What are Rhinestones? We find many definintions sizes and colors

Rhinestones are artificial clear or colored stones made of glass. The best rhinestones are cut from quartz crystal. Natural crystals from the bottom of the river Rhine in Germany were early substitutes for diamonds. Hence the term Rhinestone. Some people also refer to them as crystals.

rhinestone - an artificial diamond; made of or encrusted with rhinestones

rhinestone - Real rhinestones are cut from rock crystal. Today, most rhinestones that are used in jewelry are made of glass that has the look of natural stone.

rhinestone - Simulated gemstone made of glass or crystal, often with a foiled backing for increased reflectivity. (This is a definition I rely on often when identifying them in jewelry)




rhinestone - A colorless potash-and-lead glass that contains quartz in the form of melted lead crystal and is cut like a diamond. Also called Strauss, diamante. (definitions from Google search)

Many of us think of Rhinestones as white, or clear like diamonds as shown in our example but there are literally a plethora of colors.

In addition Rhinestones come in many sizes: Here is a guide to help you out. In addition we learn (Rhinestone guy Inc) about Rhinestone Sizes: Rhinestones are measured in 'SS' (Stone Size) sizes, and jewels are measured in millimeters. All current rulers have an inch side and a Centimeter (CM) side on them. Each centimeter (CM) is divided into 10 units, and each unit is a millimeter (MM). Below is a table of sizes in MM. Please note: Smaller Point Bach Rhinestones are measured in PP (Pearl Plate), Flat Back and Larger Point Back Rhinestones are measured in SS (Stone Size