Schmucksteine

Schmucksteine is a German term used to describe stones employed in jewelry making and decorative crafts. The category covers natural gemstones as well as synthetic or imitation stones designed for adornment. While the term literally means "jewelry stones," in practice it encompasses a wide range of materials used for embellishment rather than for the stone’s mineral value.

Common materials include natural gemstones such as quartz or agate, together with synthetic stones such as cubic zirconia or lab-grown crystals. In costume jewelry and crafts, rhinestones made of glass or crystal (often marketed as Strass) and various plastics or resins provide affordable sparkle. Stones are manufactured in different shapes, such as faceted, cabochon, or flat-backed forms for gluing or setting.

Uses and applications: Schmucksteine are sold to jewelry makers, hobbyists, and crafters for decorative purposes. They can be mounted in metal settings, sewn onto fabric, or glued onto surfaces such as leather or wood. The choice of material influences price, durability, and appearance; natural stones carry rarity and value, while imitations offer affordability and broader color options.

Care and terminology: Care depends on the material; fragile natural stones require gentle cleaning, while glass, crystal, or plastic stones can be wiped with a damp cloth and stored separately to prevent scratching. In catalogs and guides, Schmucksteine are categorized by material (mineral gems, glass/crystal, plastic), backing type (flat-back, sew-on, hot-fix), and setting style.