I wrote this before bringing The Cute Effect back from the dead. Looking back, an entire post about what rhinestoning had taught me was probably evidence that I was never actually done with it.
My ultimate favorite DIY craft to do is rhinestoning! I feel like everyone enjoys a bit of sparkle in their life, and gluing a rhinestone to something will do exactly that. There’s something satisfying about taking a bunch of loose pieces and giving them a permanent place to shine. The first thing I ever rhinestoned was a dance costume. I thought it was pointless until the stage lights hit those Swarovski stones. After that moment, I was sold. This post is for your preparation. If you’re new to rhinestoning or just curious to hear my takeaways, keep reading.
Quality of Your Rhinestones Matters
Rhinestones are made from various materials including crystal, glass, and resin. The type I buy depends on the vibe of the project. For clarity, I’m talking about sparkly rhinestones. Do your research and read reviews. When I buy online, I aim for suppliers who have consistent color, quality, and clear photos. Also, pay attention to the number of facets. More facets mean more fire and sparkle. I prefer crystal rhinestones. They cost more, but the color consistency and shine are worth it.
One thing I’ve also noticed: better-quality rhinestones tend to have backs that aren’t completely smooth. They’re slightly bumpy, which helps the adhesive do its job.
Touch Grass and Find a Local Bead or Craft Store
A little background first. If you’re a “stoner,” you know Swarovski crystal rhinestones are leaps and bounds above the competition. Around 2020, Swarovski decided to scale back rhinestone production and “refocus.” My local bead store, Suns Crystal Bead & Supply, put up signs about it. But I never had trouble getting Swarovski from them because they were authorized distributors.
When I saw those signs, I started buying their in-house brand, Suns Crystals. Their stones are wonderful alternatives to Swarovski. Being able to touch, compare, and see colors in person was so much better than staring at a screen.
So yes, visit a local bead or craft store. First, you’re supporting a local business. Second, you might find brands or products you’d never come across online. And finally, you might still have access to certain high-quality stones (like Swarovski) or solid dupes.
144 = 1 Gross
I was genuinely bewildered the first time I saw rhinestones sold by the gross. I didn’t bother understanding it at first, and honestly, I’m glad I didn’t. Here’s the short version: a gross is 12 dozen, aka 144 pieces. It’s simply a standard unit of measurement for selling small bulk items.
If you look at a high heel, would you know how many 6ss rhinestones it would take to cover it? Or how many gross? Unless you’re a magical calculator, probably not. Grosses are more of a “them” thing than a “you” thing.
Since I like going to the bead store, I bring my item and simply ask the owner how many gross will it take to cover it. He’s SO accurate it’s scary. It is useful to note how many gross you use for future projects, but don’t let the idea of a gross intimidate you.
Preparation Is Fundamental
Unless the object you’re stoning is porous, get ready to scuff it up. Even with a strong adhesive, the glue needs something to grip. I use those green scrubbing pads (not Brillo) to lightly roughen the surface. They create fine scuffs that aren’t visible but give the glue something to hold onto. Make sure to give the piece a little wipe down to clear any debris.
If the lucky work of art has a harder surface I’d recommend using sand paper. I generally avoid sand paper because in the past, I’ve gone at it a little too heavy handed which lead to deeper scuffs than I wanted. Use sand paper sparingly.
To Sum It All Up
These are the personal takeaways that have lived in my head for years. I’ve had a lot of projects ruined due to poor quality rhinestones. Specifically, they would start to melt after adhesive was applied or the foiled backings would peel off. You literally get what you pay for. A lot of people think rhinestoning is simply gluing a rhinestone onto something. And to an extent, it is. But if you want your project to last, these tips make all the difference.
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