Planet Rhinestone Blog

If your manicures are feeling a little plain Jane lately, we have just the thing: rhinestones for nails. We’ll explain how rhinestones elevate your nails, how to apply them, which crystals work best, and everything else you need to know about bringing some extra shimmer to your fingers. Table of Contents Why Rhinestones for Nails are the Ultimate Style Upgrade Choosing Your Sparkle: A Guide to Rhinestone Types The Essential DIY Nail Tech Toolkit Step-by-Step: How to Apply Rhinestones for Nails Like a Pro Pro-Tips for Wearability and Removal Why Rhinestones for Nails Are the Ultimate Style Upgrade Sparkly nail polish is nice, but it's nothing compared to the bling factor you get with rhinestones. They bring an amazing 3D element to your nails that makes them stand out and glitter like never before, and they can turn the plainest manicures into stylish, beauty statements that follow the latest trends. Gems also give you the chance to flex your creativity and express yourself through your fingertips. Your fingers are mini canvases that show off your personality and artistry, and rhinestones for nails are like shimmery accessories you get to wear 24/7. Here are fun ideas for how to use them: Diamond-studded French tips Clear crystals on black polish for a night sky look Multicolored polka dot manicure Cuticle-framing designs One dainty crystal on each nail for a minimalist look Small, round red gems with green nail art for a cute cherry look All-over sparkle that completely covers your nails One dazzling accent nail While rhinestones are an exceptional way to step up your manicures, having professional nail technicians do them can be expensive. A fancy manicure with rhinestones usually costs over $100, but when you do it at home, it can be under $20. DIY rhinestone manicures are a fun, creative outlet and an affordable way to amp up your sparkle.  Choosing Your Sparkle: A Guide to Rhinestone Types The rhinestones you choose can make or break your sparkly manicure, so make sure you pick the perfect ones.  Glass vs. Plastic Plastic rhinestones may be cheaper, but they also look cheaper and have a duller, less shiny appearance. On the other hand, Swarovski crystals are stunning but extremely expensive. For a rhinestone that gives you the sparkle you want without breaking the bank, Planet Rhinestone gives you a great product: high-quality crystals with a more profound sparkle and shimmer at a great price. Rhinestone Sizes Rhinestone sizing has its own system, which ranges from as teeny-tiny as SS3 to as big as SS48. For nails, the best sizes are SS3 to SS12 as these are small enough to fit on most nails. However, you could go as large as SS20 if you want a bulkier look and have longer nails. We recommend mixing and matching different sizes for a dynamic look. Flatback vs. Pointed Flatback rhinestones have a smooth back that is easy to glue onto surfaces like your nails, while pointed ones are bulkier, harder to secure, and may be uncomfortable to wear. Pointed rhinestones can be tough to work with, so you should always choose flatback stones when doing nail art.  Picking the Perfect Color Palette At Planet Rhinestone, we have gems in an extensive range of hues, from hot pink to jet black. For a timeless look, opt for rich-looking emerald gems or classic clear ones that look like diamonds. Or try one of our to-die-for color options: Aurora Borealis (AB). You can buy mixed AB rhinestones and get a rainbow-like look that changes color in different lights.  If you're hoping to match the season, wear black crystals for your Halloween look or chic clear ones for your chilly winter manicures. Neon crystals in bright yellow or purple are fabulous for festival manicures, and there’s nothing like cool blue gems for a beach vacation. Shapes Beyond the Circle Nail rhinestones come in a variety of distinct shapes, including teardrops, triangles, pyramids, ovals, and many more. Square, rectangle, and round gems are classic, elegant options, but we adore an edgy or regal design that features more eye-catching shapes, like pears or navettes. And don’t be afraid to mix and match different shapes for even more options! The Essential DIY Nail Tech Toolkit Professional nail artists have an arsenal of tools to make rhinestones look flawless on nails.  Precision Placement To place the gems properly, use precision placement tools like wax pencils, rhinestone pickers, or tweezers. Using your fingers can result in sloppy results.  Glue and Polishes There are a few options for rhinestone adhesives: GEMGEL: A UV-cured resin designed specifically for fusing gems to nails with maximum durability E6000: Standard craft glue that can be used on your nails Top Coats: Regular or gel nail polish can be used to lock gems in place GEMGEL and other nail resins are the best option and are the ones most commonly used by professionals.  