Like a Rhinestone Cowboy
…. is the opening line of the chorus of a song (Rhinestone Cowboy) made famous by Glen Campbell.
But what is a Rhinestone? Well in simple terms a Rhinestone is a naturally occuring rock crystal that is found in the Rhine River - hence the name. Of course, Today, it would be pretty near impossible to find a real Rhine river stone. The rhinestone was valued as it gave the appearance and sparkle of a diamond - but of course was much more common and certainly a lot cheaper.
In the late 1700’s a French Jeweller came up with a method of producing a similar effect by coating the back of glass with metal powder and creating what is now recognised as rhinestones. There are a few people who made the rhinestone rather famous - we have already mentioned Glen Campbell. Elvis Presley and Liberace are just 2 very famous people who used rhinestones on their outfits. The most common place you are likely to see them in use is by Country music singers and dancers on their outfits.
You no longer have to go wading the Rhine to find stones you can purchase some of the best - and the best are Swarovski Crystals. Since the late 1700’s the rhinestone, whilst still made from Glass, has also evolved and they are cut from the finest lead crystal - giving a very similar sparkle to real Diamonds.
Swarovski Flatback Crystals come in a range of colours and and sizes and will add that sparkle you are looking for. If you think you would have trouble glueing them to your costume or adding some bling to your cellphone then Swarovski Hotfix Crystals might be a better choice. Flatback Rhinestones use a conventional glue and it can be a bit messy affixing them whereas the hotfix rhinestones are secured using a high temperature glue - simply heat, place and once it cools they are secure.
(FADE OUT)
Like a rhinestone cowboy
Gettin’ card and letters from people I don’t even know