If you're new to the world of rhinestones and embellishing, you might have seen the word 'gross' pop up when browsing or ordering crystals. So, what does it actually mean?
Put simply, a gross is a traditional unit of measurement, commonly used in the craft and embellishment world. It equals 12 dozen, or 144 pieces. You'll find this term used when rhinestones are sold in larger quantities – especially when you're buying rhinestones in bulk.
Here's a quick breakdown of how the numbers add up:
1 gross = 144 pieces
2 gross = 288 pieces
10 gross = 1,440 pieces
0.5 gross = 72 pieces
0.25 gross = 36 pieces
1 dozen = 12 pieces
Why Buy Rhinestones by the Gross?
If you're a fashion designer, nail artist, costumier, milliner, blinger or crafter, you'll know just how quickly crystals can disappear when you're in the middle of a project. Whether you're covering a dance dress in Preciosa flatback crystals or adding Zodiac sew on stones to a costume, having plenty of stock on hand is a must.
That's where understanding rhinestone quantities comes in. Buying rhinestones in bulk – especially in full or half gross packs – not only saves money, but also ensures you won't run out halfway through your work. It's particularly handy when working with popular colours like Clear or AB, which are go-to choices for many creatives.
Buying rhinestones in bulk is also a smart money saving trick, here's a price breakdown of buying individual small packs compared with wholesale rhinestone packs:
| Product* | Small Pack Price (100 pieces) | Small Pack Price (per piece) | Wholesale Pack Price (1440 pieces) | Wholesale Pack Price (per piece) | Buying 1440 pieces in small packs vs wholesale packs |
| Preciosa SS16 Non Hotfix Clear | £4.45 | 0.045p | £40.50 | 0.028p | £72 vs £40.50 |
| Zodiac SS16 Non Hotfix Clear | £2.58 | 0.026p | £26.18 | 0.018p | £37.44 vs £26.18 |
| Preciosa SS20 Non Hotfix AB | £8.30 | 0.083p | £75.38 | 0.052p | £119.52 vs £75.38 |
| Zodiac SS20 Non Hotfix AB | £4.86 | 0.049p | £57.20 | 0.039p | £70.56 vs £57.20 |
Rhinestone Quantities by Size
While 1 gross always equals 144 pieces, the pack size can vary depending on the size of the rhinestones. Smaller stones are sold in larger quantities, while bigger ones come in smaller packs. Here's a simple guide:
SS3 to SS20 – usually sold in packs of 10 gross (1,440 pieces)
SS30 & SS34 – often packaged in 2 gross (288 pieces)
SS40 – typically comes in 1 gross (144 pieces)
SS48 – sold in 0.5 gross (72 pieces)
These figures are standard across most brands, including our best-selling Zodiac, Preciosa and Swarovski crystals.
Need Help Choosing?
If you're unsure how many rhinestones you'll need, or you'd like help working out how many gross will cover your design, please contact us - our team is always happy to help. We've got over 12 years of experience working with designers, dancers, drag artists, and hobbyists – so no question is too small.
At Crystal Parade, we offer a wide range of rhinestones in different pack sizes to suit all projects – whether you need a small amount for a one-off design or a bulk order for professional use. Check out our flatback rhinestones collection and find the perfect crystals for your next creation!
*This information relates to Preciosa Viva12 and Zodiac crystals. Other brands may vary.