Nail Prep Before you start, make sure your nails are filed and buffed so they're perfectly smooth. Use acetone to remove any excess oils or moisture, so you have a dry surface for the adhesives to fuse to. You can do this before applying polish and again before adding rhinestones.  Step-by-Step: How to Apply Rhinestones for Nails Like a Pro We’ll break down how to add rhinestones to your nails below. If you don’t know how to paint your own nails, we recommend figuring that out first! 1. Prepping the Base First, follow your normal manicure routine, but stop before applying a top coat. Make sure your nails have a smooth surface with no bubbles or bumps. You can apply the crystals after the top coat, but it’s better to apply the top coat around the stones after securing them.  2. The "Dab and Place" Technique Use a toothpick to apply tiny dots of adhesive. You can dot the adhesive on your nails where you want the stones or apply it directly to the back of your stones. Use the smallest amount of glue possible to avoid overflow that can look cloudy, chunky, or messy.  3. Sealing for Longevity If you’re applying your top coat after the rhinestones, use the “trench” method. Move the brush carefully around the stones, like you’re filling the empty space (or trenches) in between each stone. This method prevents the top coat from dulling the crystals’ sparkle, but it helps lock them in place. For very small crystals, like the SS3 size, you can paint the top coat over them, but they may lose some shine. Then cure for 30–60 seconds with a UV lamp if using a UV gel. Pro-Tips for Wearability and Removal Lastly, here are a few secret tips that will make your manicures much better. Place Them Strategically If rhinestones are placed too close to the edge of your nail or on a particularly rounded part, this can leave an edge exposed. That results in frustrating snagging, as the free edge might catch on your hair or clothes. Ideally, rhinestones should be toward the center of your nail, away from the edge, and placed on the flattest parts of your nail. This thoughtful placement also helps the rhinestones stay in place for longer, since we all want to keep our sparkly manicures for as long as possible.  Remove Them Properly Using the right method to remove nail art rhinestones can take some time, but it protects your nails and the crystals. The top-quality gems from Planet Rhinestone can be used again and again and again, if you remove them gently. The best method is to soak them off using acetone or another kind of adhesive dissolver. Though there are specialized nippers you can use to remove the gems, we still recommend soaking them off for the best results. Whatever you do, do not try to wrench them off.  Choose High-Quality Stones If you want ultimate sparkle, you need to use the highest-quality crystals you can find. That’s where we come in! We carry premium crystals and gems that sparkle more than the stars and bring a magical, whimsical vibe to your DIY manicures. But it’s not just about the sparkle. High-end rhinestones are easier to reuse, whereas poor-quality ones are more of a one-and-done product. So choosing our rhinestones can save you money in the long run and help you create endless nail designs. Make Your Manicures Magnificent Treat yourself to manicures that wow everyone. Shop Planet Rhinestone’s collection of impeccable rhinestones for nails, from icy-blue raindrops to ruby-red rectangles. With excellent crystals, precision tools, strong adhesive, and fabulous design ideas, you can dazzle with every tap and point of your fingers.  FAQs How long do rhinestones stay on nails? When you use professional-grade gem gel and cure with a UV lamp, your rhinestone-studded manicure can last up to three weeks, if not longer.  Will rhinestones ruin my natural nails? No! Just like with gel or dip powder nail polish, when applied and removed correctly, rhinestones will not damage your nails. It’s important to soak them off using acetone or another dissolver. Do not try to pry or pull them off! Can I use a regular top coat to stick them on? It’s best to glue rhinestones on with their own adhesive to ensure they stay in place. The smallest stones (like SS3), can be held in place with a top coat, but they won’t last as long. How do I keep my rhinestones from getting "dull"? The top coat can dull the sparkle of your crystals. Paint the top coat around the base of each gem, not over the top.  Which size should a beginner start with? We recommend starting with SS5 or SS7 sizes, as these are more manageable than tiny gems but not as hard to secure as larger sizes. These sizes are also dainty enough for nails of any length.

