The Rhinestones I Use for Making Brooches

In my work, I use glass rhinestones in settings. They are easy to sew on and add richness and depth to jewelry. Most makers rush to buy the most expensive glass stones, but I don't use Swarovski rhinestones. The price of the finished piece increases significantly, yet they sparkle almost the same as the ones I use.

Now, I will briefly introduce you to the shapes and sizes of glass rhinestones that are best suited for creating jewelry. Important: choose settings in only one color—if the setting is silver, it should be the same for all rhinestones if you plan to use them on a single piece. Also, outline the jewelry contours with silver purl.

Ovals 8 * 10 mm.

Navettes (needles) 4 * 15 mm

Drops 8 * 12 mm

Marquise 5 10 mm and 7 15 mm

Rivoli 12 mm in diameter

I have each type of rhinestone in a basic color palette. When you start creating a piece, first choose the necessary rhinestones and their quantity. After that, you can play with the shades of seed beads and beads.

In the future, I have an idea to create a cornflower brooch. Blue navettes would be perfect for it. Rivoli can be used as the center (the base of the jewelry) as a precise accent.

Important: before sewing on the rhinestones, place them on the piece and visualize the final result. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, but don't overload the jewelry with sparkle. A brooch should be a complement or a finishing touch to an outfit.