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Explainer

Rhinestoning, bejeweling and blinging explained

Many words, one craft. Here is what each term usually means, and the method behind it.

Updated November 2026 · Canada

The terms

TermUsual meaning
Rhinestoning / rhinestone decoratingApplying rhinestones, often in patterns — the term dancers, cheer and costume makers use
BedazzlingThe everyday word, from the 1980s Bedazzler tool — see What is a bedazzler?
BejewelingDecorating with jewels or gems of any kind
BlingingAdding lots of sparkle, often crystals
Crystal decoratingUsing glass or premium crystal stones
Gemmaxxing / rhinestone-maxxingCovering objects in as many gems as possible (2026)
Bedazzle-maxxingCrystal-embellished sportswear and merch (Sportsish, 5 Jul 2026)

Which method to use

Not sure? Try the project finder.

Hotfix applicator kits

Heated wands with interchangeable tips, usually with glass hotfix stones.

Worthofbest Hotfix applicator kitWorthofbest

Hotfix applicator kit

SS10 / SS16 / SS20 · glass

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Jelly rhinestone kits

Tubs of resin flatbacks with glue, tweezers and a wax pick-up pen.

TINKRSTUFF Jelly rhinestone kitTINKRSTUFF

Jelly rhinestone kit

50,000 pcs · 3 mm · resin jelly · B7000 glue included

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TINKRSTUFF Jelly rhinestone kitTINKRSTUFF

Jelly rhinestone kit

38,000 pcs · 3 mm · resin jelly · B7000 glue included

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RTTHEL Jelly rhinestone kit, 40 colorsRTTHEL

Jelly rhinestone kit, 40 colors

50,000 pcs · 3 mm · resin jelly · B7000 glue included

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YKHSIY Jelly rhinestone kit, 60 colorsYKHSIY

Jelly rhinestone kit, 60 colors

48,000 pcs · 3 mm · resin jelly · B7000 glue included

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BELLEBOOST Jelly rhinestone kitBELLEBOOST

Jelly rhinestone kit

38,000 pcs · 3 mm · resin jelly · B7000 glue included

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Common questions

What is rhinestoning?

Decorating clothing or objects with rhinestones, usually with hotfix or glue. It is the common term in dance, cheer and costume making.

Is bejeweling the same as bedazzling?

In everyday use, yes: both mean decorating with gems or rhinestones.

What is the best rhinestone kit?

A hotfix kit for clothes, a jelly rhinestone kit for hard objects. See our guide to the best bedazzler kits.

Keep reading

Buying guideThe best bedazzling kits and rhinestone kits for your projectBedazzler kits, bedazzling kits, bedazzle sets, bejeweling kits — the names overlap, but the products don’t. Match the kit to what you are decorating and it will last.Trend guideGemmaxxing: how to gem-maxx anythingMore is more. Gemmaxxing swaps careful rhinestone rows for handfuls of chunky, mismatched gems.ComparisonHotfix vs glue-on rhinestonesBoth are flat-backed. The difference is where the glue comes from, and that decides what they will stick to.ExplainerWhat is a bedazzler?The word started as the name of one tool. Now it means almost anything that sticks rhinestones to things.

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