We Heart the Crystal Applicator Tool!

Ladies and gentlemen, we announce the arrival of a PORTABLE and AFFORDABLE hand tool for use with our beloved Rivets and Rose Pins, as well as crystal Snap Fasteners and Buttons!

This is a brand new Swarovski development, a year in the making- a tool that, weighing in at 1.65 pounds, can (smoothly!) apply enough torque with the squeeze of one hand.  Unless you’re a pansy.  (Wait- can I say that?)

We, here at Rhinestones Unlimited, recently passed around this applicator amongst eager hands and pretended to be impressed at each employee’s technique.  Of squeezing.  We clapped, we cheered, we generally whooped it up in support, but really, our merriment was in regards to the ease of such a glamorous product.  Already our attentions had turned to the glittering infinity of endless, glorious project possibilities!  Sugarplum dances of purses, cuffs, dog collars on our chocolate labs, dog collars on our sexy neighbor, bedazzling snaps on our baby’s onesies… oh, the visions that wafted through our collective minds!  We tested our new ornaments on various strips of leather (hence the high number of stone-speckled restraints in the pool of thought during an office lunch).  This way, we were confident that if the tool works so efficiently with a difficult material, it will be a breeze with your denim/chambray/gingham/chiffon.

Crystal Applicator is essentially an oversized hole punch with interchangeable pieces, referred to as dies.  Depending on your needs, you can purchase one set of dies to go with the applicator or the whole shebang.  The die sets include top and bottom bits unique to the shape of snaps, jean buttons, rose pins or rivets.  Though detailed instructions are included and we are always willing to help, most of you will be able to unwrap the set and breeze through your project with nary a glance at the guide (however, we don’t recommend that.  At least try testing on a swatch of the material, first).

Rivet die set

The embellishment line includes a versatile variety of ornaments.  The buttons and snaps offer five stone shapes, such as a chessboard circle, rivoli stone or a pavé style, and a choice of metal casing (I’m personally attracted to the gunmetal option).   To suit your preference, rivets have a small and large size of backings, and unlike others, our 3-piece rivets die will set both!  The rose pins come in a range of stone colors, and the Crystal Applicator will set the common sizes, 16ss, 20ss and 34ss.  Swarovski offers a regular leg length for the rose pin and snap settings, and the optimal material thickness is 1-2mm.  This does not suggest that the tool itself cannot withstand thicker material, such as a heavy leather belt or a vinyl flip-flop; a small hole poked with an awl prior can accommodate the setting of, say, a faceted jeans button with its longer shank.  The ornaments themselves will determine the scope of your application.

Rivet front

We are genuinely really excited about Swarovski’s Crystal Applicator and the possibilities it ensues, especially for small businesses and individuals.   Being a fraction of the cost of existing setters- I’ve seen one rivet machine selling for $8,000- it seems a low-risk investment, and the ability to add impact is pretty maximum, in my opinion.  Rabbit punches weigh an average of nine pounds, and work best when mounted to a table.  Swarovski’s Crystal Applicator is easy to pack, easy to lift, easy to use.  Sitting in a booth at a market?  Beautify your new samples comfortably in between selling your wares.  On the road with your Western riding competitions?  Add a few crystals onto the new shirt you just bought, wear it in the ring tonight.  Experimenting with a new line of leather accessories?  This is a good way to play with your options, see what inspires you.

Check out the hand tool, die sets and embellishments here: http://www.rhinestonesu.com/crystal-applicator-tool-and-trims.aspx

Bottom line: Rhinestones Unlimited predicts that Swarovski’s new Crystal Applicator is about to become a valuable staple piece, the new stone and metal collaborations representing the future of rhinestone technology.  Expect to hear more about these setting methods, as this is not the end, my friend; this is only the beginning…

-xo- Jemm

About Us

Our story…

In the mid-1990s, while working in the dance industry, Angie Price saw a need that wasn’t being filled.  The growing interest in embellishments among performers left an opening for a visionary individual to step in with a great idea.  Teaming up with her father, Fred, they set up a business in the back room of the family house and called it Rhinestones Unlimited, offering flat back rhinestones as a foundation.  As the movement grew, so did the business.  It wasn’t long before they called in the rest of the family, each finding a position to complement their own strengths.  First, Angie’s brother, Matt, took the lead managing operations. Shortly thereafter, Mama Rhinestone (also known as Sandy) and Matt’s wife, Nicole, came into the picture with the personalities and skills for exceptional customer service.   Today, the reach of Rhinestones Unlimited has grown to include western wear, bridal, couture, accessories and performers of every kind in countries all over the world. Thanks to our innovative staff and loyal customers, we have grown to be among the largest rhinestone and costume trim wholesalers in the United States.

Our staff…

When work grew, and there were no more family members to fill the positions, the Price family turned to experienced industry professionals to fill in the gaps.  The Rhinestones Unlimited employees represent the markets of professional, competitive and recreation dance, ballroom, western wear and equestrian, theater, costume, craft, fashion, floral, graphic design and marketing, even motorcycle chicks!  Our generations and backgrounds are united by the appreciation for beauty in creation, and the desire to help you succeed.  We’re constantly striving to grow within our industries to provide you with expert information.  We’re working with the trends, but retaining our foundation for great design.  We’re travelling to the hot spots, getting first hand looks at how our products are made, and who they serve.

Our products…

We are committed to providing a shining solution for every budget.  If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just ask!  As a Swarovski Elements distributor, we offer you access to the entire collection of the highest quality crystal embellishments created in Swarovski’s world renowned factory in Austria.  From flat back rhinestones to pointed backs in every shape and color; from beads, buttons, banding and trim; from crystal zippers and custom transfer designs; and beyond, following Swarovski’s new technology.  We are proud to carry Preciosa Genuine Czech Crystal, representing the full Viva 12 line, as well as flat back shapes, hot fix and pointed back rhinestones.  Our private label, PriceLess Crystal, provides first-class sparkle on a modest budget, and we’ve found the best economical option in the Superior Acrylic line.  You’ll also find sequins, metals and appliques, as well as the tools of the trade to complete your creation with confidence.  We’ve developed a full collection of quality crystal Performance Jewelry for both children and adults, and our trend-setting Crystal Market collection keeps the hottest accessories within your customers’ reach.

Our service…

We strive to make your experience positive and professional as you make your own vision come alive.  In addition to our extensive product knowledge and extended product line, we offer resources to inspire your creative endeavors- at no extra cost.  Trend forecasting, product research, tools and tutorials are available online, ready when you need them; one-on-one consultations in our showroom provide a thorough understanding of the relationship between our products and your creation.  Our business services are designed to help your company grow, at any stage, large or small.  From small-quantity to bulk sales and custom repackaging; through retail display, store packaging and price lists; to Reduced Rate Shipping and our Price Match Promise, we’re committed to helping you reach your goals.

The Price family

From the entire family here at Rhinestones Unlimited, we thank you for giving us the chance to help you -and your business- shine.