generally round, they can also be square or rectangular. Some rhinestones may also have flattened sides, making them look more like a rhombus than a rectangle. The shape of a rhinestone will determine how it is used in a project.
Quality Considerations
Since rhinestones are not real diamonds, the quality of the rhinestones you order for your project will not be quite the same as a real diamond. However, there are a few things you can do to make sure to get the best quality rhinestones for your project. First, make sure that you order from a reputable seller, and that you are purchasing the rhinestones from their actual rhinestone section, not from a section where they sell other materials that rhinestones are often mistaken for. Another thing to keep in mind is that rhinestones are sold by weight, not by piece. So, if you are ordering rhinestones for a project, make sure that you order enough to cover the entire project area. It is also important to note that when rhinestones are shipped, they can become knocked around a bit, which can cause a few rhinestones to fall out of their settings. While this can be frustrating, it is actually a good thing, as it means you can take those fallen rhinestones and use them for other projects.
Conclusion
Rhinestones are an often overlooked but incredibly useful crafting supply. They come in a wide range of shapes, sizes, and colors, making them perfect for any project where an extra pop of color is needed. Rhinestones come in two main varieties: imitation (manmade) diamonds and real diamonds. While imitation diamonds are less expensive, they are still incredibly beautiful. For the best quality rhinestones, look for a site that specializes in rhinestones, as these sites will offer a wide variety of rhinestones in different colors and shapes.
