Posts Tagged ‘rhinestone bracelet’
An Abridged History of Rhinestone Jewelry
When you think of rhinestones, you might be forgiven for looking back fondly on the late ’70s and early ’80s. Back then, Glen Campbell had sent the popular fashion accessory into the stratosphere with his chart-topping hit “Rhinestone Cowboy.” In fact, rhinestones have been used as embellishments on garments and highlights in jewelry for centuries. In the 13th century, the merchant elite in Bohemia wore them in Prague and other cultural centers.
In the 1920s, famous fashion designer Coco Chanel was instrumental in bringing about a style revolution. The de facto dress code had changed from modest and conservative to loose and unrestrained. Colorful gems were all the rage, and the colored glass pieces of rhinestone jewelry became popular across America. As we all know, fashion is cyclical. It should come as no surprise that these accoutrements have once again found favor in fashionable circles.
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.