Archive for the ‘Care and Cleaning’ Category
Repairing Rhinestone Belts and Chains
Rhinestone belts are definitely made to wear and, as with any item of clothing, some times, accidents happen. Once a chain, or line, of rhinestones has been broken there are two ways to repair it. The break often occurs when the double “T” connector fails. This is usually the result of the chain being pulled on too tightly, or bent with too much pressure. To be repaired, the damaged “T” and the cup holding it must be removed. Gently straighten the four prongs and remove the stone. With the tip of a pair of needle nose pliers, gently spread the cup open and remove the damaged “T”. Perform the same procedure on the next cup and remove the stone. Then gently spread the cup open and insert the two exposed “T’s” into the cup to repair the chain. Once this is done, gently squeeze the cup closed to secure the “T’s” in place and reset the stones, carefully bending the prongs to secure the stones. The chain is now repaired.
An alternative method of repair is to wire the broken segments to together using a thin wire, such as that found in a twist tie. To repair, wrap the wire around the space before the broken link. Holding the broken segments together, continue to wrap the wire around the space following the break. this should secure the chain so that it is usable. If done correctly, the connection should not be too noticeable.
NOTE: SOLDERING WITH A HOME MODEL SOLDERING GUN WILL NOT HOLD. Also, the heat generated will cause the metal to turn black, and the foil behind the stone will turn dark, making the stone appear black.
How to Care For and Clean Rhinestone Jewelry II
How to Clean Rhinestone Jewelry:
A soft cloth with alcohol is the best way to gently clean rhinestone jewelry. Since the sparkle of rhinestones is the reflection of the foil backing on each stone, it is important: Do Not use any solvent that can destroy or affect this backing. Water and other liquids can cause the foil to separate or tarnish, ruining the rhinestone.
Other than keeping your rhinestone jewelry clean, it is also important to properly store your jewelry. Rather than just tossing your jewelry into a jewelry box, rhinestone jewelry should be stored in an air tight zip lock bag. This will reduce the effect air has on the finish.
Rhinestone jewelry is officially listed internationally as “imitation jewelry.” As such, the metals used are of low quality, meaning that you will rarely, if ever, find rhinestone jewelry which actually uses gold, silver, or other precious metal. The plating will fade over time as a result of exposure to air and body oils. When this happens, there is no way to reverse this. Rhinestone jewelry has a lifespan, and will deteriorate over time, unlike jewelry made of gold or silver.
This shorter “life span” however, is a compromise for price. A simple pair of rhinestone stud earrings may cost $2-$10, whereas a pair of CZ stud earrings set in 10K gold would cost $40-$50, and the same size diamond stud earrings, even with low quality diamonds, may cost $150 or more. Unfortunately, unlike diamonds, rhinestones do not last forever. However, with proper care, you can extend the life of rhinestone costume jewelry for quite a long time.
How to Care For and Clean Rhinestone Jewelry
Rhinestone jewelry is costume jewelry made of base metal, a simple alloy. Most costume jewelry does not contain nickel. Better quality rhinestone costume jewelry uses brass as a base metal. The coatings used vary, but seldom contain real silver or gold. Unlike real silver and gold jewelry, with rhinestone costume jewelry, the silver-tone or gold-tone finish will oxidize and wear off over time. Before we discuss actual cleaning, let’s talk a little about how a piece of rhinestone jewelry is put together. Rhinestones can be set into jewelry in two ways – castings or prong settings:
With castings, a mold is made of base metal and rhinestones are glued into place. This is the least expensive method of producing rhinestone jewelry, and usually uses the lowest quality products.
With prong settings, rhinestones are set in individual cups. point side down, and secured with 4 prongs, one in each corner. Each cup is connected to the next by a double “T” connector forming a chain. The quality of this product is dependant upon the quality of the metal used. The “softer” the metal, the weaker the setting and the more likely the stone will fall out. This chain is formed into the desired design and soldered into place. The smoothness of the soldering is also an indication of the quality of the product.