Rhinestones are fairly inexpensive and can be made from a number of materials such as gem or paste quartz, acrylics and glass. Rhinestones are often used to embellish tiaras for weddings, the headdresses that the showgirls of Vegas sport and the costumes of figure skaters. They are also a popular form of costume jewelry.



George Frederic Stras, a jeweler of the 18th century developed a way to coat the back of the crystals with metal which forced through the back of the stone a reflection. This is the method that creates rhinestones as they are known today. A century later Daniel Swarovski developed a technique that would cut the crystals to make rhinestones mimic the look of real gemstones and this allowed rhinestones to be mass produced. It was then that the popularity of the rhinestone soared.

Austria is where most of the rhinestones of crystal are manufactured and the Czech Republic comes in at a close second. Acrylic rhinestones are manufactured in numerous countries but no matter where they have been produced they needed to be guarded carefully so as not to damage them. They scratch easily and it is advised that they be stored separately or a tissue be placed between the pieces.

Cleaning rhinestones is a simple matter. You only need to use rubbing alcohol with a Q-tip and water should always be avoided because the foil backing will get tarnished.