The original term "rhinestone" came from the Rhine River in Austria. The river was filled with quartz pebbles in brilliant colors in the late 1800’s. Once this natural source was depleted, imitation glass rhinestones replaced them. (The image to the left is a stunning example of vintage Rose Montees all worked into a Miriam Haskell designed clasp.) You may hear of rhinestones referred to as "paste". Originally, glass was ground into an actual paste and then molded and melted into shape. These manufactured stones would have many air bubbles, but the high lead content of the glass was cut with many facets and then backed with a metallic coating to give off lots of reflections of light. Rhinestones are often referred to as "paste" or "strass". Very happy with my purchase. I love the beauty and energy of the Lemurian Quartz Tower with Manifestation Crystal. I will purchase more crystals from Grains of Sand. Thank you.
This photo does not do this wand justice! This is such a high quality specimen that as soon as you hold it you can sense its vibration. Such a gorgeous piece!
Beautiful pearls and fast shipping. Thank you
I bought these because I liked the color, they are so pretty. I wasn't sure how I would feel about them being "fused", a fancy name for "abnormal". When I opened the little bag, there they were, each one its own little perfectly imperfect tragic little creation. No two are the same, each one is actually two pearls fused together, inseparable.