Material FAQ
FAQ – Product Terms & Materials
What’s the difference between Cubic Zirconia, Rhinestones, K9, and Crystal?
Cubic Zirconia (CZ)
- A lab-created gemstone, often used as a diamond alternative.
- High brilliance and strong fire (sparkle).
- Jewelry-grade, more expensive than glass or rhinestones.
Rhinestones
- Originally made from natural rock crystal, now mostly glass or acrylic.
- Shiny effect created by a reflective foil backing.
- Mostly used for clothing, crafts, and decorations.
- Inexpensive and mass-produced.
K9 Crystal (Optical Glass)
- A type of high-quality optical glass with excellent clarity.
- Used in chandeliers, ornaments, and some jewelry.
- More durable and clearer than regular rhinestones, but not as brilliant as CZ.
Crystal (e.g., Swarovski, Natural Quartz Crystal)
- Can mean natural quartz crystal or branded high-end lead glass crystal.
- Known for clarity and brilliance, often cut with precision.
- Used in luxury jewelry and decorative pieces.
**** Summary ****
Cubic Zirconia (CZ) = Gemstone quality, diamond alternative.
Crystal = Natural or branded luxury material.
K9 = High-quality optical glass, in-between CZ and rhinestones.
Rhinestones = Decorative glass/acrylic, cheapest option.
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What does “Glow in the Dark” mean?
“Glow in the Dark” items need to absorb light (sunlight, strong light, or UV light) before they glow. Once charged, they will shine softly in the dark for a short period of time, and the glow will gradually fade. To refresh the glow, simply expose them to light again.
What does “Photochromic” mean?
“Photochromic” items change color when exposed to sunlight or UV light, and return to their original shade when the light source is gone. Unlike glow-in-the-dark items, they do not glow on their own in darkness — instead, they shift colors in response to light.
What are “Flat Back Resins”?
Flat back resins have a smooth back surface without holes (unless otherwise specified). They are designed to be glued onto flat surfaces, making them perfect for nail art, phone cases, resin crafts, or scrapbooking projects.
What are “Beads”?
Our beads come in different styles:
- Round (no hole) – Meant for gluing on surfaces.
- Through-hole – A hole running side-to-side, perfect for stringing.
- Top-hole (pendant style) – A hole at the top, ideal for hanging on chains or keychains.
What are “Luminous Sunny Dolls”?
“Luminous Sunny Dolls” are inspired by the traditional Japanese Teru Teru Bozu (sunny dolls). They are designed as cute little characters believed to bring sunshine and ward off rainy days. Many of them include a glow-in-the-dark effect that lights up after absorbing light, adding a magical touch.
What does “Baroque” mean?
“Baroque” charms or beads feature an irregular, organic shape instead of being perfectly symmetrical. Each piece is one-of-a-kind, giving your craft projects an artistic and unique style.
What does “Flocking” mean?
“Flocking” is a technique where tiny velvet-like fibers are applied to the surface of an item, creating a soft, fuzzy texture that feels cozy and adds dimension to your craft designs.
What does “Plated Finish” mean?
“Plated Finish” means a thin metallic or colorful coating is applied to the surface of the item through an electroplating process. This gives the charm a shiny or metallic look, but please note that the plating is not permanent and may fade or wear off over time with use.
What is “Aurora Crystal / AB Effect”?
“Aurora Crystal” (also known as AB Color) refers to beads or resin/glass charms with a special Aurora Borealis coating. This effect creates a shimmering, rainbow-like glow that changes color when viewed from different angles, adding an enchanting sparkle to your crafts. Usually Aurora Crystal refers to mini nail charms.
What are “Soft Gel Flowers”?
Soft Gel Flowers are handmade resin flowers with a flexible, soft-touch finish. They look delicate and realistic, making them ideal for nail art, resin projects, and DIY decorations. Small imperfections may occur naturally due to the handmade process.