Tooth Gem Sizes Explained: A Crystal Size Guide for Tooth Gem Technicians

If you've ever shopped for tooth gems and wondered what SS2, SS3, SS5 or SS7 actually mean, you're not alone.

Crystal sizing can be confusing when you're first building your tooth gem collection, especially because crystals are often identified using an "SS" size rather than simply being listed in millimetres.

Understanding crystal sizes makes it much easier to choose the right gems, create balanced designs and build a versatile collection for your clients.

Here's what professional tooth gem artists should know

What Does SS Mean in Crystal Sizes?

"SS" refers to stone size, a sizing system commonly used for round crystals and rhinestones.

Rather than representing an exact measurement in millimetres, each SS designation corresponds to an approximate diameter range.

This means an SS3 crystal is larger than an SS2, an SS5 is larger than an SS3, and so on.

As the SS number increases, the crystal generally increases in diameter.

What Do Different Tooth Gem Sizes Look Like?

Even a difference of a fraction of a millimetre can be noticeable when a crystal is placed on a tooth.

Smaller sizes create a delicate appearance and are particularly useful when working with clusters or detailed designs. Mid-sized crystals are extremely versatile, while larger sizes create a stronger statement.

SS2

SS2 crystals are extremely small and delicate.

They're especially useful for intricate designs, tiny accents and filling small spaces between larger crystals. Artists creating detailed clusters may want to keep plenty of very small crystals available.

SS3

SS3 is still very small but provides slightly more visibility than SS2.

It's a useful size for delicate single placements, small accents and multi-gem designs.

SS4

SS4 offers a balance between a tiny accent crystal and a more noticeable gem.

It can work beautifully alongside both smaller and larger crystals, making it a useful addition to a professional collection.

SS5

SS5 is an incredibly versatile crystal size for tooth gem artists.

It provides noticeable sparkle without necessarily dominating the tooth and can work well for individual placements, clusters and more elaborate designs.

If you're building a tooth gem kit from scratch, versatile mid-range sizes such as SS5 are worth having available.

SS6

SS6 provides a little more presence while still remaining easy to incorporate into many different designs.

It can be used as a focal crystal or paired with smaller stones to create contrast.

SS7

SS7 crystals create a noticeably bolder appearance.

They're ideal when a client wants their tooth gem to stand out or when you need a larger focal point within a design.

SS8

SS8 is larger again and creates a more prominent statement.

Because teeth vary considerably in size and shape, larger crystals won't be suitable for every placement. Having several crystal sizes available allows the artist to choose an option that works with the available surface area and desired design.

What Is the Best Tooth Gem Size?

There isn't one universally "best" tooth gem size.

The ideal crystal depends on the client's tooth, the placement, the design and the overall look they're trying to achieve.

A client requesting a subtle sparkle may prefer a small round crystal, while someone looking for a statement gem may choose something larger.

Complex designs may use several sizes together.

For example, an artist might use a larger crystal as the focal point and surround it with smaller crystals to create a tapered or clustered effect.

This is why professional tooth gem artists benefit from carrying a range of crystal sizes rather than relying on one standard size.

Small vs Large Tooth Gems

Small tooth gems are particularly useful for:

• Delicate designs
• Tiny accents
• Clusters
• Filling spaces between shaped gems
• Clients wanting a subtle look

Larger gems are useful for:

• Statement placements
• Creating focal points
• Clients wanting more visible sparkle
• Designs requiring greater contrast between crystal sizes

Neither is inherently better — they simply create different effects.

What Tooth Gem Sizes Should Beginners Buy?

If you're just starting your collection, you don't necessarily need every size immediately.

Begin with several versatile sizes that allow you to create both simple placements and small designs. As you gain clients and discover which sizes you use most frequently, you can expand your collection.

It's also worth keeping at least one smaller size available for detailed work. Tiny crystals can be surprisingly useful when you're trying to complete a design and need something to fit into a very small space.

Why Crystal Size Matters for Tooth Gem Designs

Crystal size isn't only about how noticeable the gem looks.

Using multiple sizes creates dimension.

A design made entirely from identical crystals can look very symmetrical, while gradually changing the crystal sizes can create movement, tapering and more intricate patterns.

Once you begin experimenting with different sizes, your crystal collection essentially becomes a palette you can use to create your own signature designs.

Shop Tooth Gem Crystal Sizes at Gemira

Gemira carries premium crystals in a range of sizes selected for professional tooth gem artists.

From tiny accent crystals for detailed designs to larger statement stones, our collections make it easy to build a versatile selection for your clients.

Explore genuine Swarovski® crystals, Czech crystals, and premium Austrian crystals in a growing range of colours, sizes and shapes.