Cleaning a rhinestone necklace

**madkat2618** · 08-11-2011, 10:29 AM

I got an old rhinestone necklace at the thrift store yesterday. It's looking a little dull, and I was wondering how I can clean it. The lady said don't use toothpaste, as it is gritty. That would have been my first choice, LOL. If not that, then what can I use? Any ideas?

**StartingOver** · 08-11-2011, 10:34 AM

My sister has lots of rhinestone costume jewlery, and I always see her clean it with alcohol and a soft wash cloth.

**wjcalderon** · 08-12-2011, 09:40 AM

I found this "recipe" for jewelry cleaner years ago and it works miraculously:

One part ammonia
One part hydrogen peroxide

Mix the 2 ingredients in a small bowl or jar.
Drop in the jewelry and swish it around for 30 seconds. (You'll see the grime bubbling off the jewelry!)
Remove jewelry and rinse thoroughly.

DO NOT USE THIS ON PEARLS OR OPALS!!!!

**Contrary Housewife** · 08-12-2011, 09:50 AM

If it is just glass I would use lukewarm water, an old toothbrush and a dab of soap and scrub very gently. Go over it first to make sure the stones are all tight.

Toothpaste is a very mild abrasive and it is typically used on silver or copper to remove tarnish, but it will over time also dull the surface. It has no inherent cleaning powers by itself.

**madkat2618** · 08-12-2011, 02:08 PM

Thanks for the ideas! I ended up using a toothbrush and some Dawn dishsoap. It definitely looks a lot sparklier (is that a word? LOL). I think one of the things that makes it look like it needs cleaning is the fact that the silver they used way back then is a much darker colour than what they use in costume jewlery now. The new stuff is so bright, it's almost white.

Anyways, it looks good now, and I have another necklace to wear when we have formal dinners to go to.

**2ndGenGranola** · 08-12-2011, 03:38 PM

Dawn was a very good choice.

I have sold costume jewelry and have a friend who sold real jewelry. NEVER use ammonia, toothpaste, bleach, cheap discount store jewelery cleaners on either real or costume items.

Original Dawn and original Woolite are two good cleaners. Never use anything harsh like a toothbrush. Use an old, soft men's T-shirt or soft sock. Don't use anything on pears or opals.

If needed, you can use a quick dip in Tarnex then quickly put in a very cold bath of water. Dry completely.

For items that Tarnish, give them a quick clean and dry after wearing then store in a plastic baggie with a small piece of white chalk (absorbs moisture).