Information on Vintage Rhinestone Jewelry
Vintage rhinestone jewelry is a hot commodity among collectors of costume jewelry. The versatility and affordability of rhinestones has made them a popular material for costume jewelry for centuries; for the collector, that makes vintage rhinestone jewelry easy to find and purchase. Those who are new to collecting vintage rhinestone jewelry will be pleased to find pieces in every price range and fashion. Knowing what to look for and care for vintage rhinestone jewelry guarantees even beginners a great start.
History
Rhinestones have been centerpieces of costume jewelry since diamond imitations were created in the 18th century by backing glass with powdered metal. In the 1890s Austrian Daniel Swarovski patented his process of permanently applying foil backing to high-led content crystals and began producing high-quality rhinestones of all colors. In an interview with Collector's Weekly online, costume jewelry collector and appraiser Rosalie Sayyah, said that rhinestones became popular in the 1920s when designer Coco Chanel first showed them with her clothing, and remained in vogue through the '50s as more women moved into the workforce and could afford to treat themselves to jewelry.
Features
Rhinestones can be created in an array of sizes and shapes. Vintage jewelry, featuring clear or diamond-simulant rhinestones is abundantly available; pieces with colored rhinestones are a bit more rare. Most vintage rhinestone jewelry was made with base metals for settings, such as brass or copper, that was then plated silver or gold, although some rhinestone costume jewelry was set in sterling silver.
Collecting
Those interested in collecting vintage rhinestone jewelry should begin their search by checking their local public library for books about collecting vintage costume jewelry, then start shopping for these pieces at local flea markets and thrift stores, where rhinestone jewelry is readily available and often very affordable.
Serious collectors will find plenty of vintage rhinestone jewelry pieces on Internet auction sites such as eBay and online retailers which specialize in vintage rhinestone jewelry.
Considerations
Whether you are buying vintage rhinestone jewelry to collect or to wear, keep in mind that a piece of vintage jewelry is only a good deal if it is in good condition. Rhinestones should be clear, not cloudy. If the piece has an open back that exposes the undersides of the rhinestones, check the condition of the foil backing. Foil backing that is seriously scratched or damaged can be repaired, but repairs can be expensive.
Some tarnishing or verdigris is to be expected on vintage jewelry made of base metals; however, rust, corrosion, or heavily tarnished or verdigrised (greened) pieces may be impossible to clean.
Care and Storage
Vintage rhinestone jewelry should be worn, cleaned and stored with care. The most important thing to remember with rhinestone jewelry is that moisture has the potential to cloud stones or destroy the foil backing, while also corroding base metal settings. Care should be taken not to expose rhinestone jewelry to liquids, and to dry it promptly if it becomes wet.
Illusion Jewels recommends cleaning rhinestone jewelry using a jewelry polishing cloth; heavily soiled items can be cleaned with a soft toothbrush barely dampened with glass cleaner, such as Windex, taking care not to scrub or scratch exposed rhinestone backs in order to avoid damage to the foil backing.
Store rhinestone jewelry pieces individually in cloth bags to prevent scratching. Never attempt to re-glue a loose rhinestone with super glue or any other regular glue. If a stone needs to be replaced, take the item to a jeweler.
