History of Rhinestones

Rhinestones have been around for centuries being cut and finished by hand which was a very timely process. The name rhinestone orignated from pieces of crystal (glass) found in Austria's Rhine River.Around 1730, George Frederic Stras, a parisian jeweler in France became well know for his technique of applying lead to the back of glass that enhanced the brilliance and sparkle. Stras became so well known that he was appointed a prominent jeweler position for the King of France in 1734.In 1891 Daniel Swarovski revolutionized the jewelry, high fashion designing and dressmaking industry, by creating a glass cutting machine which cut faceted glass that had such dazzle