Adding rhinestones to your nail art is an easy way to take it from ordinary to extraordinary. But how do you get started? Tips for adding rhinestones to nails Using rhinestones in your nail art is a great way to add a touch of glamour and sparkle. With these easy tricks, you can have beautiful sparkling nails in no time. Grab your nail art supplies, get creative, and unleash your inner artist! Prepare your nails First, make sure your nails are clean and prepped for the rhinestones. Use a nail file and buffer to shape the nails and remove any ridges or imperfections. You may also want to use a base coat to make sure the rhinestones last. Choose the right type of rhinestones Rhinestones come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, so take some time to decide which type will best fit your nail art design. For a subtle look, try using small, clear rhinestones. For something more eye-catching, opt for larger, multi-colored stones. Think about the placement Take your time when you’re arranging the stones on your nails. If you’d like, use a template or stencil to help you create a symmetrical design.  Go light on the glitter Glitter is a great way to add a bit of sparkle to your nails. However, when used in combination with rhinestones, it can be overpowering. Try to use glitter sparingly, perhaps only to accentuate the stones. Use the right tools A good set of tweezers or a rhinestone pickup tool can go a long way in creating the perfect rhinestone look. You may also want to have some nail glue and nail polish remover on hand, just in case. Practice, practice, practice Like any art form, the best way to get better is to practice. Experiment with different shapes and sizes of stones, and try out different placements and designs.  What about gems, pearls, and studs? Rhinestones aren't the only nail art supplies that can add a touch of sparkle to your manicure. Gems, pearls, and studs can also be used to great effect. Just be sure to use some nail glue to secure them in place! Steps for applying rhinestones to nails Once you’ve got the perfect design, it’s time to start applying the rhinestones. Paint on the adhesive Use a small brush or the tip of a toothpick to paint on the adhesive onto the area where you want the rhinestones to go. For larger stones, you may need to use a thicker layer of adhesive. Place the rhinestones Next, use the tweezers to carefully pick up the stones and place them onto the adhesive. Press them down firmly so they stick. Cure your rhinestones Once all the stones are in place, it’s time to cure them. Place them under a UV light or LED lamp for a few minutes to make sure the adhesive and stones are secure Finish with a top coat Once all of the stones are in place, apply a thin layer of top coat to seal the design and make sure the rhinestones stay in place. This will also help to keep the rhinestones looking bright and shiny. Wait until the top coat is completely dry before you go outside or touch anything else. Styles to Explore Funky French Edges Choose a contrasting color for the tips and use different sizes and colors of rhinestones to make it extra interesting. Geometric Nail Art Create some stunning geometric shapes using different colors and sizes of rhinestones. This look can be as subtle or as wild as you like. Femenine Pink and Cream For a soft and feminine look, pair pink and cream with some small clear rhinestones. This look works best with short to medium length nails and is perfect for special occasions. Lacy Wedding Nails Going to a formal, elegant event? Go for a lacy design using white and silver rhinestones.  Perfect for brides and bridesmaids, this will be sure to turn heads! Mint Ice Cream Create a cool and creamy look with mint and white rhinestones. This look is perfect for summer. Bright ‘N Bold Coral For a bold statement, try bright coral and pink rhinestones. This style is perfect for a night out and can be dressed up or down. Remember to take care of those rhinestones! Once your nails are complete, make sure to use a fast-drying top coat to protect them from chipping and fading.Take the time to remove the stones properly when you’re ready to switch up your nail art design. Protect them No matter what type of nail art look you’re going for, it's important to protect your rhinestones with a long-lasting top coat. Make sure to use a top coat that is specifically made for use with rhinestones. This will help them stick and last even longer. How to properly place your stones To get the most out of your rhinestone application, try to always properly place your stones. This includes using the right amount of adhesive, laying out stones in the desired order, and pressing down firmly on each one so they stick. Tweezers can also be a great tool when placing stones as they allow you to work with precision. Clean up your nail bed When you’re done with your rhinestone design, take the time to clean up your nail bed. Use nail polish remover and a cotton swab to gently remove any excess adhesive. This makes sure that your design looks professional and tidy. Ready to make your nails sparkle and shine?  Rhinestones are a great way to give your nails a bit of glamour and sparkle. Just remember to be creative and have fun! Planet Rhinestone has everything you need for those perfect, sparkling nails, from flashy stones to gems to a rhinestone pickup tool you can depend on.  Subtle and classic designs look great, as do wild and colorful creations. Get creative, and put your own unique twist on the rhinestone nail art trend!

