So often in vintage jewelry groups I hear people say that you should never get your rhinestone jewelry wet.
This just isn't true. The card above from the company B. David recommends washing your jewelry regularly to keep it looking its best. Perfumes, hairspray and body oils can all contribute to your jewelry losing its sparkle. In fact, rhinestones are set into these pieces before they are plated, the plating process involves submerging in water. So how did the myth about not washing come to be? I think because we've all seen pieces with damaged foil (dark spots, yellowing, cloudiness) and assumed that water must be the culprit.
I set out to prove this was not the case, get ready for SCIENCE!
I chose 3 test mediums, glass cleaner with ammonia (which B. David warns against but many people recommend) water, and acetone. I chose these to compare the safety of each for foil backed stones. My test subjects were two types of rhinestones: Modern Chinese foiled stone (not appropriate for vintage settings) and vintages rhinestone with slightly imperfect foil.
I placed one of each stone into each jar of my test mediums and waited 2 hours.
As you can see, after 2 hours in the glass cleaner the foil is badly damaged on both stones.
Water has had no effect.
The acetone has opened a small hole on the Chinese stone, no effect on the vintage stone.
To be thorough I replaced the stones in the test mediums for a further 22 hours.
To be thorough I replaced the stones in the test mediums for a further 22 hours.
The stones are now nearly completely clean of foil after 24 hours in glass cleaner.
The water has had no effect on either stone.
The Chinese stone has lost most of its foil while the vintage remains unchanged.
So what does this tell us?
1. Washing your jewelry with water is completely fine! As recommended, dry upside down and make sure it is completely dry before storing. This precaution is to avoid verdigris and rust, not damage to the foil. You can use silica packets to absorb extra moisture in humid environments. This is why I recommend against plastic bags.
2. Using acetone on vintage pieces to remove glue is safe for your foil. Do not use acetone on faux pearls or vintage plastics, they will melt.
3. NEVER use glass cleaner with ammonia on your rhinestone pieces.
So what does this tell us?
1. Washing your jewelry with water is completely fine! As recommended, dry upside down and make sure it is completely dry before storing. This precaution is to avoid verdigris and rust, not damage to the foil. You can use silica packets to absorb extra moisture in humid environments. This is why I recommend against plastic bags.
2. Using acetone on vintage pieces to remove glue is safe for your foil. Do not use acetone on faux pearls or vintage plastics, they will melt.
3. NEVER use glass cleaner with ammonia on your rhinestone pieces.
4. Glass cleaner with ammonia is effective for intentionally removing foil. You can also soak your stones in vinegar and salt to remove foil.
TO WASH: I usually do not use soap, just hold the piece under running water and scrub with a soft toothbrush, then dry upside down in a sunny windowsill or use a hair dryer on low to ensure the item is completely dry before storing. If your item has glued in stones you may want to clean over a sieve in case any come loose.
TO WASH: I usually do not use soap, just hold the piece under running water and scrub with a soft toothbrush, then dry upside down in a sunny windowsill or use a hair dryer on low to ensure the item is completely dry before storing. If your item has glued in stones you may want to clean over a sieve in case any come loose.
I hope this is helpful for anyone looking to properly care for their rhinestone jewelry!
Sparkle on!