When shopping for flatback rhinestones, you may have come across terms like transparent, transmission or unfoiled crystals and wondered what they actually mean.
Many customers ask us about clear versus transparent crystals, and while they may sound similar, they actually create very different effects once applied.
In this guide, we'll explain exactly what transparent rhinestones are, what transparent AB (also known as transmission) rhinestones are, and how to use them in your embellishment projects.
What Are Transparent Rhinestones?
So, what are transparent rhinestones?
Transparent rhinestones are crystals that do not have the usual silver mirror foil backing on the base. This means they are completely see-through, almost like tiny pieces of glass. Unlike traditional foiled rhinestones, transparent crystals allow the colour of the surface underneath to show through the crystal itself. These are also commonly known as unfoiled crystals.
Because there is no mirrored foil backing, transparent rhinestones create a softer, more delicate sparkle compared to traditional clear crystals, which are considered more sparkly and blingy.
Clear Versus Transparent: What's the Difference?
One of the most common questions we hear is: what's the difference between clear and transparent rhinestones?
Although both are colourless crystals, the key difference is the backing. A foiled rhinestone, whether hotfix or non-hotfix, has a solid foil base. On a transparent rhinestone, there is no foil, it appears textured and see-through, like a bathroom window.
Clear Rhinestones
Traditional clear rhinestones have a silver mirror foil backing on the base.
This foil reflects light back through the crystal, creating a very bright, diamond-like sparkle. The backing also blocks the surface colour underneath from showing through.
Clear crystals are ideal when you want maximum sparkle, a bright reflection and a bold crystal effect.
Transparent Rhinestones
Transparent rhinestones are completely unfoiled.
Because there is no silver backing, the crystal becomes see-through and much more subtle. The fabric or surface colour underneath becomes part of the overall effect.
Transparent crystals are perfect when you want a softer sparkle and more delicate finish, and are ideal if you want to see the colour of the surface material shine through.
So when discussing clear versus transparent, think of it this way:
- Clear = bright mirror sparkle
- Transparent = subtle glass like sparkle
What Are Transmission or Transparent AB Crystals?
Transparent AB crystals, also known as transmission, are transparent rhinestones with an Aurora Borealis coating added over the top.
This means they still remain see-through, but they also reflect rainbow tones and surrounding colours beautifully.
These are often referred to as:
- Transmission crystals
- Transparent AB rhinestones
- Unfoiled AB crystals
Like transparent, they have a similar textured backing, without foil, allowing the surface colour to shine through.
Why Customers Love Transparent AB Crystals
One of the biggest advantages of transparent AB rhinestones is their versatility. If you're struggling to choose a crystal colour, transparent AB is often the perfect solution. They pick up the colour of the fabric underneath, and reflect the colour that surrounds them. So, if you have several fabrics in different colours, and you want the AB rainbow effect, instead of buying Pink AB, Blue AB, Green AB, Yellow AB etc, you can simply use Transparent AB, which will reflect different shades depending on the background colour.
This makes transmission crystals especially popular for:
- Bridal wear
- Dance costumes
- Figure skating outfits
- Accessories
- Costume making
- Fashion design
You can also see a difference in the rhinestones when used on black and white fabrics. For example, Transparent AB on a black or dark background will reflect more greens, oranges and yellows, whereas on a white or lighter background, they will reflect pink and purple.
Why Use Transparent Crystals?
There are several reasons why designers and embellishers choose unfoiled clear crystals over traditional foiled stones.
1. Perfect for Delicate Fabrics or bridal wear
When embellishing fabrics like mesh, chiffon, silk, lace, netting or organza, the back of the rhinestone may sometimes be visible from the reverse side. With traditional clear crystals, you would see the silver foil backing, making it look ugly or unfinished. But with transparent crystals, the back looks just as neat and colourless as the front. This is a particularly useful method for embellishing wedding veils.
2. Subtle Sparkle
Sometimes you don't want a heavy, dramatic sparkle. Transparent rhinestones are ideal when you want embellishment that enhances a design rather than dominating it, this is why they're often used in bridal couture and elegant performance wear. They are also often favoured for adding a subtle, sophisticated sparkle to men's dancewear.
3. They Match Everything
Transparent crystals are particularly useful for customers who can't decide on a colour.
Because they reflect surrounding shades and allow the surface colour to shine through, they work beautifully across many different fabrics and materials.
Best Uses for Transparent and Transmission Rhinestones
Transparent and transmission crystals work especially well for:
Bridal Wear - A favourite for wedding dresses, veils and bridal accessories because the sparkle is soft and elegant.
Dance and Performance Costumes - Perfect for adding shimmer to detailed costumes without affecting the original fabric colour.
Nail Art - Transparent AB crystals create a beautiful iridescent finish that changes in different lighting.
Intricate detailed designs - If you want to add sparkle without hiding the background, transparent rhinestones are perfect!
How to Apply Transparent Rhinestones
Applying hotfix transparent and transparent AB rhinestones is exactly the same as applying standard foiled hotfix rhinestones. We recommend using a hotfix applicator wand, heatpress or household iron.
A hotfix applicator wand is a fantastic tool for picking up and applying hotfix rhinestones to fabric or other surfaces without the need for glue, as the glue is already incorporated into the stone and is activated by the heat.
- When you know which crystal size you are working with, screw the corresponding metal tip into the applicator wand. It is important to do this before turning on the power.
- Turn on the wand, wait for it to heat to temperature and pick up the rhinestone, shiny side facing upwards. You will see the glue on the back of the stone start to bubble after a few seconds – this is how you know it's hot enough to apply.
- As soon as the bubbling starts, firmly place the rhinestone onto the desired area, press down to ensure the glue has bonded, then pull the wand away – the rhinestone will stay attached to the fabric.
When heatfixing transparent rhinestones, you will see the difference in clarity of the stone once the glue has melted. Before hotfix application, the crystal looks very cloudy and bubbly – this is just the glue on the base. Once that glue has melted and adhered to your surface, it will become a lot clearer.
Conclusion
Understanding clear versus transparent crystals can make a huge difference when choosing the right rhinestones for your project.
If you want bold sparkle and bright reflection, traditional clear foiled rhinestones are the perfect choice. But if you're looking for something softer, more elegant and versatile, transparent and transmission crystals are absolutely beautiful.
Now that you know what are transparent rhinestones, and what's the difference between clear and transparent rhinestones, you can confidently choose the best option for your next design.
Whether you're working on bridal couture, dancewear, nail art or delicate fashion pieces, transparent and transparent AB crystals offer a unique and stunning finish that works beautifully with almost any colour or fabric.