So What is a Rhinestone ... Really?

12580.jpgThe original term "rhinestone" came from the Rhine River in Austria. The river was filled with quartz pebbles in brilliant colors in the late 1800’s. Once this natural source was depleted, imitation glass rhinestones replaced them. (The image to the left is a stunning example of vintage Rose Montees all worked into a Miriam Haskell designed clasp.) You may hear of rhinestones referred to as "paste". Originally, glass was ground into an actual paste and then molded and melted into shape. These manufactured stones would have many air bubbles, but the high lead content of the glass was cut with many facets and then backed with a metallic coating to give off lots of reflections of light. Rhinestones are often referred to as "paste" or "strass".