The tools I like to use to clean costume jewelry are: a baby toothbrush (these have very soft bristles), wooden toothpicks, cotton swabs, a hair-dryer, and towels.

The safest route is the driest method. Start with the dry baby toothbrush to brush the piece off. If the face of the rhinestones have fingerprints, or smudges, use a cotton-tip swab with a bit of solution on the tip.

I use a very mild solution of ivory liquid soap in water. Just gently work the top of the rhinestones or glass. The biggest enemy to foiled rhinestones is moisture. If you soak the rhinestones, the foiling may become damaged, leaving your rhinestones "dead" or, if they are glued it may dissolve the glue.

Be careful when cleaning around enameling – some older enameling may come off with too aggressive cleaning. And be aware that some colorful artglass is actually a film coating over glass, that might come off with any soaking or aggressive cleaning.

Toothpicks are good for small areas where pockets of encrusted stuff may lodge. Wooden toothpicks will not scratch glass if you slip as you work the matter loose.

On the base metals of your pieces, work the baby toothbrush with a bit of solution in a gentle manner. When finished, lay your piece on the paper towel, and completely dry with the hair dryer on a cool setting.

Take your time, and work in a well-lit area.

About the Author

Michelle is an antique picker and sells vintage and antique jewelry online at: www.michellesvintagejewelry.com.