WHAT IS A RHINESTONE?
A rhinestone is a diamond simulation made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic. Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine, but heir availability was increased when the Alsatian jeweler George Frederic Strass had the idea to coat the lower side of the glass with metal powder imitating diamonds.
Rhinestones make excellent imitations of diamonds and good manufacturers even capture the glistening effect that real diamonds have in the sun. Rhinestones come in many different colors and grades.
Clear rhinestones are a colorless artificial gem, often with facets that sparkle in imitation of a diamond.
Aurora Borealis (AB) or Aqua aura" refers to a thin metallic coating that is applied to crystal stones to produce a beautiful iridescent effect. AB rhinestones are one of the most popular stones available because of the rainbow effect that is illuminated withing the stones. These stones are produced mainly in Austria and the Czech Republic.
Swarovski refers to the finest luxury band name for the range of precision cut crystal glass rhinestones. Produced exclusively by the Swarovski Company location near Zurich, Switzerland, Swarovski crystals are famous for their spectacular luminescence and they are also the most expensive rhinestone.
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