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Rhinestones: Types, Cuts and Backs by Deena O’Daniel

Vintage and contemporary costume jewelry is often accented with or covered in rhinestones. The stones can be glass, crystal or acrylic plastic. Vintage rhinestones were produced in Austria, Czechoslovakia, France, Japan and Germany.

Types of Rhinestones

Cabochon stones have flat backs and smooth, rounded tops with no facets.
Faceted stones are cut or molded, and have multiple flat surfaces that reflect light
Opaque stones are not transparent or foil backed, and are often made to simulate turquoise, coral, jade and onyx.
Cameo stones have a design raised on the top surface.

Rhinestone Cuts

Machine Cut rhinestones are the most brilliant. Made of glass crystal, they are cut and polished so that the edges are sharp and crisp, making them sparkle. Swarovski rhinestones, produced in Austria, are the most valuable and prized.
Table Polished stones have just the top facet, or “table” of the rhinestone polished
Fire Polished rhinestones are molded glass stones that are polished using heat, vibration or a combination of both. They are often brightly colored, but do not sparkle like the machine cut nor do they have the sharp finished edges.

Backs

Flat Back rhinestones have a flat even underside, and are often applied with adhesive to other materials such as fabric, crafts and nails.
Faceted Backs are pointy with faceted undersides are also used in crafts and clothing
Foiled Backs have underside of the rhinestone coated with a metallic foil, similar to that used on mirrors, which causes light to be reflected back and giving the stone sparkle.
Unfoiled Backs have no foil on the bottom of the stone, allowing light to pass through it.
Domed backs are rounded on the underside, not faceted or flat.

A popular finish for vintage rhinestones is Aurora Borealis. Introduced in 1955, it’s a thin metallic finish applied to the top of the stone that gives it an iridescent glow and color changes when moved around in the light.

It’s all a matter of taste, and there are so many variations of size, shape and color or stones, to say nothing of styles of jewelry, that every bracelet, necklace, pin or pair of earrings you collect will have unique features and sparkling appeal.

About the Author

I’m Deena O’Daniel, an artist, writer, jewelry collector and entrepreneur from Austin, Texas, by way of California. Please visit my web site, http://www.oakhillboutique.com for a large array of costume jewelry, china, pottery, collectibles and gifts. You can also become a fan of Oak Hill Boutique on Facebook and be the first to see what’s new. For more articles about jewelry, please visit my blog at http://www.oakhilljewels.com

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