Just got these handmade lake blue rhinestone appliques and WOW - they're even more dazzling in person! The color is a perfect dreamy teal-blue that catches light like actual water.

I used them to upgrade a basic navy cocktail dress for a wedding. The mesh backing made sewing surprisingly easy - just pinned the curved edges along the neckline and used small whip stitches. Pro tip: Keep a thimble handy since those beads are dense!

What surprised me most was how flexible they are. I gently curved one around the dress's sweetheart neckline without any cracking. When I needed to trim a section near the strap, the beads stayed firmly anchored (but do reinforce cut edges like the reviews suggest).

After dry cleaning, the appliques look brand new - no loose stones or color fading. They've survived three events already! For the price, this level of craftsmanship is unreal. Currently plotting to use the second pair on a denim jacket...