A typical problem with antique rhinestone jewellery is that the stones sometimes have started to appear a bit yellowy. This is simply not the rock crystal aging but is generally the epoxy that bonds the crystal onto the backing that’s getting older and getting hard.
The stone may lose its sparkle because of oxidation after exposure to sunlight, air and pollution for a period of time however in most cases the cleaning procedure is easy and cheap and you’ll be able to do the clean-up yourself at home.
You will find numerous various opinions on the best method to clean antique rhinestone jewellery, however, the foil backing on the crystal could be the thing that brings about the most complications.
The safest method to clean retro rhinestone jewelry would be to spray it with compressed air to release up the dirt then wipe it down using a soft, lint-free rag and use a cotton bud dipped in surgical spirit to clean the tiny crevices.
Some people merely use water and soap and brush the stone using a toothbrush to clean it but by doing this, you chance getting the metal foil damp which could turn the color black.
After you have finished the cleaning procedure, wipe the rhinestone dry using a fresh dry cloth or make use of a hair dryer on low heat or even cool air setting to speed up the drying process.
If you see that the stone has started to be yellowish at the bottom, it may be as a result of oxidation of the glue holding the stone and the metal foil. In which case, the problem is below the stone and it might not be feasible for you to clean it without removing the stone.
If this occurs, so that you don’t chance additional damage, you may have to send the rhinestone jewelry to an expert for cleaning.
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