Clear / Crystal
Maximum light reflection. Reads as white light on most garments. High contrast on dark substrates.
Color planning guide
Rhinestone color is a
lighting decision.
Every rhinestone color reads differently on different garments, under different lighting, and from different viewing distances. The stone chart and physical sample are the only reliable approvals — not a screen color picker.
Color families
Six families, six behaviors.
Each family behaves differently on different garment colors and under different lighting. The current stone chart and physical sample are the definitive references.
AB (Aurora Borealis)
Iridescent multi-colour shift. Appearance changes significantly with lighting angle and garment color.
Gold / Champagne
Warm amber to gold tones. Works with earth tones, cream, black, and navy substrates.
Jet / Black
Absorbs light rather than reflecting it. Creates graphic contrast on light garments.
Color family
Red, blue, green, pink, and other single-hue stones. Each has distinct light behavior at different saturation levels.
Mixed color map
Multiple stone colors in one transfer. Each color zone requires its own reference and alignment decision in the approved map.
Color swatches above are illustrative only — never a production approval. Use the current LCHOTFIX stone chart for actual color references.
Approval factors
Color approval needs four contexts.
Stone chart
The current physical stone chart is the reference. Colors shift between suppliers, batches, and catalog versions.
Garment color
Dark garments amplify contrast and sparkle. Light or bright garments can reduce the effective visual separation between stone and base.
Lighting condition
Studio lighting, stage lighting, retail fluorescents, sunlight, and blacklight each produce different stone appearance results.
Viewing distance
Color precision matters more at close range. A 30 cm transfer seen from 5 m requires less color precision than a 5 cm chest motif seen at arm's length.
Multi-color guidance
Each color zone is a separate decision.
When a transfer uses more than one stone color, every zone requires its own stone reference, spacing rule, and alignment confirmation in the artwork map. Color-map changes made after sample approval may require a new sample.
- Step 1
Define the zones
Mark each color zone on the approved artwork. Zones that share a stone row or border require specific spacing decisions.
- Step 2
Reference each color
Assign a current stone chart code to each zone. Do not use color names alone — the same name can describe very different stones across batches.
- Step 3
Check the garment contrast
Confirm each zone reads clearly against the specific garment color and surface.
- Step 4
Approve on sample
The color approval happens on a physical sample applied to the actual garment — not on a screen mockup or color proof.
Color selection FAQ
Can rhinestone colors be selected from a screen image?
A screen image can support initial orientation but is not a production approval. Display calibration, photography conditions, garment color, and stage or retail lighting all affect how a rhinestone reads. Use the current stone chart and a physical sample to confirm the final color selection.
How does the garment base color affect rhinestone color selection?
The garment color changes how a rhinestone reads. A clear or light-color crystal on a dark garment catches more contrast and sparkle. On a light garment, the same stone may appear less defined. Color selection decisions must account for the actual garment color and fabric finish.
What is an AB rhinestone?
AB stands for Aurora Borealis — a multi-colour iridescent coating applied to the stone surface. AB stones shift colour under different lighting angles and are recorded in several LCHOTFIX catalog references including the AB crystal baseball cap. The AB effect is confirmed by physical sample, not screen preview.
How many colors can be in one rhinestone transfer?
Multiple stone colors in a single transfer are possible. Each color is a separate production decision — its stone reference, spacing relationship to adjacent colors, and visual separation must all be confirmed in the artwork map before sampling.
Related guides
Stone size planning guide →Czech vs DMC material guide →Artwork file preparation guide →Sample approval checklist →
Ready to confirm colors?
Send the garment, artwork, stone chart references, intended lighting, and quantity.