Rhinestones are decorative stones that are made to look like diamonds. The word "rhinestone" comes from the German word "rhin," which means "nose," and refers to the Rhine River, which is known for its abundance of quartz crystals.
These crystals were originally cut and used as imitation diamonds in jewelry, and the term "rhinestone" was coined to describe them.
Today, rhinestones are often made from other materials such as acrylic or glass, and are used in a wide range of applications, including costume jewelry, fashion accessories, and even home decor. They are known for their shimmering, sparkling appearance, which is achieved through the use of multiple facets on the surface of the stone.
Modern references to Rhinestones
Rhinestones became popular on the release of the song "Rhinestone Cowboy" recorded by Glen Campbell. It was written by Larry Weiss and was released in 1975, it became a massive hit, reaching number one on the Billboard Hot Country Singles chart and the Billboard Hot 100 chart. It also became a crossover hit, reaching the top 40 on the Adult Contemporary chart.
The song tells the story of a rodeo performer who has seen and done it all in his career and is now looking back on his life with a sense of nostalgia and longing. The lyrics reference several western themes, including cowboys, horses, and the open road. The title refers to the rhinestones that are often used to decorate cowboy clothing and accessories, and the phrase "Rhinestone Cowboy" has since become a cultural touchstone for the country and western lifestyle.
"Rhinestone Cowboy" is known for its catchy, upbeat melody and its sing-along chorus, and it remains a popular song to this day, with many artists covering it over the years. It was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame in 2004, and it was included in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's list of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll.