note* Epoxy 330 is not liked by experts mainly because if a previous
repair is done badly it is very difficult to remove the stone.  Hypo-tube
cement/glue is our glue of choice since it will allow several minutes to 
adjust the position of the stone and is long lasting and durable.

Tip*-Try experimenting the techniques below with a sample piece. ( A cheap piece of costume jewelry already missing a stone or a broken beyond repair, if you have them.) Remember the goal is when the repair is complete it should be difficult to tell. should be difficult to tell.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We can't stress enough that repairs should not be hurried!  Take your time, use patience and you will have excellent results.

Begin by setting up a safe work space with newspaper or saran wrap and your repair supplies.

Replacing Prong set Rhinestones

After locating the correct replacement stone. Gently straighten the prongs with a non metal tool, as to not scratch the stone. (plastic implement or small thin wooden stick) There are also special prong lifter tools available at craft/jewelry supply stores.  If the stone is also glue set, follow removal of glued stones below.   Make sure the area is clean where the new stone is going.  Center the new stone in the space and after double checking the size and color, push the prongs gently in place.

Replacing Missing Rhinestones

1. After locating the correct replacement stone. Make sure the surface (cup) ,where the new stone will be set, is free from dirt and left over old glue. The old dental tools are great for this.  Then try dry fitting the stones you will be replacing and check the cut, color ,clarity, brightness, height of stone and size in bright and dim light.  Use a loupe or magnifying glass to check the fit.

2.  On a safe protected surface covered with newspaper or saran wrap. Have
all your supplies ready.  We would suggest to have the replacement stones
your going to be using placed on a paper plate with the costume jewelry piece. You want to place them close to where they will be going for reference.  This
is especially helpful when stones are different sizes or similar sizes.  It will prevent gluing the stone in the wrong location.  You will only be replacing (setting) one stone at a time, but you can mix up glue for the whole job. 

3.  Squeeze out the amount of hypo-tube cement you will need for the job into the rhinestone cup where the new stone is going.  Then use the flat side of a toothpick to pick up any excess glue, if there is any.   Then put the rhinestone in place.  Make sure the table (top) of the rhinestone is level.  The glue sets very quickly, but will allow a little working time.    Depending on the size of the Rhinestone, it can either be picked up or if small use a moistened finger on the table surface (top) of the stone to pick up the stone and put it in place.  Many rhinestones are too small to effectively use any jewelry tweezers.  When a stone is hard to handle or if the stone is in a difficult place to reach, wax sticks are available at craft/jewelry supply stores.  Wax sticks are helpful in picking up and placing difficult stones.  After setting the stone and you checked it's set right, look for any excess glue around the setting and remove it immediately. Usually, if you follow the method above there won't be any excess glue to remove.

Removing Discolored or Dead Stones

*Remember to wear some type of eye protection.

Removing a glued in stone: Some people use a dental tool, manicure tool, or a dull knife blade.  Whatever you use, be careful that you are not scratching the finish or plating to avoid future deterioration.  Sometimes you will be able to hook your blade or tool just at the edge of the stone and pull up.  This is the method we prefer, when it works.  We would suggest putting your thumb over the rhinestone at the same time to keep it from flying away.  Another method is steady pressure downward on the edge of the rhinestone (not the metal cup), which will usually loosen it.  Try to be in control of your tool and be ready for the moment the rhinestone gives way.  Use your fingers to brace the piece.   Do not expect to be able to re-use removed rhinestones.  Most often when they separate from the cup, the foil backing has been damaged and if re-set, the stone will be speckled with black or will look dead. In case of a really stubborn stone you can crush the rhinestone to remove it if the stone is small.

Tip*: If you are replacing dead stones, we would suggest only replacing what is absolutely necessary.  Maybe there are 10 discolored stones and 4 are really bad. Start with only replacing the really bad stones or you may find you will have to replace more than the ten discolored stones. You can always replace more stones, if needed.

 
    Good Luck On Cleaning and Repairing your Rhinestone Treasures.

      This is still a work in progress.  If you have any   suggestions or questions please email us at                       [email protected]

<BACK
<<HOME