The many types of rhinestones can be daunting when you're shopping. Glass, jelly, and hotfix, oh my!
But once you understand how to use different rhinestones for specific projects, you have the freedom to design and bedazzle anything and everything. This guide explains all the different types of rhinestones and how best to use them. After this, you'll be an expert on rhinestone materials, finishes, shapes, sizes, colors, and application methods so that you can order from Planet Rhinestone with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Does the Type of Rhinestone Really Matter?
- What Are Glass Rhinestones?
- What Are Jelly Rhinestones?
- What's the Difference Between Hotfix and Non-Hotfix Rhinestones?
- What Other Types Should Crafters Know About?
Does the Type of Rhinestone Really Matter?
Absolutely! When shopping for rhinestones, it's essential to choose the rhinestones that make the most sense for your project. The material, finish, and adhesion method of different types of rhinestones impact your final results. Here are the main factors to keep in mind.
Rhinestone Material
Rhinestones come in a few different materials, but the main options are:
- Glass rhinestones
- Crystal rhinestones
- Jelly rhinestones
- Plastic rhinestones
While plastic can be more affordable, it doesn't have the same pizazz and sparkle that glass rhinestones do. If you want exceptional light reflection for a dazzling appearance, glass or crystal is the way to go. For something more understated, plastic is a great choice. There are also jelly rhinestones made with resin, which add a striking pop of color to your project.
Rhinestone Finish
The finish on a rhinestone, which is different from the rhinestone color, also matters. The finish affects how the rhinestones reflect light just as much as the core material.
For example, AB (aurora borealis) creates an iridescent, multicolored appearance. Other finishes include metallic, high-gloss, frosted, matte, or opal.
Rhinestone Backing
The back of the rhinestone determines your application method.
Hotfix rhinestones have glue built into the back that melts when you apply heat, forming a strong bond with whatever material they're on. This is an excellent choice if you're comfortable with heat press tools and are bedazzling a sturdy fabric, like denim.
Flatback rhinestones, or non-hotfix rhinestones, can be more versatile, but also messier. They have plain backs, meaning you need to use separate glue to fix them to your craft project, but they're ideal for delicate fabrics like silk.
What Are Glass Rhinestones?
Glass rhinestones are the standard for rhinestones in crafting. The fancy stones are made of high-quality glass that offers multidirectional light reflection. Crystal rhinestones are a type of glass rhinestone, but typically contain additives like quartz that increase sparkle and depth. They're also faceted like a diamond, which improves light reflection. The appearance of glass is generally superior to that of plastic or resin because of the added dimension and brilliance.
If you want glass rhinestones, Planet Rhinestone is the place to shop. We carry glass stones in flatback and hotfix styles in a massive range of colors and sizes (SS5–SS40). We recommend glass rhinestones for everything from apparel and costumes to decor and accessories.
Crystal and AB Rhinestones
Crystal beads and rhinestones are glass rhinestones that are made with top-quality glass. These usually contain higher percentages of quartz and natural minerals, similar to a diamond. However, they look clear and colorless for the most sparkly appearance.
AB rhinestones are all about the finish. They have an iridescent look that creates a rainbow-like effect, especially when under sunlight or direct light. The colors shift from pink to gold to green as you move them around, making them magnificent for stage costumes and nail art.
Colored Glass and Fancy Stones
Colored glass stones are simply glass stones injected with a color for a more playful appearance. You can find every color you need at Planet Rhinestone, from soft pastels to bold neons. Shop for jewel tones, metallic colors, opal finishes, and more.
Some of our rhinestone shapes feel much fancier than your average round rhinestones. Find unique shapes, like navettes, teardrops, emeralds, and marquises, to create more luxurious and intricate designs. These shapes change how the material reflects light, offering different appearances for border detailing, clothing accents, and nail art.
What Are Jelly Rhinestones?
Yes, glass and crystal stones are sparklier, but jelly rhinestones have a richer, more colorful appearance that creates a different but gorgeous aesthetic.
Jelly rhinestones are made with a soft, translucent resin that looks similar to hard candy. Colored jelly stones are richer and more pigmented than colored glass rhinestones, creating a luxe look with less glitter.
They're sensational if you're working on these types of projects:
- Nail art
- Bedazzled tumblers
- Phone cases
- Festival fashion
- Kids' clothing
The stones bring a retro look that makes a bold statement. At Planet Rhinestone, you can find a huge selection of flatback jelly rhinestones, including bestsellers like The Pappus AB and seasonal colorways.
Fun tip: For a dynamic look, use glass and jelly rhinestones in your design to bring sparkle and saturated color into one project.
