'Tis the season to sparkle and shine

From tinsel to flickering decorative lights, the holidays give us tons of sparkle. It’s easy to adorn yourself in something glittery for holiday festivities and rhinestones are always a sure bet. Have you ever wondered what a rhinestone technically is? 

Fake gemstones made from “paste” date all the way back to the Romans, who used it to copy the look of emeralds or other precious stones. Paste was a heavy clear glass that simulated the brilliance of real gems because of the way it refracted the light. In 13th Century Europe, the best paste gems were made in the Czech region from hand-blown glass.

The word “rhinestone” came later, from the use of rock crystal that was mined near the Rhine river area of Germany and Austria. The crystals were cut and molded to create faux diamonds. As technology evolved, so too did the development of rhinestones. Instead of crystal, clear glass was then foil-backed to add color or were silvered-cut to imitate diamonds.

One way I can tell a vintage piece is fake is by looking at the depth and color of the rhinestones. Newer ones have very bright and hot colors that lack the richness of vintage rhinestones. The quality of each component of jewelry from the past is what makes it so special, and a festive and unique addition to any outfit.

Celebrate the season by shopping one of our vintage rhinestone pieces and Happy Holidays!