Rhinestones
October 26, 2008 – 2:14 pm
Wiess demi Parure
Rhinestones, diamantes, or paste are diamond simulants used in costumes, contume jewellery and increasingy for home decoration.
Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, hand cut and set with silver or coloured foil behind to give colour and sparkle.
In 1775, George Frederic Strass had the idea to coat the lower side of glass with metal powder, which when fired formed a mirrored layer giving the cut stone a diamond look. Since then there have been significant improvements in the cutting and design of the stones, but old hand cut paste still has an extraordinary charm.
This foiling method is still used to produce what in the US are generally called rhinestones, and in the UK and Europe, diamantes. Unfoiled rhinestones usually have a high lead content creating fire and sparkle. These are referred to as crystals.
In 1955, the “Aurora Borealis” metallic coating with an iridescent effect was launched, and this has been followed with other fancy coatings, cuts, and finishes.
Today, quaility rhinestones are produced mainly in Austria and the Czech Republic, while cheaper glass and plastic rhinestones are manufactured in many countries.
Fine stones are hand-faceted and polished, and set into jewellery within prongs, cheaper stones are usually glued in place
Care of rhinestones
Store pieces of rhinestone jewelry individually as rhinestones scratch each other
Never, ever get rhinestones near water, as any liquid will tarnish the foil backing and, in older pieces, loosen the glued-in rhinestones.
Clean lightly with an ear bud dampened in rubbing alcohol, being careful not to catch on any metal prongs or fittings.
To replace rhinestones, be sure of the exact size, shape and color match before inserting. Especial care needs to be taken when moving the prongs that hold claw set stones as they are fragile and impossible to mend if broken. For glued stones, use strong jewel craft glue or epoxy adhesive - please don’t use superglue/ krazy glue as it will discolor the stones and turn white with age. Stuck? please email us and we’ll see how we can help.
Tags: care, crystals, diamante, rhinestones