How to Read a Rhinestone Sizes Chart ?

SS vs. PP – Your Guide to Rhinestone Sizing

Confused about SS and PP? This guide compares Swarovski, Preciosa & Crystalunite sizing in one clear reference.

If you have ever bought rhinestones online or in a craft store, you have most likely come across terms like SS5, PP, or Swarovski vs. Preciosa, but may not have known exactly what they mean. Fortunately, all of this information is brought together in one handy reference tool — the Rhinestone Sizes Chart.

This tutorial will teach you how to read and use a rhinestone size chart, so you can confidently compare brands, choose the right size, and avoid unnecessary purchasing mistakes.

What Is a Rhinestone Sizes Chart?

A rhinestone sizes chart is a reference table that typically includes: SS numbers and their corresponding diameters in millimetres; for smaller stones, it sometimes also lists the corresponding PP numbers.

It is a universal "translation" tool within the industry, because different manufacturers may use different naming systems, but the chart brings all the information together on one page for easy viewing.

Basic Information: SS and PP

Before you read the chart, you need to understand these two terms:

• SS (Stone Size) – the standard sizing system for round rhinestones. The higher the number, the larger the diameter.
• PP (Pearl Plate) – an older sizing system mainly used for pointed‑back stones (chatons). For smaller stones with a diameter ≤ 4.2 mm, the packaging usually shows both the PP number and the SS number for easy cross‑reference.

Rhinestone Size Conversion Chart (Master Table)

Rhinestone Size Chart – PP and SS with Corresponding Diameter (mm)
Suitable for Chaton, Flatback Hotfix Stone, and Non-Hotfix Stone.

Reputable brands all follow industry standards to plan their rhinestone size ranges and to ensure consistent mass production. Tolerances between different brands are typically found in the second decimal place.

Hotfix Stone Size Comparison Framework

Below is a typical Hotfix Stone size comparison table — let's go through it step by step:

In practice, you can use this table as follows:

• Find the number by diameter: Look at the "Diameter" column to match your project's requirement (for example, if you need stones around 2 mm → look for SS6).
• Compare across brands: If all brands offer SS10, their sizes are essentially the same (2.7–2.9 mm).

How to Choose After Reading the Table

Once you have understood the table, you can make a quick decision:

• If you want maximum brilliance → choose Swarovski elements. Suitable for high‑end jewellery, bridal wear, and luxury accessories.
• For professional quality at a reasonable price → choose Preciosa crystals. Lead‑free, environmentally friendly, reliable performance, and commonly used by designers.
• For bulk purchasing and cost control → choose Crystalunite rhinestones. Its quality meets the requirements of mid‑to‑high‑end apparel brands, offering great value for large orders.

Final Reminders for Reading the Chart

• Pay attention to the unit – all measurements in the table are in millimetres.
• Remember that "approx." means there is a small tolerance, usually within ±0.1 mm.
• If you mix different brands, always test samples first, because differences in cutting or coating may affect the final visual effect.