Are Rhinestones Easy to Scratch? A Complete Guide to Rhinestone Care
In the fields of jewelry, handmade DIY, and apparel accessories, rhinestones have become a popular alternative to natural diamonds for their brilliant sparkle and affordable price. Many customers wonder when purchasing and using rhinestone products: Are rhinestones easy to scratch? The answer is not absolute—it all depends on the material of the rhinestone. Different types of rhinestones vary greatly in hardness and scratch resistance. As a professional in the rhinestone industry, Xulin Rhinestone shares our expert insights on common rhinestone categories and provides practical care tips to help extend the lifespan of your rhinestone items and keep their sparkle lasting.
Scratch Resistance of Rhinestones: Material Is Key。
First, it is important to clarify: rhinestones are not made of a single material. Differences in hardness directly determine how easily they get scratched. The term “rhinestone” generally refers to three main types, with scratch resistance decreasing in the following order, as broken down by Xulin Rhinestone:
1. High-Hardness Rhinestones: Scratch-Resistant & Highly Durable
These are premium-quality rhinestones, represented by the Xulin Rhinestone High-End Collection, Swarovski Crystals (including Swarovski Elements), and Czech Crystal Rhinestones. We select high-lead glass and synthetic crystal as raw materials, crafted with precision engineering. Daily contact with fabrics, leather, plastic, wooden furniture, and similar materials will not scratch them.
Scratches may only occur if rubbed or bumped directly against harder substances such as natural diamonds (hardness 10), corundum (hardness 9), or high-hardness metal tools (hardness 5.5–6.5, excluding extra-hard cutters). Under normal wear and use, these rhinestones will barely scratch as long as contact with high-hardness items is avoided, making them ideal for long-term, frequent use.
2. Standard Glass Rhinestones: Moderate Scratch Resistance, Use with Care
Most common rhinestones on the market are made of standard glass, with moderate scratch resistance. They are safe from soft materials in daily wear, but frequent rubbing or mixed storage with metal accessories (keys, clasps), hard plastic, ceramics, or other equally or more rigid items can easily cause fine scratches. Over time, these scratches will significantly dull the rhinestone’s shine.
Xulin Rhinestone does not recommend using standard glass rhinestones for products in high-friction applications.
3. Acrylic / Resin Rhinestones: Highly Prone to Scratching, Require Gentle Handling
Acrylic (plexiglass) or resin rhinestones have the lowest scratch resistance among the three categories. Affordable and lightweight, they are widely used in budget jewelry, children’s toys, and temporary decorations. Even vigorous scratching with a fingernail or repeated friction against rough fabric can leave obvious marks, leading to surface wear and loss of luster.
Xulin Rhinestone advises that acrylic/resin rhinestones are only suitable for short-term decorative use, not as core components in long-wear jewelry.
Habits That Accelerate Scratching – Avoid These at All Costs
Regardless of hardness, improper use and storage will drastically increase the risk of scratching. Drawing on years of industry experience, Xulin Rhinestone strongly recommends avoiding the following practices:
Unprotected Mixed Storage
Storing rhinestone jewelry with metal, gemstone, or other accessories in the same box without dividers allows mutual friction and impact – a leading cause of scratches on rhinestones.
Contact & Rubbing Against Hard Surfaces
Wearing rhinestone accessories while doing housework, exercising, or allowing rhinestone items to rub against tabletops, walls, or other hard surfaces; cleaning rhinestones with coarse cloth will directly abrade the surface.
Ignoring Chemical Damage
Cosmetics, skincare products, perfume, sweat, and other substances contain chemicals that, over time, corrode the coating and polished layer of rhinestones, causing them to lose shine and appear “scratched.” This type of chemical damage is often harder to repair than physical scratches.
Aggressive Cleaning Methods
Scrubbing rhinestones vigorously with a brush or using cleaners containing abrasives will directly scratch the surface and ruin their brilliant finish.
Exclusive Rhinestone Care Tips by Xulin Rhinestone – Prolong the Sparkle
With targeted care for different materials, you can prevent scratches and maintain long-lasting shine. Here are practical tips from Xulin Rhinestone:
1. Storage: Isolate & Protect to Eliminate Friction
Store rhinestone items individually in sealed bags, velvet pouches, or jewelry boxes with separate compartments to avoid contact with hard objects.
For large rhinestone decorations, cover with a soft cloth to prevent dust buildup and friction.
2. Wearing Routine: Put On Last, Take Off First
Adopt a proper wearing routine: put on rhinestone accessories *after* applying makeup and perfume; remove them immediately upon returning home to minimize prolonged exposure to cosmetics, sweat, and other chemicals, reducing corrosion at the source.
3. Cleaning: Gentle Wiping, Delicate Care
For daily upkeep, simply wipe dust off the surface with a soft cloth (eyeglass cloth, microfiber cloth).
For heavier dirt, lightly dab with a small amount of lukewarm water or neutral detergent, then wipe dry immediately with a clean cloth. Do not soak or scrub, as this may damage the rhinestone surface.
4. Material-Specific Care -
High-Hardness Crystal Rhinestones (including Xulin Rhinestone High-End Collection)
Avoid direct contact with diamonds, corundum, and other high-hardness gemstones. Regular light wiping with a soft cloth is enough to maintain clarity and brilliance long-term.
Standard Glass Rhinestones
Keep away from friction with metal, ceramic, and other hard objects. We do not recommend using them for jewelry worn in high-friction areas such as the inner wrist or neckline to lower scratch risks.
Acrylic / Resin Rhinestones
Reduce daily wear frequency, avoid contact with fingernails and rough surfaces. Clean only with a dry soft cloth; do not use any liquid cleaners.
Xulin Rhinestone Summary: Material Defines Scratch Resistance, Care Preserves Lifespan
In short, high-hardness crystal rhinestones (such as Swarovski Elements and Czech Crystal Rhinestones) are highly scratch-resistant and suitable for long-term wear and use. Standard glass rhinestones require basic protection against hard friction. Acrylic and resin rhinestones scratch very easily and are better suited for temporary decoration.
At Xulin Rhinestone, we are committed to producing cost-effective rhinestones using premium raw materials and sophisticated craftsmanship. We also want every rhinestone product to deliver maximum value. With material-specific protection and by avoiding improper friction and chemical exposure, your rhinestones will retain their dazzling shine, adding enduring elegance to your jewelry, home decor, apparel accessories, and creative projects.