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Rhinestone

Basics

Siam AB rhinestones on Green Tray

Whats a Gross?

Rhinestones are packaged by the gross. One Gross is a dozen dozens, or 144 Rhinestones. Most Rhinestones come in 10 Gross packages of 1,440 Rhinestones or 120 Dozen.

Korean Hot Fix crystal ab SS10

What does AB mean?

AB stands for Aurora Borealis, most popularly known from the northern lights. AB Rhinestone have a coating applied to them to give them a iridescent, rainbow effect. Crystal AB is the most popular AB color.

Iridescent Purple Diamond Cut Flatback Rhinestones Multi-Size Packs

What are Facets?

Facets are the number of sides each rhinestone has. Each facet reflects light in a different way. The more facets the more reflective and shiny stones will be. Swarovski Xilion Rose have 16 facets.

What are Hotfix Rhinestones?

Hotfix Rhinestones have a glue backing. The stones are applied to items like apparel with heat, using a heat press or iron. Glues can be different colors. Grey textured glues have long lasting holding strength and are superior to black glues which are generally messy. Click here for Bling Your Things HotFix application instructions.

Differences between hotfix and flatback rhinestones

What are Flatback Rhinestones

Flatback Rhinestones can be unfoiled or foiled. The foiled backing helps reflect light to give the rhinestones additional reflection and color brilliance. Foiled backing colors include silver, gold or pink, pink being the most reflective. Flatback Rhinestones are applied with glue to items like Tumblers, Cups, Shoes, and Dance uniforms.

Peridot AB Diamond Cut Flatback Rhinestones Multi-Size Packs

Rhinestone Quality?

Rhinestones can vary in quality depending on how they are manufactured and how many facets they have. Swarovski Rhinestones are the highest quality with 14-16 Facets, then Preciosa Czech or Diamond Cut with 12-14 Facets, Diamante Machine Cut (DMC) with 12 Facets, Machine Cut 10-12 Facets, Korean Rhinestones, Acrylic Rhinestones, Epoxy or Resin Rhinestones.

Need info on Rhinestone Sizing?

What does SS mean?
SS means Stone Size
Rhinestones come is sizes as small as SS3 and as big as SS60. You may also see stones sized in millimeters.
SS3=1.3-1.5mm
SS4=1.5-1.7mm
SS5=1.7-1.9mm
SS6=1.9-2.1mm
SS8=2.3-2.5mm
SS10=2.7-2.9mm
SS12=3.0-3.2mm
SS16=3.8-4.0mm
SS20=4.6-4.8mm
SS30=6.3-6.5mm
Click here for our Rhinestone sizing chart.
Whats the most popular size of HotFix Rhinestones to make rhinestone apparel and decals?
The most popular size HotFix Rhinestones used to make apparel & decals is SS10, followed by SS20 & SS6. For designs with curves, your design will look more true by using multiple sizes. Rhinestone Designs can be made with design software like Silhouette Cameo, Cricut, Sure Cuts a Lot, and Corel Draw. Designs are then cut into Rhinestone Templates with Rhinestone template flock, like Rock It Stencil Flock, on our website.
Whats the most popular size of Flatback Rhinestones to make rhinestone tumblers?
The most popular size of Flatback Rhinestones used to make rhinestone tumblers and cups is SS20,SS16 and SS10. There are several different patterns that can be used when hand placing rhinestones to make your designs. Rhinestone patterns include Scatter method, Honeycomb, Stacked/Linear. Examples of these rhinestone design patterns can be found here.
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