Discuss the different methods of adding some bling to your designs. Rhinestone and rhinestud transfers, templates, equipment, software and supplies are inlcuded in this forum.
I am just trying to figure out where everyone gets there rhinestones from and pricing? I am currently buying from DAS but am wanting to compare pricing. I could not find a thread of this already and thought I would start one.
Thanks in advance for all your input.
I am curious too! I found a site called "alibaba", which from what I can tell, encourages relationships between Chinese/Korean/Hong Kong importers and U.S. merchants.... However, it was difficult to tell pricing, minimums, etc. I'm not sure if it was more of a language barrier, or if it is truly a legitmate "exchange". Has anyone worked with one of these companies? Any comments? Blessings, Amy
I am curious too! I found a site called "alibaba", which from what I can tell, encourages relationships between Chinese/Korean/Hong Kong importers and U.S. merchants.... However, it was difficult to tell pricing, minimums, etc. I'm not sure if it was more of a language barrier, or if it is truly a legitmate "exchange". Has anyone worked with one of these companies? Any comments? Blessings, Amy
Alibaba is more or less a place where we can go to, to find what ever products we want, rhinestones, Or whatever,, they are a connection to importing.
Sandy Jo
MMM
I have used Alibaba to select my supplier. I get e-mail offers from suppliers all the time telling me about their products. I ask them to send me a price list and samples (which most times you have to pay the shipping for), or I send them a sample of a previous order I've placed and ask them to quote a price + shipping. I recently came across a supplier who offers "imitation Czech" stones. I love some of the colors, but don't know if I'll be buying in bulk. Smaller amounts, approx 10gross packages, where reasonably priced, but when I asked for a quote on an order I typically pay $900 for, including shipping, it came back at $8,000+ dollars.. I can't REALLY tell the difference in quality between the "imitation Czech" stones and the Korean stones I buy now, just a few unique colors
Well since the thread is about buying rhinestones maybe someone knows about this. I have been told by my supplier of korean rhinestones that they are 12 faceted stones but do not have a grade like A, AA or AAA. I see this all the time and thought there were different grades of korean stones. She told me it is the Chinese stones that have A, AA, or AAA grade. I was just wondering about it. The supplier I use has both a korean and US office and the stones are awesome and high quality.
I received my order from Nova on Thursday. Korean stones look good and compare to others I have purchased. Everyone says 10ss are the most common; however, I think the 12ss or 16ss can do the trick, and will probably order that size next time. I ordered 500 gross, which is a little bit less than 2 cups. I have my flight attendant friend who flies to Shanghai checking out a couple vendors. Should get my real delivery from there in the next couple weeks. Comparison shopping and competition are good things. This forum is all about helping other people and I'm certainly grateful. Again, thanks BobbieLee for your great searching abilities!!
I just got my catalog from Nova and they have some really cool stuff there. Did they send you the catalog that has all the different types of hotfix items they carry. its unbelievable all the cool stuff they have there.
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Always do right; this will gratify some people and astonish the rest. ~~~Mark Twain BobbieLee
Rhinestone Fetish, you are correct. KOREAN STONES DO NOT HAVE GRADE A,AA, AAA RATINGS, CHINESE STONES DO. I confirmed this with my supplier also. If you are buying Korean stones make sure you are getting cut, glass stones and not the molded stones. The supplier I use has excellent stones with massive "bling". I've compared these to several stones that others have given me as "Korean AAA", and they are NOT the same. He also has given me some "imitation Czech" stones that he produces. These are very high quality cut glass stones that rival the Czech stones and Swavorski in both facets, color and bling, all without the pricing. They are a little more expensive than the Korean stones, but should work well for those who want the Swavorski bling on a budget.
Rhinestone Fetish, you are correct. KOREAN STONES DO NOT HAVE GRADE A,AA, AAA RATINGS, CHINESE STONES DO. I confirmed this with my supplier also. If you are buying Korean stones make sure you are getting cut, glass stones and not the molded stones. The supplier I use has excellent stones with massive "bling". I've compared these to several stones that others have given me as "Korean AAA", and they are NOT the same. He also has given me some "imitation Czech" stones that he produces. These are very high quality cut glass stones that rival the Czech stones and Swavorski in both facets, color and bling, all without the pricing. They are a little more expensive than the Korean stones, but should work well for those who want the Swavorski bling on a budget.
Hey, Ms. Slick,
Thanks for the 101 on graded rhinestones. I have been emailing manufacturers back and forth, and a couple of them have the A, AA gradings. I am going to let them know we have a forum and are more informed than they realize. I believe I paid for Korean and got Chinese in my last shipment. Helpful to know that the Korean stones run a bit larger. Great info!
Where do you buy your rhinestones from? 
