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Cleaning
Cleaning vintage jewelry, including rhinestones, takes time and patience. Never, ever
submerge or dip a piece of costume jewelry. Moisture behind the
stones can destroy the foil backing. Even though the stones
appear to be sturdy, they are sensitive to temperature.
- Examine each piece through a magnifying glass or loupe. This
is a good time to tighten loose prongs or close o-rings.
- Pour a small amount of alcohol in a small glass bowl. Hold
the piece upside down to keep moisture from getting behind the
stones and destroying the foil backing.
- Dip a soft toothbrush in the alcohol and tap to remove any
excess. Gently brush the stones and crevices, with the piece
upside down. Lay the piece upside down on a towel to dry.
- Continue this process until all pieces are done. Allow about
ten minutes for drying. Don't try to hurry the process and skip
the drying period. Turning the piece upside down before it is
dry allows moisture to seep in behind the stone and may ruin
your piece.
Storing
How you store your vintage jewelry depends upon the
space that you have available, your budget, and whether you want
to display them, wear them, or simply protect them. Here are some
tips for safely storing your jewelry:
- Temperature change - Any extreme change in temperature can
affect stone settings and glue.
- Moisture - Moisture is the worst enemy of costume jewelry.
Not only can it destroy the foil backing of rhinestones; it
can also damage the metals used.
- Space - Vintage jewelry must never be allowed to rest on
top of another piece or be jostled together. This can dislodge
or scratch stones.
- Oak - Oak cabinets or boxes can release fumes that damage costume
jewelry.
- Cardboard boxes - Even the cute little boxes that jewelry
is sold in has been treated with sulpher, which turnishes gold
and silver.
Good storage choices:
- Ziplock bags
- Metal drawers
- Plastic boxes
- Soft cloth
- Curio cabinets
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