What is a rhinestone?
By Jared James · Last updated 21 May 2026
Definition
A rhinestone is a faceted piece of glass or rock crystal cut to imitate the sparkle of a diamond, used in costume jewellery and decorative applications. The name comes from the River Rhine in Europe, where rock crystals were once gathered from the riverbed. Modern rhinestones are most commonly made from highly polished glass with a metallic foil backing that reflects light, and high-quality versions from manufacturers like Swarovski use specially formulated glass with a precise refractive index to maximise brilliance. They are entirely distinct from precious gemstones.
Frequently asked questions
- Are rhinestones the same as Swarovski crystals?
- Swarovski crystals are a premium type of rhinestone made from a specially formulated lead-free glass with extremely precise cutting. All Swarovski crystals are rhinestones, but not all rhinestones are Swarovski; the brand name refers to a specific manufacturer and quality standard.
- How do you tell a rhinestone from a real diamond?
- Rhinestones have a foil backing that reflects light from behind, which you can usually see from the side or back of a setting. Diamonds have no such backing and are set so light enters from all directions. A diamond will also scratch glass easily, and feels cooler to the touch initially.
- Are rhinestones considered valuable?
- Rhinestones have very little intrinsic value as materials, but well-made vintage costume jewellery set with quality rhinestones can be collectable, particularly pieces from houses like Chanel, Miriam Haskell or Weiss from the mid-twentieth century.
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