Rhinestones, originally collected along the banks of the Austrian Rhine, are pieces of reflective glass or acrylic cut to resemble gems. Since the late 18th century, artisans have also created artificial rhinestones using a variety of techniques. Armed with some basic information, you can identify the different types of rhinestones fairly easily.
The most basic type of rhinestone, which is the form closest to the natural version, remains the cabochon stone. Cabochon stones feature a smooth, round top and a flat back. They exist in any color and a wide range of sizes. These rhinestones also come in an opaque form, similar to jade or onyx. Cut versions of the gem are called faceted rhinestones. They may have multiple flat surfaces and a wide range of shapes and colors. Rhinestones of this type are the most common form. In addition, jewelers often create elaborate engravings on the surface in order to make cameo stones.
For cut stones, the method of cutting makes a major difference in the brightness of the gem. The least-bright stones are polished using heat or vibration, which gives them a vibrant color but takes away some of the reflective potential. Table polished rhinestones are rubbed by hand, only on the top portion of the stone. They have a higher luminosity than fire-polished stones.
Finally, machine-cut rhinestones, due to the exactitude of the process, produce high levels of brilliance. In the case of Swarovski rhinestones, the luminosity resembles that of a diamond. The last consideration in identifying a rhinestone is the back. Natural rhinestones have flat or curved backs, depending on how they are polished, and the backs resemble the rest of the stone. Artificial stones often employ foiled backs to imbue a sparkling effect. The foil consists of a coating of metal similar to the back of a mirror.
About William F. Waliga: A veteran of the jewelry-importing industry, William F. Waliga has managed the operations of Waliga Imports & Sales Inc. for the last 24 years. He has developed the business from a single, 500-square-foot warehouse to more than 80,000 square feet throughout several locations today.