There's no end to the possibilities of spicing up your manicure! There’s decals, stencils, stamps —the list goes on. The problem is, most of these nail designs are old, too complex, or just boring. That’s where rhinestones come in. Whether you want to glam up your everyday style or wear them for a special occasion, rhinestones are one of the best ways to take your nail game to the next level. They’re versatile, unique, and simple to apply.  The best part is you can use them in many different ways; from adding them as accents on your nails to making them the centerpiece of your design. To help you get started with this trend, we’ve rounded up some of our favorite simple rhinestone nail designs.  11 Ideas for Simple Rhinestone Nail Designs 1. French Manicure With Rhinestones While we can't deny the charm of a classic French manicure, sometimes it's fun to mix things up. Adding rhinestones to your french manicure is a great way to make them pop and stand out without going overboard. You can add them anywhere on your nail —at the base of each nail tip or just on one or two nails if you prefer. 2. Sparkle Glam Matte Nails This nail design is the perfect way to add some glitz and glamour to your nails. The rhinestones over the matte base make this look really stand out while keeping it subtle enough that it doesn’t overpower everything else going on with your look.  You can use any color you want for your base, but make sure it complements the rhinestones! You can also play with different sizes of rhinestones, depending on how much bling you want. 3. Stiletto Nails  The classic stiletto nail design, which is characterized by long, thin nails and a pointed tip, is great for showing off rhinestones. The sharp point of the stiletto-style nail allows for easy application of rhinestones and a clean line around the nails, while the length and width make it possible to create designs that are both intricate and colorful. You can add a single rhinestone in the center of each nail makes for an elegant look, or use a variety of small rhinestones in different colors to create a fun pattern. 4. Glitter Coffin Nails With Rhinestones This is a simple rhinestone nail design that looks good on any occasion. Coffin nails are essentially just long, straight nails with a very little curve. They look like a coffin that comes up to your fingertip. These can be classy and sophisticated, or edgy and punk —it's up to you! You can paint them with any shade of glitter, and apply rhinestones on top to enhance their sparkle and add a unique dimension to the design.  5. Ombre Rhinestones Nails Another fun way to incorporate rhinestones into your manicure is by using an ombre effect where the colors gradually blend together from the lightest at the top (e.g, white) down through darker shades until reaching black at the bottom (or vice versa). Once you’ve decided on the range of colors you want, you can try adding rhinestones to give your nails an extra touch of shine. You can put them right where both colors blend, on top of one of the two shades, or add them as a border around the entire nail. 6. Bold Rhinestone Nails If you've painted your nails with a bold color, such as red or electric blue, you can add just a touch of elegance by using rhinestones as a top coat. Instead of only picking out black or gray rhinestones, consider using blue, purple, or silver rhinestones to balance out the design and tone down the red or blue shade of your nail polish. 7. Flowers With Rhinestone Design From subtle floral accents to colorful blooms and intricate acrylic details, acrylic flowers design can add a burst of personality to your manicure. In order to make your flowers more vibrant and attractive, use rhinestones. Some nail design professionals even use rhinestones to create flowers and leaves that are more realistic looking than other methods like airbrushing or stamping. 8. Swarovski Rhinestone Design If you've got a special occasion coming up, a Swarovski rhinestone design is the perfect way to make your outfit pop. These rhinestones are made of Swarovski crystals —the same crystals used in high-end jewelry and accessories— so they're not only gorgeous but also incredibly durable. You can wear these nails wherever you go and they'll hold up just fine.  They also come in an array of colors and sizes and can be used as accents or even full-on nail art designs. 9. Rhinestone Acrylic Nail Design This nail design uses rhinestones on an acrylic base coat, which gives it a more natural shine as compared to other types of nail art. Most people use a soft-color base for all the nails and cover at least one with rhinestones. You can also add them around the edges, or place just one in the middle.  Just remember: when choosing your rhinestone colors, try to stick with the same tone or lighter shades so everything looks cohesive when put together! 10. Discreet Nail Design A lot of people are afraid to wear rhinestones because they think they may look too flashy or the design may be over-the-top. However, it’s totally possible to go for an understated nail design with rhinestones.  For example, you can try pastel base colors like pale pink or lavender and add a couple of rhinestones on the tips of your nails for a classy touch. You can also choose only one nail and cover it with a small half-moon shape with a larger rhinestone in the center —this adds some bling without going overboard! 11. Butterfly Effect Design This is one of the most popular designs for rhinestone nail art. It consists of a lot of rhinestones scattered around your nails in a pattern that looks like butterfly wings. The design can be done on any number of fingers, but it often looks best when used as an accent on one or two nails. You can use a series of different colors in a contrasting palette to create a look that’s both fun and sophisticated, and it's also really easy to DIY! Final Thoughts   From French manicures to Swarovski crystal designs, these ideas will add a touch of elegance and personality to your nails. With rhinestones, the possibilities are endless, and the best part is that they're easy to apply. Don't be afraid to mix things up and try different colors and sizes of rhinestones. Whether you're going for a bold or subtle look, rhinestones are a versatile and unique way to spice up your nail game.