QuestionHi, what is the best way to glue back in a loose rhinestone on an old necklace. It has the gold foil paint on the removed rhinestone. Thanks! Sharon
AnswerDear Sharon,
I will tell of cement to use but please keep in mind that many crafts store carry rhinestones, both the foil back and clear ones. That is in case one is lost.
First, please do not use superglue. This will not give much working time to be sure the stone is placed correctly and glue which cures showing will leave a unattractive look. The best cement is use over all is a two part epoxy cement. Next, I would choose a UV or ultraviolet curing cement made for glass. The UV glue is special and needs either a UV light or good strong sun light to cure quickly. If for some reason you want to use the UV cement, get back with me on that one for good instructions. It is best for stones without a foil back since the ultraviolet light is needed to cure the glue and must reach the uncured cement to do that.
Epoxy will not mess up the foil back or make it come off from chemicals in the cement. Get a good two part epoxy and try to get one that is advertised as curing clear and not with an amber shade. The amber shade will work but if excess cement shows you will have a distinctive glue line around the stone. Normally, a stone to be cemented will be wiped off with alcohol to clean off any oils (fingerprints, etc.) to help assure a strong bond. With a foil back stone, you DO NOT want to rub the back with anything for fear of messing up the mirror and ruining the stone. A cemented rhinestone has no stress on it and should hold just fine with out the normal alcohol wipe.
Make sure how the stone fits in or on the necklace. Then, mix the cement according to instructions with the cement. Use a toothpick or similar tool to mix the two parts. Do this on a coated paper or piece of baggie or disposable plastic. Put just enough cement on the stone back or on the jewelry to contact perhaps 1/2 the stone when it is pushed into place. You do not need much. Leave the toothpick in the unused cement so you can tell when the epoxy is cured without having to touch the stone. I prefer the 2 hour curing type but 5 minute epoxy will work if you are sure what to do before you mix it up. Crafts stores or hardware will have the cement. The best brand for this is Hughes, the Hughes 330 preferred. Others that cure clear will be ok.
Sharon, take you time and it should come out just great. God Bless and Peace.. Thomas.
