Repairing Solids–missing Stones

[Solidcrazy]

#859

Good evening to all!

I recently purchased a solid that is missing two stones. /blink.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’blink.gif’ /> Does anyone know of a source to buy replacement crystals? Thanks so much for any help! Donna

[Don and Margaret]

#21957

Donna,

Our hometown jeweler told us once that he could get the crystals for about $3 apiece if we needed any. <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

You might try a jeweler first.

[Solidcrazy]

#21958

Thanks Margaret and Don! <img src='style_emoticons//biggrin.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’biggrin.gif’ /> I'll check that out today. <img src='style_emoticons//tongue.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’tongue.gif’ /> Donna

[Printerslady]

#21959

Donna,

I have purchased stones and supplies from Costume Jewelry Supplies. Sparklz has some good info on cleaning and repairing rhinestones. And you can also buy stones and supplies from Matthew Ribarich. Or you can always take it to your trusted jeweler. I think its cheaper and easier to do it yourself if you have the right stone in the right size.

Catherine

[Printerslady]

#21960

Donna,

I thought I'd add another tip that you might find helpful, if you are really obsessed, like I can be at times. <img src='style_emoticons//laugh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’laugh.gif’ /> I found Goo Gone (mixed with patience) can take a foil box that has tape and/or tape residue and make it look like new. Use a clean rag and put the Goo Gone on the rag, not the box, and rub gently. If you don't soak the box, the foil will just shine up and show no trace of the Goo Gone or the tape residue. Just make sure you wipe up all the Goo Gone.

Also, if you have stickers on your white or paper boxes that you want to get rid of without ripping up the box, try taking a blow dryer to the sticker to loosen the adhesive. Some stickers will come right off, but some are very stubborn on paper and cardboard, so BE CAREFUL. I have cleaned up boxes that had 10-year old+ tape on them and they look good as new. Patience is the key.

Anyone else got any tips to share? This could be a great topic. <img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

Catherine

[Petals]

#21961

O.K I have a question. If you have Swarovski crystals they are different
from the normal run of the mill ones…… I would have thought???

So, if you have a solid set with these special stones and you place another
stone where missing, would it not show up?

There must be a difference with a Swarovski crystal to that of another?

Please enlighten me here……thanks

Am sure I could express this in a better way <img src='style_emoticons//ohmy.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’ohmy.gif’ />

[Printerslady]

#21962

Jacky,

You can buy the Swarovski crystals. That is what I have. I have a few different colors and different sizes. When I have replaced stones, you can't tell the difference. You just have to know what color to order and what size. I have a guage to measure the size of the stone. They are not very expensive.

Did I answer your question?

Catherine

[Petals]

#21963

Thanks Catherine. In the posts I had the feeling that any crystal could
be used hence my question.

<img src='style_emoticons//smile.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’smile.gif’ />

[Sandra]

#21964

<img src='style_emoticons//sad.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’sad.gif’ /> Hmmm . . . . does that mean that if all crystals on the solids can be replaced without a trace, then the solids such as the igloo, snowman and precious bear may not all be MINT but instead, 'as new'?

This makes quite a tricky condundrum!! I wonder if over time any glue residue would start to show or discolour the crystals . . . then again, EL does that all on their own!! <img src='style_emoticons//laugh.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’laugh.gif’ />

[Printerslady]

#21965

Personally, I wouldn't have a problem buying a solid that had stones replaced, provided it was done right…right color, right size and right glue. I don't know that a lot of these Ebay resellers would take the time to replace stones. And, if it's not done right, you can tell pretty easily.

Catherine

[Solidcrazy]

#21966

Catherine,

Thanks for all the great tips! I agree, I feel if I get the corrrect stone, take my time, and repair it properly that I will be just as happy with it as I would if it had arrived in perfect condition. Some of the nice jeweled ones are getting scarce. I would rather have one I fixed than not have it at all! I have bookmarked all of your links and will go on a crystal quest this weekend. <img src='style_emoticons//tongue.gif’ border=’0′ style=’vertical-align:middle’ alt=’tongue.gif’ />
Thanks a zillion!
Donna

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