NEW to Rhinestones

NEW to RHINESTONES?

Your quick-start from LEOPARD STRASS — types, materials, sizes, finishes, application methods, care, and pro tips.

What are rhinestones?

Rhinestones are man-made gems (crystal, glass, resin/acrylic) that mimic diamonds and other precious stones at a far more accessible price. You’ll see them across fashion, performance wear, décor, and crafts.

Extra Sparkle Info: The name traces back to the Rhine River. Modern stones are precision-cut and polished to maximise light return (sparkle).

Types

Flatback

Flat, smooth reverse side for gluing (non-hotfix) or heat-setting (hotfix). Most versatile; adheres to a wide variety of surfaces.

Chatons

Pointed-back stones for settings/cups/claws in jewellery and couture — generally not glued directly to fabric.

Sew-On

Stones with holes for stitching. Great for high-movement garments and textured appliqués; often used as statement pieces.

Quality grades (materials)

Crystal

Highest brilliance/clarity and also the highest price (We focus on high-value alternatives.)

Glass

Excellent sparkle at an accessible price; slightly heavier than resin. A strong all-round value choice.

Resin / Acrylic (incl. Jelly)

Lightweight, colourful, budget-friendly with a softer sparkle. Jelly styles flex nicely — ideal for curves (shoes, phone cases).

Application methods

Hotfix (flatback with heat-activated glue)

Built-in adhesive on the back. Apply with a hotfix applicator, heat press, or iron.

  • Pros: Fast for bulk when used as transfers/with a press; very clean finish; hotfix adhesive is typically very strong on compatible fabrics.
  • Cons: Requires heat (risk of scorching/melting on heat-sensitive synthetics, leather, plastics); needs correct temperature/pressure/time.
  • Best for: Uniforms, tees, cottons, non-stretch garments, large motifs & production runs.
Non-hotfix (flatback + separate glue)

No adhesive on the back — you choose the right glue for the surface.

  • Pros: Works on almost any surface (fabric, leather, plastic, glass, metal, wood); superb for precision and mixed materials; can be faster than a hotfix wand for custom one-offs.
  • Cons: Slower than hotfix if compared to heat-press transfers; glue selection & technique matter.
  • Best for: Precision designs, curved/rigid items, mixed materials, custom pieces vs. large transfer styles.

Need glue help? Read our LEOPARD STRASS Glue Guide or shop: USA E6000 (strongest; even on fabric).

Sizes we stock (SS → mm)

“SS” = “stone size”. Our core sizes cover most projects. Other sizes available on request.

SS6 · ~2.0 mm · Subtle accents, outlines
SS10 · ~2.8–2.9 mm · Fine garment detail
SS16 · ~4.0 mm · Main garment detail
SS20 · ~4.8 mm · Strong visibility on clothing
SS30 · ~6.4 mm · Stage impact, focal points
SS40 · ~8.4 mm · Bold costumes & décor

Finishes & colour effects

AB (Aurora Borealis): the classic, most popular rainbow sheen that shifts with light — beautiful on stage and in daylight.
Base / Transparent Colours: tinted glass with bright sparkle.
Opaque / Jelly: solid, punchy colour; jelly variants flex nicely on curves.
Metallic / Chrome: mirror-like surface for a bold statement.
Matte / Satin / Shimmer: diffused, elegant glow.

Project-type matching

Clothing (dancewear/performance)

Flatback non-hotfix + USA E6000 for the strongest hold. Sizes SS16 / SS20 for main detail; SS30 / SS40 for stage impact.

Shoes & accessories

Non-hotfix + E6000 on leather/plastic/metal. Resin/jelly stones handle curves and flex well.

Décor & glass

Non-hotfix + E6000 for mirror, glass, and metal. Larger sizes (SS30 / SS40) read better at distance.

Nail art

Our core range starts at SS6. For micro sizes below SS6, contact us for special orders. AB finishes are favourites.

Quantity (how stones are sold)

Rhinestones are often sold in gross. One gross = 144 stones — from French grosse douzaine (“large dozen” = 12 dozen). A simple, standardised bulk count still used today.

Care & maintenance

  • Clothing: Hand wash inside-out in cool water; mild detergent; no softener; air dry.
  • Storage: Keep stones dry and out of direct sunlight; resin can fade with prolonged UV.
  • Repairs: Keep spare stones; re-dot glue on the original spot and press a replacement; allow full cure.

Common mistakes

  • Choosing stones too small for the viewing distance (go larger for stage) — and forgetting that mixing sizes adds depth and more sparkle.
  • Using hotfix on heat-sensitive materials or with wrong temp/pressure/time (scorching risk).
  • Expecting resin to match crystal brilliance.
  • Too much glue (dulls sparkle, stiffens fabric) or washing too soon.
  • Using white glue on items that will contact water.

Tools & quick links

Need quick advice? Message us on WhatsApp — Click Here

FAQs

Hotfix or non-hotfix — which should I choose?

If you’re applying to fabric only and need speed on multiples, hotfix transfers + heat press are fast and clean, and the hotfix adhesive is very strong on compatible fabrics. For mixed surfaces, curves, or custom one-offs, non-hotfix + glue is more versatile (and can be faster than a hotfix wand).

Which sizes work best for stage?

SS20 / SS30 / SS40 read best under lights and at distance. Mix sizes (e.g., SS16 + SS20 + SS30) to add depth and extra sparkle.

Which glue should I use for water exposure?

USA E6000. Avoid the white glue for items that will get wet or be regularly washed.