Guest Author - Susan Dorling

Rhinestones are one of the great collectibles of all time! My Mom's collection is gorgeous! We sit down together in her bedroom where it's stashed. As she lovingly hands me each piece we take a good look at it and she tells me about the great places and occasions she wore the jewelry—she even remembers the outfits she wore with the rhinestones. Then she carefully puts it back into hiding, never to be seen until I ask about it again, and I always do.

Mom just turned 80 years old, and there are fewer and fewer occasions for her to wear her rhinestones. She's the Chairman of the Social Committee where she lives. She's very sharp and still beautiful, and no one, including me, can believe she's actually 80. The jewelry in her old jewelry box is around 60 years old and it's clear that my Mom truly treasures her rhinestone jewelry. I see her in my mind's eye, a gal in her twenties, thirties, an Arther Murray dance teacher, her lovely olive skin enhanced by the glow of sparkling rhinestones, dancing to beat the band.

I think her rhinestones are beautiful sparkling keepsakes, reminiscent of days when she was young. Vintage rhinestones serve as dazzling exclamation points in our passage through life, poignant reminders of our youth. Years ago, parties and dancing were weekly events. Women and men dressed to the nines. They sparkled like mad! They danced till dawn. Rhinestones played an integral part in the culture of the forties and fifties.

Thank goodness rhinestones are still here, strong as can be. Over the years they have become the perennial favorite of costume jewelry collectors everywhere. Yes, stunning rhinestones are worth their weight in diamonds for the role they have played in fashion and still do, and for the excitement and beauty they continue to contribute to people's lives.

How to Clean Rhinestones
Most importantly, never wash your rhinestones! Moisture is the number one enemy of rhinestones. Moisture sources include not only water, but sweat, glass cleaner, and any cleaning solutions. Keep in mind that damage occurs over the long-term and may not be immediately apparent. Moisture trapped under the stone backing will inevitably contribute o the loosening and deterioration of the foil on the back of the rhinestone. Higher quality rhinestones will take longer to deteriorate, but inevitably they will.

Brush the piece with a soft, clean brush to remove dust. (Do not use on Aurora Borealis as it will scratch quite easily.) Using a bit of Windex (cuts grease), spray on a very soft brush—never directly on the jewelry—amd brush the piece, being very careful to continually blot the brush. It can not be too wet! Alternatively, a Q-tip can be used with alcohol or a little warm soapy water. Never dunk rhinestones into liquid!