| It may only happen once, but if you make a mistake | | | | the prong back into place. |
| in cleaning your jewelry, you can ruin a beautiful piece | | | | 5. Clean the back of the piece carefully - there may |
| of vintage costume jewelry or a precious heirloom. | | | | be remnants of perfume, make-up or perspiration on |
| Here are some ways to avoid disaster: | | | | it. Dry with a soft brush - a sable water-color brush |
| 1. Always work in a well-lighted area. Use a piece of | | | | will work well, or use a dry baby toothbrush. |
| felt or soft cloth on the work surface in case you | | | | 6. Some stones are glued in. If one comes loose you |
| drop the piece of jewelry or one of its components. | | | | can glue it back in with a jewel craft glue, found in |
| 2. Examine the piece closely with a jeweler's loupe or | | | | craft stores. A tiny drop can be applied with a |
| magnifying glass. Look for any loose stones - | | | | toothpick. |
| rhinestones sometimes come loose from their | | | | 7. Let the piece air dry for several hours before |
| settings. | | | | putting it away. |
| 3. Spray some glass cleaner into a small container, | | | | 8. Never, Never, Never put any jewelry that has |
| and use a very soft baby toothbrush, barely dipped | | | | pearls or stones of any kind into a sonic type jewelry |
| in the cleaner and tapped almost dry, to gently brush | | | | cleaner! Never, Never, Never! |
| the piece. Be careful not to get any cleaner into the | | | | Regular cleaning of your costume jewelry, and initial |
| setting, as it can get into the foil backing of | | | | cleaning of a new-to-you vintage piece will keep |
| rhinestones and dull their brilliance. | | | | them brilliant and beautiful, protect the settings, and |
| 4. If the brush catches on a prong, very gently press | | | | maintain their value. |