Check out these questions and answers about rhinestones, and if you have any further questions please don't hesitate to contact us.

Let's start by helping you understand what that 'ss' actually means...simply, stone size. And when we are talking pointback rhinestones, the 'pp' refers simply to the term 'pearl plate'. We used to say that ss20 (approx 5mm) and ss30 (approx 6mm) were the most popular size due to these sizes being used most predominantly for costumes, stage and clothing. However, we've noticed an increased trend in this area of the use of smaller stones such as ss10 and ss12 in combination with much larger stones, such as ss34, ss40 and even up to ss48, to give a more textured and varied look, rather than a 'one stone size fits all' look. For craft, especially for use with hotfix tools, the trend is for smaller stones, such as ss10's. The diversity of use of rhinestones now dictates that a much larger range of sizes be available, so we stock from an ss5 through to an ss48, and even larger stones suitable for sewing-on. Use this printable rhinestone size chart which shows real-to-life sizes and keep in mind that not all articles are produced or stocked in all sizes on the chart, so referring to the website listings is always important. If you do have any further questions about what rhinestone size is best for you, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Probably more than you think. The most common reason we hear for repeat orders is that the original amount was under-estimated! If you're buying 100 think of 10 dots in an area, and then think of ten times that. That's how many one hundred stones is. Or, as a guide, in a 10 cm x 10 cm square place stones or a suitable substitute (marker pen/fabric chalk!) in the pattern you want to create and count the number of stones used. Then multiply that number by the approximate number of 10 cm squares needed to cover what you want to decorate. Here's another way to work it out, especially if you want to make a line or totally cover an area: 

ss20's:

100 x ss20 rhinestones put side by side in one long line will measure approximately 50cm long by 5mm wide, or side by side in a double line ('two row') will measure 25cm x 1cm. 200 x ss20's will cover an area of 50cm long by 1cm wide. To make a 50cm strap/belt/line which is 5cm wide, you'd need 1000 stones. Doing a square? To slather a 10cm square in ss20 rhinestones you'll need 400. 
So, 1440 (10 gross) x ss20 will totally cover an area of 10cm x 36cm.
So, 2880 (20 gross) x ss20 will totally cover an area of 20cm x 36cm.
So, 4320 (30 gross) x ss20 will totally cover an area of 30cm x 36cm, and that's about close to an entire front bodice area.

ss30's:

If you're looking at using ss30's, here's another guide. A single line of 100 ss30's will give you coverage of 64cm x 6.4mm. 200 ss30's as a double line (or 'two row'), will make a coverage area of 64cm x 13mm. 300 ss30's as a triple line (or 'three row'), will give you coverage of 64cm x 19.5cm. And a 'four row' (so using 400 stones) of ss30's will give you coverage of 64cm x 26cm. A 10cm square totally covered side to side with stones would take about 225 x ss30's. 

If in doubt and you think you're buying more than you feel you're likely to use just remember that extras will always be handy for jewellery, fingernails, shoes or repairs. Also, no application method is perfect and you can always expect to shed some stones over time, so having extras on hand is always going to be useful.

None at all. Rhinestones, diamantés, dimontes, crystals, christals, stones, gems, diamonds, bling, chatons, chaton roses, strass, flatbacks, swarovskis, swartzkofskis and jets are all names we've heard used to describe rhinestones! The technically correct name for a pointed back stone is 'chaton' and a flatback stone is 'chaton rose'.

While there was once a significant difference in quality, appearance and performance between the two brands of Swarovski (Austria) and Preciosa (The Czech Republic), these days there is less difference, and the two brands offer strengths in each area. We love the perfection and exquisiteness of Swarovski. It's quality is undeniable. It is a perfect choice for bridal, couture and for situations where the nothing less than the best will do. But sometimes the conveyance of stone colour can get a little lost amongst the dazzle. This used to be the case particularly so for colours with the AB coating added to them. With the advent of the Shimmer coating this became much less of an issue, as colours with the Shimmer coating convey more of the stone's colour than colours with the AB coating did (or do).

But we also love the simplicity of the Preciosa range, and the quality yet affordability that it brings to the market. Preciosa stones retain that important colour flash up close as well as at a distance, and are considered a solid competitor to the Swarovski brand, albeit with a smaller range, less innovation and more traditional shapes and colours than Swarovski who are consistent leaders in innovation, range and shape offerings. 

In the field of competitive dance and stage performance, we believe that Preciosa stones are an excellent all-round option, while Swarovski stones offer just that little more when you are creating a couture piece, whether it be for fashion, stage or bridal.  

The Preciosa brand name was first registered in Bohemia in 1915, but the history of glassmaking in Jablonec region has been written since the 14th century. In fact, for centuries, Bohemia, a part of the Czech Republic, has been known for the art of crystal cutting.