What's the Difference Between Hotfix and Non-Hotfix Rhinestones?
When choosing types of rhinestones, hotfix vs. non-hotfix is one of the most important factors.
Hotfix Rhinestones
Hotfix stones have heat-activated adhesive pre-applied on the back of the stone. That means they're an all-in-one adhesive and rhinestone product. You don't need to buy any glue or adhesive, but you need a heat press or other heat tool to activate the glue. To apply most hotfix stones, you heat the glue to about 325°F and adhere it to materials like fabric, glass, or metal.
Because you must apply heat, we recommend using hotfix on fabrics, so clothing projects are perfect for these stones. Use these for:
- Denim jackets
- Jeans
- Canvas sneakers
- Cheer uniforms
- Dance costumes
- Team uniforms
Be careful when applying them to materials that could melt or scorch under high heat, like plastic or wood.
Flatback (Non-Hotfix) Rhinestones
Flatback rhinestones have smooth, plain backs with no adhesive. You need to apply your own adhesive, like E6000 glue or Gem-Tac. Because these do not require heat, they're ideal for:
- Leather shoes
- Plastic phone cases
- Wood boxes
- Nail art (SS3–SS6 rhinestone sizes are ideal)
To place them with precision, use a wax pen, tweezers, or rhinestone pickup tool to apply them on top of small glue dots. The key is to keep the glue dots small, so there isn't an excess. We recommend using a fine-tip applicator when adding glue to your project so you can better control the amount. Too much glue can spill over the sides and cloud the rhinestones' sparkle.
What Other Types Should Crafters Know About?
There are a few more types of rhinestones you might want to consider.
Sew-On Rhinestones
Sew-on rhinestones have two to four holes designed for threading. You can sew the stones onto fabric for a superior hold on stretchy or structured fabrics, and you don't have to deal with the messiness of glue or the hazards of heat tools. However, you need decent sewing skills to use them.
We love to use these for dramatic projects like:
- Ballgowns
- Pageant wear
- Theatrical costumes
- Dance wear
- Gymnastics uniforms
- Elastic clothing
Rhinestone Shapes and Sizes
The bulk rhinestones at Planet Rhinestone go far beyond just round stones, from diamond-cut stones to funkier shapes like bows. You can find shapes like:
- Navettes
- Teardrops
- Ovals
- Squares
- Emeralds
- Diamond-cuts
- Triangles
- Bow-ties
- Icicles
- Stars
And our size options are plentiful, too. Whether you need teeny-tiny gems or big, bold stones, we have them. We use the SS sizing system, which is based on SS units. Here are the most popular sizes in millimeters:
- SS6: 2 mm
- SS10: 2.8 mm
- SS20: 5 mm
- SS30: 6.4 mm
- SS40: 8.7 mm
There's a Rhinestone for Every Project
With so many different types of rhinestones, the bedazzling potential is unlimited! The variety of materials, finishes, colors, sizes, shapes, and application options means you can execute any project and bring any vision to life. Whether you want basic bulk rhinestones or specialty styles, you can find the best stones at Planet Rhinestone. Shop our collection today and find the perfect stones for your project.
FAQs
Have more rhinestone questions? We have answers below.
What are the main types of rhinestones?
The main types of rhinestones include glass rhinestones, crystal rhinestones, jelly rhinestones, plastic rhinestones, hotfix rhinestones, flatback rhinestones, and sew-on rhinestones. Each type works best for different projects depending on sparkle, durability, application method, and surface material.
What is the difference between hotfix and flatback rhinestones?
Hotfix rhinestones have heat-activated glue already on the back, while flatback rhinestones require separate adhesive. Hotfix stones are great for sturdy fabrics like denim and uniforms, while flatbacks are more versatile for shoes, tumblers, phone cases, nail art, and delicate materials.
Are glass rhinestones better than plastic for crafting?
Generally, yes. Glass rhinestones bring that extra sparkly, high-quality appearance that will level up your craft projects. Budget allowing, we always recommend choosing glass over plastic for apparel and accessories.
Can hotfix rhinestones be used on all fabrics?
Unfortunately, no. Hotfix stones require heat application, and not all fabrics can handle the high heat. It completely depends on the fabric composition, but we recommend avoiding or being very cautious with silk, tulle, mesh, nylon, spandex, and cashmere.
Are jelly rhinestones good for nail art?
Yes! Glass and crystal rhinestones are beautiful on nails, but jelly rhinestones bring that extra pop of color. The vibrant hues make them stand out, while the soft resin and flatback format make for easy and safe application on nails.