Rhinestones

Rhinestones are rock crystal stone with an iridescent effect was first found around Rhine River on the German and Austrian border and thus got its name as Rhinestone.?Rhinestones are attached to the fabric to give a stylish look to the clothing. Rhinestones are used in shirts, collars, shoes and dance outfits. Swarovski rhinestones are very popular and are widely used in fashion industry. Rhinestones varieties like silver night, topaz glacier, hyacinth, vintage rose are very popular.

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History

Rhinestone is a rock crystal stone, with an iridescent effect, and was first found around Rhine River on the German and Austrian border and thus got its name as Rhinestone. Initially due to scarce availability they were expensive. In 1775, French jeweller George Frederic Strauss coated the lower portion of the stone with a metallic power, which gave the rhinestones a sparkle and brilliance replacing diamonds for making low cost jewellery but were still expensive due to the slow production method. Rhinestones are also called Strass in many European languages. Mass production of Rhinestones started in 1892 when Daniel Swarovski, invented a machine that automatically cut the stones. Due to this, rhinestone availability was greatly increased and caused prices to fall and made them affordable. In 1955, a thin vacuum sputtered metallic coating was applied to crystal stones to produce an iridescent effect which tends to reflect whatever colour is near it, and it is named after the Aurora Borealis atmospheric phenomenon, also known as the Northern Lights. Decorating fabrics with rhinestones can be a way to make clothing elegant, colourful and beautiful. It can add extra sparkle and help you create designs of your own.

What are the different types of Rhine Stones?

These days artificial rhinestone are made from rock crystals, natural quartz, glass or acrylic like economic materials with vibrant colours, brilliant visual effects and dazzling diamond-like feel, but they lack the fiery brilliance of the natural stones. Artificial rhinestones are in high demand because of price, sparkle and brilliance. Their faceted front and foil-covered flat back produce and exceptional brilliance bright sparkling colours. The most popular is Crystal, a clear colourless stone with a diamond-like sparkle. Another popular choice is AB (Aurora Borealis), a coating available on crystal, and many colours, which as an iridescent, rainbow-like effect.

Crystal
Foil for reflection
Primer for bonding between glue & Foil
Glue to stick to fabric or metallic surface

As far as shapes are concerned there are many choices for example triangle rhinestones, heart shape rhinestones, round shape rhinestones. All these shapes add more to the variety and elegance of rhinestones. Different people have different taste and according to their choice things are ordered and manufactured. Swarovski crystal is set to a brass tailored to give definite shape and authentic look.

How to apply rhinestones, studs, hot fix and transfers

Take off the protective foil from the transfer sheet
Place the transfer motif sheet on the required position of fabric
Lay a Teflon/silicone or felt sheet on the top of the motif sheet and close the heat press with predetermined set conditions; release the press.
Turn inside out then press once again.
Remove the motif transfer sheet from the fabric panel after it has properly cooled down.
Turn inside out the panel or garment and process ironing or washing as required.

Conditions	Top side	Bottom Side
Condition for pressing mixed type hot fix items
Pressure (kg)	3.0-3.5	3.0-3.2
Temperature (C)	150-170	150-170
Time (seconds)	10-15	10-15
Condition for pressing Rhinestones
Pressure (kg)	2.8-3.4	2.8-3.2
Temperature (C)	150-170	150-170
Time (seconds)	15-20	08-12
Condition for pressing Studs
Pressure (kg)	2.8-3.4	2.8-3.2
Temperature (C)	160-180	160-180
Time (seconds)	12-16	08-12
Condition for pressing Glitters and Pearls
Pressure (kg)	2.8-3.2	2.8-3.2
Temperature (C)	190-180	160-180
Time (seconds)	12-16	12-14

What are the various sizes of Rhine stones?

Rhinestones are measured in a “range” of sizes rather than a precise measurement. Smaller point back rhinestones are measured in PP (Pearl Plate) and flat back and larger point back rhinestones are measured in SS (Stone Size), PP (Pearl Plate) is a method of sizing originally used for pearls by placing them on a standard marked surface or plate with holes. The pearls were sized by which holes they fell through. PP is usually sued for smaller stones. SS (Stone Size) are the most current method of rhinestone sizing, although PP is still used. Some stones manufacturers mark the packaging both PP and SS size on the package label. Common rhinestone sizes for clothing and fashion apparel range from SS20 (4.6 to 4.8mm) to SS30 (6.3 to 6.5mm) in diameter. The most commonly used rhinestones for clothing are #20ss and #30ss.

Usage of Rhinestones

Rhinestones are used throughout the clothing and fashion industry on accessories to decorate everything from finger nails to cell phones. They are mostly applied or attached to fabric surfaces using glue, heat or metal settings. For clothing and apparel industry flat-back rhinestones are mostly used using specific glue coating on the back of rhinestone stud and then placing this rhinestone on desired surface and then heat pressing to permanently attach them with fabric. This process must be flowed strictly or otherwise the rhinestones will not stick properly to fabric and might fall off while wearing or washing. Never use any glue which is acetone based as they do not fit the purpose.

Chips, Nuggets and Pebbles

p>For garment decoration use of strands of Chips, Nuggets or Pebble is also quite common. These are used to make necklaces, Bracelets or earrings, Bigger chips or nuggets are also used in making brooch or are used in embroidery decorations on Blouses or dresses. The beads are placed into the appropriate categories based on their average size. As with all chips, pebbles and nuggets, sizes and shapes vary. Description of various sizes and shapes is as below.

Dos’ and Don’ts

Dos’ and Don’ts while heat pressing rhinestones and studs

Ensure that the fabric surface is clean, smooth and flat before placing carrier foil of rhinestones, studs, hot fix or glitter.
When heat pressing item ensure that zipper, button and other sensitive trims are not heat pressed.
This polyester, silicone and coated fabrics do not absorb the adhesive well and it bleeds to side surfaces
Do not remove carrier film until the surface has cooled down.
Do not used harsh corners or sharp sides of under padding; this will avoid impressions and discolouring.
To avoid film impressions cover the carrier film using Teflon sheet, silicon foam, silicon pad, felt sheet or paper board
If impressions are made due to foil or under padding; steaming, brushing or steam ironing regenerate the fabric.

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Not too long ago, the vast majority of apparel decorators were specialists of embroiderers or screen-printers. Now more and more companies are adding additional decoration methods to increase their profitability ? and more importantly ? keep their customer ?at home". Garments are decorated based on the end usage by affixing sequins, rhinestones, embroidery etc. to enhance the appearance of the final products.	Buttons are small instruments use to fasten two parts of a garment. It is an element that makes the difference and enhances a men's or women's garment, a leather item, a pair of jeans. Elegant and classical buttons mean style; the perfectly shaped and coloured button is a design feature. Buttons are of different material, colour and shape, and they allow the wearer's personality to stand out, enhancing a garment, a leather item, or some jeans.

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