In 1711 the Fisher brothers brought the secrets of crystal cutting and polishing to North Bohemia. In 1724, the first factory specialising in the manufacturing and export of crystal chandeliers was established in Práchen near Kamenický Šenov. Bohemian chandeliers were ordered for the Royal Courts - Versailles and Fontainebleu palaces of Louis XV, Sultan Osman III of the Ottoman Empire, and Empress Elizabeth of Russia. In 1743 Czech master craftsmen created a chandelier in honour of the coronation of Empress Maria Theresa which still bears her name. By the 1800's, Jablonec nad Nisou had become the world centre of jewellery industry. But the development of jewellery and glass companies, which were established and prospering in North Bohemia throughout this time into the 1900's, was interrupted by World War II.

In 1945 the seven main crystal factories and 18 small firms in and around Jablonec nad Nisou merged, forming the Preciosa company. Preciosa was officially established on April 10, 1948. In 1993, the company Lustry Kamenicky Senov Inc., the largest Czech manufacturer of chandeliers and lighting fixtures became a daughter company Preciosa - Chandeliers, Inc. In 1995 the subsidiary company Preciosa Figurky, Ltd. was formed in the Preciosa Group.

In 2009, the Jablonex Group divisions 'Glass and Beads' joined in Preciosa Group as the new company Preciosa Ornela Inc., adding a further diverse range of glass products made from glass rods and lampworking, technical and utility glass and all types of glass seed beads and beads.

Nowadays, Preciosa Group associates the following companies: Preciosa Inc., Preciosa - Chandeliers Inc., Preciosa Figurines Ltd. and Preciosa Ornela Inc. The company’s headquarters are still in Jablonec nad Nisou.

As a company Preciosa support the preservation of the environment , and enforce environmentally safe working conditions and ecologically responsible technologies. Preciosa crystal and glass components are certified according to the European Standard EN 71, the American norm ASTM F 963-07, and the International Standard OEKO-TEX 100.

The name Swarovski is the family name of Daniel Swarovski, the founder.

Whilst apprenticed to his father (a glass cutter) in a Bohemian glass foundry in 1892, Daniel created a prototype cutting machine and moved to patent the invention. With the help of financial backers he formed his own company, Daniel Swarovski & Co, which was established in Wattens, a town located in the Austrian Alps where there were extensive sources of wood to fuel the furnaces of the foundry and easy and inexpensive access to hydro-electric power.

Before the end of 1895, the new Swarovski Company had produced its first line of crystal glass products. Initially there were a few production problems but by the early 1900's after refinements in production and technique, the company's line of crystal glass items expanded to include crystal jewellery.

In1956, Daniel's grandson in collaboration with Christian Dior developed a metallic rainbow-like coating they called Aurora Borealis (AB) and in 1976 the first of their ‘Silver Crystal' figurines (a mouse) was created.

They continue to innovate as world leaders in crystal production, with shapes, colours, coatings and effects in the broadest array. Taking crystal production from it's initial uses, Swarovski have added numerous applications to the base product. Nowadays you can expect not only to see crystals on chandelier trimmings and traditional jewellery; now you can knit with crystal yarn, have crystallized wallpaper, add crystals to all manner of textile applications, and embellish almost anything and everything with crystal.

Today, Swarovski is still a family business, their crystal range includes jewellery stones and beads, many crystal ‘fabrics' and trimmings, cubic zirconia, ornaments, chandelier parts and handles. They also have several other brands such as reflective surfaces - Swareflex, grinding, cutting and drilling systems - Tyrolit, and optical lenses - Optik. All Swarovski products reflect the values of the company - respect, integrity, and a sense of responsibility toward people and the environment.They are certified according to class II of the OEKO-TEX Certificate 100.

The company's headquarters are in Feldmeilen, Switzerland and Swarovski has production locations in Argentina, Austria, Brazil, China, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Jordan, Liechtenstein, Mexico, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, UK and the US.

That's a good question, as obviously you'd want the stones to stay in place once you've embellished an item.

Hotfix rhinestones vary in quality of both appearance and adhesion, and we choose to stock the best two brands there are: 'Swarovski' and 'Preciosa', with our carefully-selected budget-conscious brand 'Arabesque' to meet the needs of clients requiring a quality cheaper option. Hotfix tools vary in quality too, and we choose to stock the Bejeweller as it is simply the best Hotfix applicator tool available on the market.

So, some things to expect:

1. No method is 100% perfect, as these are crystal embellishments applied to varying surfaces that we're talking about!
2. But, out of all the methods you could use to get crystals onto surfaces, Hotfixing is the method used by clothing manufacturers as quality rhinestones withstand washing and drycleaning.
3. BUT in saying that, as they are crystal embellishments, care should be taken when wearing, washing and drycleaning (NB: drycleaning is only suitable for quality hotfix stones! Thus far there is no glue we've found that is suitable for dry-cleaning with use with Non-Hotfix stones) as the crystals don't look their best and their adhesion doesn't perform it's best when they are roughly handled.

In terms of adherence to the varying surfaces that people like to adhere crystals to, results can vary.

Due to the variety of surfaces, a water drop test is the best way to check if hotfixing will work. If you can drop a drop of water onto the surface and it seeps through, then it is ideal for hotfixing with quality stones. If the water doesn't seep through, but instead sits as a droplet on the surface, hotfixing stones to the surface may still work (and in this case we have found that the Preciosa stones have a better adhesion than the Swarovski), but longevity can vary, so it's good idea to test first. 

