History of Diamante Buckles and Diamante's

The very first, original rhinestones were actually small rock crystals that were washed up on the river Rhine in Europe.  These were gathered up by the local population and provided a cheap alternative to real diamonds. 

In 1775 Georg Friedrich Strass developed the idea by covering small glass chippings with a metal powder.  These were then and still are refered to "Strass" in many European countries.

More recently in 1955, Aurora Borealis diamante's were developed.  Which involved covering small crystals with a thin iridescent metallic coat with the ability to reflect any colour it comes into contact with.

In modern times, rhinestones, diamante or crystals come in a wide variety of forms such as round, flat back, hotfix, buckles to name but a few and can be used for a wide variety of purposes.  For example they are used to decorate clothes and costumes, tiara's, low cost jewelry, arts and craft as well as decoration invitations and other wedding related items.

Diamante buckles were originally designed to be used as decoratative items on shoes.  However with the increase in handmade wedding invitations, stationers looked for ways to make more extravagent and special designs and this is were the introduction of diamante buckles started.

For more information about rhinestones and diamante's, click here.