Mary Ann, Mary Ann Designs

2)      Remove original (and also post-original) glue residue with acetone.  Ever look at a piece and think, “Wow, that’s gorgeous” only to put it under a different light or, worse yet, take a photo, and see lots and lots and lots of yellowing caused by glue residue?  There really is a simple solution to this problem:  Dab a cotton swab (better known to most of us as a “Q-Tip”) in acetone (better known to most of us as, uh, nail polish remover), and apply to the piece to remove the glue.  Now, there are definitely different approaches here, depending on the amount of glue residue and the type of piece.  Start with a small amount and, if all is going well, increase the amount of acetone as needed.  Also be aware that excessive application may loosen the glue holding the stone; it could fall out and need to be re-glued.  Acetone WILL remove enamel, some metal platings, melt plastics, ruin a perfectly good manicure, dissolve fingers; okay, perhaps the last was a wee bit of an exaggeration, but you do need to be careful when using acetone.  (Please read the label, as there are also ventilation precautions and I do NOT want to be responsible for half of the JR list passing out on any given day…Judi would kill me!).  All that behind us, a little acetone on a swab can remove tons of glue from both the metal elements and the tops of stones and, quite simply, make a nasty-looking piece of jewelry look wonderful!   Do pay close attentions to my warnings, but also know that the acetone swab can safely be used on rhinestones and most metal finishes.  Below, you’ll find a bracelet centerpiece that is undergoing restoration with photos before and after just a few quick swipes using the cotton swab/acetone application.

3)      Straighten bent pin stems.  Ever been frustrated by a bent pin stem on a brooch or pin?  You go this way and that way and it’s still bent; maybe even in worse shape for all your efforts.  Well, there’s an easy way to straighten pins!  For this procedure, you’ll need two pairs of pliers.  Preferably the type without grooving inside the jaws, i.e. they should be smooth in order not to damage or mar the metal.  Hold one in the left hand and one in the right hand.  (If this part is already too technical, solve the problem by sending me all of your brooches that have bent pins and skip to tip 4.  Yes, I will straighten the pins and no, you will not be getting them back!)  Place the first pliers right at the point where the bend starts.  Place the second pliers just in front of this point.  Holding pliers #1 firmly, apply pressure to pliers #2 in the direction apparent to correct the bend.  Repeat as necessary to have a smooth pin.  Yes, this really does work and, yes, it’s pretty easy to do.  Just take it slowly, bending a little at a time until you’ve achieved the desired result.  And keep in mind that straightening the pin stem not only improves the condition of a pin or brooch, but also helps to prevent accidental loss since a bent pin stem is shortened and may not extend fully into the catch.

5)      Tighten prongs on loose stones and settings.  Did you ever wonder why so much vintage jewelry is found with missing stones, even when the stones are not glued in but are held with prongs?  Well, most pieces have prongs that are part of the original design casting and the base metal used is often what is known as “pot” or “white” metal.  This metal tends to be softer and more pliable than most precious metals and the prongs, even with normal wear, frequently lift away from stones and settings.  It’s also possible that the prongs may not have been fully closed when the piece was manufactured, as stone setting was done largely by hand rather than machine. Not to mention loosening from accidentally catching a prong on fabric (clothing, hand towel, etc.).  The good news is that tightening prongs is incredibly easy to do!  And the process requires only a simple household item; a plastic drink stirrer.  You know the ones I mean…typically bright colors, about 5 ½” long, four-sided with a ball-shaped head and a pointy end.  Place one of the flat edges of the stirrer at the base of the loose prong and firmly roll it over the prong and the stone.  It works like a charm!  Are you a teetotaler without any of these handy drink stirrers?  Do not despair; they’re easily found in drug stores, grocery stores and online.  Also known as “swizzle sticks”, be sure that you get the heavy, four-sided plain ones as lighter ones will easily break.  Now, take a good look at all of your prong-set pieces with your 10X loupe and get those prongs tightened BEFORE you lose a stone.  After all, Murphy’s Law says that the next stone that falls out and is lost forever will be one of those impossible-to-find unusual shapes or colors.  So please don’t let your jewelry fall victim to loose prong syndrome!

That’s it.  My five cheap, simple and quick tips for improving the condition of your vintage costume jewelry.  And, I stand by my statement that these tips are for everyone….Yes, YOU Can Do It! 

Sparkles to All,

Mary Ann

© 2010 Mary Ann Docktor-Smith – All Rights Reserved