A firm bond between the hotfix glue and the carrier surface can only be achieved if at least part of the heat-activated  glue soaks into the carrier surface.

We've found that heavily foiled (where the 'foil' is a plastic paillette) fabrics used in dancewear tend to accept the Preciosa stones better than the Swarovski stones. Therefore, as a general rule, if you're trying to hotfix to plastic, metal, rubber, (anything that's not porous), we recommend gluing the stones instead, using E6000 as the preferred glue. As a general rule, if you're hotfixing to fabrics (or anything that is porous), stick to the best brands stones available, and if you have any doubt, then glue the stones on instead, but always go back to pointer #3!

If you really want to apply rhinestones to surfaces, your options are to sew them on, hotfix them on, or glue them on, and each method has it's limitations within reason. 

But, if you're keen to try hotfixing, we stand by our rhinestones as the best available for this purpose, even withstanding all the limitations explained above!

Continue shopping for Hotfix Rhinestones

Sorry no we don't receive returned goods under such circumstances, so it's best to try and measure the area and divide by the stone size, so as to most accurately order the amount you need. If you have trouble working it out, let us know the measurements and we can give you an idea of how many we think you may need.

A ruler or haberdashery tape measure, and a calculator (or a good practical math brain!) are essential tools when trying to work out how many rhinestones you'll need. Measure the line or area you want to rhinestone in millimetres. Then divide that number by the millimetre size of the rhinestones you want to apply. That will tell you how many you'll need to get. If that's daunting, try doing a mock-up of the area (maybe it's a panel on a tutu for example) with paper, and dotting on the paper with a pen where you'd like your rhinestones to go. Then it's a simple matter of counting the dots. 

In regards to the glue sticking to the tip, this is an unfortunate but not fatal side effect of hotfixing. The hotfix glue does bit by bit get onto the tips you use, and they can become quite messy-looking. They can be cleaned at the time, by wiping with something like a thick cloth or green steelo pad, or when cold can be cleaned with a wire brush. It's important to remember that when the glue has dried it IS supposed to be stuck forever, so the glue is definitely doing it's job! Unfortunately we know, it does make the tool's tips a little messy in the process. But try the methods above, or even filing the glue off if it's a really hard job, as those tips are not easy to find replacements for and are rather expensive to bring in!

Swarovski - world-leaders in quality crystals. Best brand if innovation, couture-quality and range of colours, effects and shapes is what you measure your stone requirements by. Excel in up-close visual quality and exquisite perfection. Our favourite for fashion and bridal, and for competition & performance wear if you want to be a cut above the rest.

Preciosa - also world-leaders in quality crystals. Best brand for delivering world-class crystal product that can totally take you to the Nationals, Olympics or Worlds, but at a price on average 33% less than Swarovski. Consistently among our best-sellers along with Swarovski. Preciosa delivers on maximum sparkle up-close and at a distance. A favourite in the world of competitive dance and performance.

Arabesque - best brand if low-cost, convincing sparkle & consistency are important to you. No cheaper crystal has the same 'fire' as Preciosa or Swarovski, but Arabesque rhinestones do sparkle and do deliver on budget - fine for situations that aren't super-competitive.

Acrylic - great for any project where the 'look' is needed, but not the full crystal treatment thanks:) ...but not all acrylic flatbacks are created equal, so we've hand-selected the best and only stock acrylics that don't look like blobs of molded plastic!

These are the measurements, in millimetres, for each stone size we carry in the flat back Nail Art, Non-Hotfix and Hotfix ranges. The tolerance refers to the acceptable variance in size once an item is manufactured.

ss3 is tolerance 1.35mm to 1.5mm
ss5 is tolerance 1.7mm to 1.9mm
ss6 is tolerance 1.9mm to 2.0mm
ss7 is tolerance 2.1mm to 2.3mm
ss8 is tolerance 1.35mm to 1.5mm
ss9 is tolerance 2.5mm to 2.7mm
ss10 is tolerance 2.7mm to 2.9mm
ss12 is tolerance 3.0mm to 3.2mm
ss16 is tolerance 3.8mm to 4.0mm
ss20 is tolerance 4.6mm to 4.8mm
ss30 is tolerance 6.3mm to 6.5mm
ss34 is tolerance 7.0mm to 7.2mm
ss40 is tolerance 8.4mm to 8.6mm
ss48 is tolerance 10.9mm to 11.3mm

There's a few ways to look at hotfix vs non-hotfix....

I'm ready to shop for Hotfix rhinestones

I'm ready to shop for Non-Hotfix rhinestones

Swarovski puts great effort in the protection of their brand. In order to support you in using and communicating their brand correctly, they provide practical guidance on the proper use of the Swarovski trademark. These guidelines are for all customers and consumers (without a branding contract) worldwide, who buy Swarovski branded crystals either directly from Swarovski or via their international distribution network (eg: Rhinestonz & Beads, www.rhinestonz.co.nz).

https://www.swarovski-professional.com/en-WORLD/brand-usage-guidelines