Not just a Trend, but a Glittering Piece of Culture

Rhinestones are back - and we love it! At festivals, they shimmer on bare skin, in clubs they sparkle on eyelids, and on vintage jeans, they tell stories of past eras reimagined. Once seen as a kitschy substitute for real diamonds, rhinestones are making a major comeback in 2025 - cooler, more conscious, and more creative than ever.

But this hype didn’t come out of nowhere. Rhinestones are more than just bling, they’re part of cultural history. And their roots lead to a place many in Switzerland know well: the Rhine.

From the River to Your Face: The Origin of Rhinestones

Before highlighter existed, stones sparkled naturally: so-called Rheinkiesel - small quartz crystals that shimmered in sunlight like tiny diamonds. They were collected along the Rhine, polished, and worn as jewelry. The English word "rhinestone" still reflects that origin.

But with natural crystals being rare, and real gemstones expensive, people began searching for alternatives. Around 1730, French jeweler Georg Friedrich Strass developed a method of coating glass with metallic powders, creating the first artificial gemstone look. This jeweler’s name lives on today, as "Strass" became the German word for rhinestones.

Rhinestones are: inspired by nature, but shinier and accessible to everyone - glamour to go. Strass democratized sparkle and gave glitter a whole new stage, far from royal courts and opera houses.

How Rhinestones Are Shining Again in 2025

Nearly 300 years later, rhinestones are back, right at the intersection of nostalgia and self-expression. The early 2000s are having a full-on revival: Y2K looks, Destiny’s Child vibes, low-rise jeans, and glitter in places it doesn’t usually belong. But Gen Z is giving it their own spin:

• Rhinestone tattoos in the shape of butterflies, mini logos or symbols - placed on shoulders, collarbones, or hips.
• Face gems at the corners of the eyes, as eyeliner, or as forehead details - inspired by Euphoria, reinvented for festivals.
• Glittery details on clothing - jeans, belts, bags - often DIY, thoughtfully styled, and ideally secondhand.

Rhinestones today are more than just bling. They’re a message, a tool for creativity, a statement that says: anyone can shine.

5 Festival Looks with Rhinestones You’ll Love

In everyday life, rhinestones turn heads - at festivals, they’re practically a must.

1. Y2K Butterfly Butterfly tattoo on the hip, low-rise jeans, and a sparkling belt. Britney would be proud.

2. Glitter Grunge Band tee, fishnets, rhinestone freckles. For the ones who’d rather dance than pose.

3. Desert Disco Mesh top, rhinestone chest tattoos, vintage shorts with glitter seams. Don’t forget the drama shades.

4. Dollycore Meets Western Fringe jacket (secondhand, please), pink rhinestone cap, cowboy boots with star details. Playful, with a point.

5. Clean Sparkle White tank top, linen pants, one rhinestone at the inner corner of the eye. Minimal but meaningful.

More Sparkle, Less Waste

Rhinestones were never just decoration, they’ve always been a mood. Once on stage, now on TikTok. From Y2K butterflies and glitter belts to face gems, they’ve reclaimed their place as a symbol of individuality, creativity, and a little bling-fueled rebellion.

And the best part? You don’t need a massive shopping haul to level up your look. A secondhand denim jacket, a few rhinestones, and some glue - that’s all it takes to create your personal festival piece. Sustainable, stylish, 100% you.

Want first dibs on the coolest secondhand pieces?

Join the Circlin waitlist now and be part of a new way to shop: smarter, more conscious, and way more fun.

✨ Because sparkle never goes out of style.