Method for putting more sparkle in rhinestones?

[amandainvermont]

This purse (photographed open and upside down!) is actually pretty dull. It was my grandmother’s and I had it on display on a shelf by the wood stove for years. I was going to sell it, but now I think maybe it is too dull. I don’t know if the rhinestones are just dirty or if some are “dead.” I’d like to try cleaning it, but worry about the material, weakening the way they are woven together etc. Any suggestions? Sell it as is and explain?

 

[cmpollack]

Amanda--the purse looks mighty sparkly in your pic!

If it is less than dazzling in real life, the stones could be dirty, or there could be foil damage (ie the backings of the stones get scratched/yellowed/"peppered" with tarnish)--you can look through a loupe or magnifying glass to see which it is.

A very safe way to clean grime and dust off rhinestones, without soaking the cloth or (especially helpful with pieces of jewelry) getting rust-prone metal wet, is to dip a q-tip in alcohol and clean the stones one by one. The alcohol is a solvent, so it will work wonders on any dirt, it dries almost the moment it is in contact with air, and using a q-tip gives you lots of control over where it goes!

If the metal frame is dirty, you can lightly polish with a jewelry polishing cloth, if you have one (I use disposable dry wipes that come in a one-at-a-time dispenser).

 

[worth-a-peek]

Any moisture that becomes trapped (even if you don't see it) will speed up the death of the rhinestones.

If they are dead, they are dead.
The foil backing deteriorates which is why that sparkle go away.

When cleaning my vintage costume jewelry with rhinestone or other questionable stones I use a soft toothbrush, toothpick and q-tip.

I brush off any loose dirt, dust or fuzz.
Use the toothpick if there is something the brush doesn't remove in the prongs,etc...
Then I dampen the q-tip with a mild window cleaner and holding the piece upside down on an angle, lightly tap the surfaces only of the stones that need it and lay upside down on a soft cloth to dry or use the no heat setting on my hairdryer for a quick dry.

That process on your bag might have you saying :insane:

(or leave it as is and disclose it)

Cross posted with Carrie
I do use alcohol too, haven't cleaned any in a while.