Anyone who is a fan of vintage costume jewelry knows that it needs to be treated with care. And how one treats it when it's not being worn is just as important as how it's treated when dressing up your favorite outfit. Rhinestone pieces have a lifespan and will deteriorate over time, but if you follow these tips you can expand their lives and enjoy them for years to come. Proper storage is essential in lengthening the life of your collection.
Don't Let Dust Build Up
Make sure pieces are clean before putting them away. It is important to keep pieces free of dust as it can be abrasive and scratch stones. Before storing, use a can of compressed air (commonly used to clean computer keyboards) to remove any dust.
Store Pieces Individually
Never casually toss it into a jewelry box. Besides getting tangled, pieces that rub against each other can cause scratches and the loosening of stones. Also, pieces made from different types of metals and materials can chemically react to one another and cause damage. It's best to store items flat in individual boxes and wrap them in acid-free paper, or soft, lint-free cloths. Contrary to popular belief, they should not be stored in plastic bags because moisture can get trapped inside and cause damage. Moisture is enemy number one of rhinestones, and should be avoided at all costs.
Be Cautious of Temperature
Store jewelry in a temperature controlled, dry place. Increases and decreases in temperature can affect glue and cause stones to fall out. Also, metals can expand and contract causing stones to loosen. Wherever you store your pieces make sure they are not in direct sunlight, and keep them away from heating vents and windows.
Jewelry Boxes
While jewelry boxes can be works of art in themselves, they are not always jewelry's best friend. Certain woods (such as oak) can give off fumes that can damage pieces over time. So if you're keeping pieces in such a box (antique ones in particular), be sure to protect the piece by wrapping it in a soft cloth or pouch.
When costume jewelry first became popular in the mid-20th century, it was expected to be worn with a particular outfit and then be discarded. No one thought that many pieces would live on into the 21st Century and become collector's items. If you're lucky enough to own some of these pieces of history, follow these rules and take proper care of them. You'll be glad you did.
 |
