Replacing Costume Jewelry Stones
Guide to repairing vintage jewelry gem stones and pearls.
Sometimes faux gem stones and pearls in vintage costume jewelry can fall out. This is your step-by-step guide to repairing and replacing costume jewelry stones.
Vintage costume jewelry is timeless and is often made with better materials than current reproductions. However, sometimes faux gem stones and pearls can become loose and fall out. But, don’t throw out those costume jewelry pieces just yet. Replacing faux gem stones and pearls can be a snap if you follow these directions.
You will need the following materials:
- Chatons or faux pearls
- Adhesive Jewel Bond Glue
- Cotton swabs
- Tweezers
- Paper towels
- Small bowl of water
- Scissors
- Newspaper
1. Buy replacement faux gem stones or pearls. In order to buy replacement faux gem stones or pearls you have to be familiar with the lingo and know a thing or two about beads and sizes.
First, those fake sparkly gems in costume jewelry are called chatons. A chaton is an imitation gem that is backed with a metal foil or silver. A variety bag of Swarovski crystal chatons of varying sizes can be bought at Fire Mountain Gems for around $16.
The faux pearl beads used in costume jewelry are often undrilled. This means they do not have a hole drilled in the middle for beading. Also, when you buy faux pearl beads, the size of the pearls is measured in millimeters. It is best to buy smaller faux pearls ranging in size from 2mm-4mm for replacement costume jewelry pearls. If you are unsure what size to buy, visit a bead store and ask one of the employees. Be sure to bring your broken costume jewelry with you.
If you are looking to replace a stone of an unusual shape, you might want to head over to a thrift or charity store and look through their costume jewelry selection. You might find a replacement stone you are looking for in another piece of jewelry at a reasonable price. Generally, costume jewelry stones can be pried out of other jewelry pieces by using a small screwdriver or knife.
2. Protect your work surface with a newspaper or paper towels. Spread out an old newspaper or paper towels over your work surface to protect it from glue.
3. Determine which chaton or pearl will fit into the costume jewelry setting. Take your costume jewelry piece and experiment with what size chaton or pearl will fit best in the setting.
4. Tear a small piece of the newspaper and dab Adhesive Jewel Bond Glue on it. Adhesive Jewel Bond Glue is a good brand to use since it dries clear.
5. Apply the glue to the costume jewelry setting that is missing the stone. Cut a cotton swab in half with a pair of scissors. Take the cotton swab and dip the cardboard end in the glue. Then, dab the glue into the costume jewelry setting.
6. Set a replacement stone in the costume jewelry setting. Pick up an appropriately sized chaton or pearl with the tweezers and place the chaton or pearl in the setting. Press the chaton or pearl firmly into the setting with a clean cotton swab. Dip a cotton swab in the bowl of water and wipe excess glue away. Let the costume jewelry piece sit for 24 hours to dry.
Now, enjoy your costume jewelry, again!
