Bold star CZ Necklace. 1 inch. WHAT ARE RHINESTONES? Original rhinestones were crystal rocks found near the Rhine River, thus the name Rhine-Stones. Today's rhinestones are clear imitation stones made of glass, paste or gem quartz, cut and polished to a high luster. Most are backed with a gold, silver or tinted foil covering. Higher quality rhinestones, referred to as crystals, are machine cut to a high sparkle usually without a foil backing. Austria and the former Czechoslovakia are best know for quality crystals, although Chinese factories are now producing quality products as well.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN RHINESTONES AND CZ'S? Cubic Zirconia Gemstones (CZ's) are a cubic form of zirconium oxide developed in a lab as a substitute for diamonds. They have many of the characteristics of diamonds. These gems are hand cut and often set in genuine gold, silver, or platinum. CZ's are meant to be a substitute for diamonds, and are priced accordingly.