Monday, May 31, 2010

Rhinestones...

A rhinestone or paste or diamante is a diamond simulant made from rock crystal, glass or acrylic.

We love these new 24 inch rhinestone,pearl,and vintage inspired crystal necklaces that just came in.

Originally, rhinestones were rock crystals gathered from the river Rhine. The availability was greatly increased when around 1775 the Alsatian jeweller Georg Friedrich Strass had the idea to imitate diamonds by coating the lower side of glass with metal powder. Hence, rhinestones are called Strass in many European languages.

Rhinestones may be used as imitations of diamonds, and some manufacturers even manage to reproduce the glistening effect real diamonds have in the sun.

Liberal use of rhinestones was associated with country music singers, as well as with singer Elvis Presley and pianist Liberace. In 1975 Glen Campbell had a top hit with the song Rhinestone Cowboy, and became known as the "Rhinestone Cowboy". That song served as the basis for the 1984 movie Rhinestone, starring Sylvester Stallone and Dolly Parton.
Speaking of Country Music...I went to see Carrie Underwood this weekend...she was so good!

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