HOW TO REMOVE FOIL BACKING FROM RHINESTONES OR GLASS JEWELS

 

If you have some rhinestones or glass jewels that have foiled backings and you would like to use them in open-backed settings, here’s an easy way to remove the foil backing!

 

Make a solution of ordinary table salt and cider vinegar. Kosher salt is even better. The solution should be liquid enough to cover the stones but not so loose as to completely dissolve the salt. Soak the stones for about three hours and check by rubbing the backs with the salt. If the backing is loose enough, you should be able to remove the foil with a little rubbing. This solution will not harm the stones. Soaking time will vary with the age of the stone and the type of foil backing. Scarlett has found older stones take less time and stones with silver foil backing take longer. She usually puts these in to soak before retiring for the night! Occasionally, some silver residue will remain that the vinegar solution will not remove. Simply dunk the stones into jewelry cleaner and within a couple of minutes, the residue will disappear!

 

Bear in mind that removing the foil backing may alter the color of the stone! Some rhinestones actually receive their color from the backing. We recently received a lot of beautiful old peach glass jewels and found that after removing the foil, the stones were clear! Be sure to experiment before removing the backing from all of your stones!

LAGNIAPPE:

Notice how smooth and soft your fingers are after using the salt and vinegar solution! Gently scrub cuticle area and any rough areas on fingers or hands. Rinse and apply a little lotion. Your fingers will feel a smooth as a baby's bottom!