Dealing with Fading Rhinestones: What to Do

When you first bought that dazzling rhinestone-studded piece—whether it was a pair of heels, a costume, or a piece of jewellery—it likely shimmered like a dream. But over time, rhinestones can lose their sparkle, leaving you with accessories that look more “meh” than magnificent.

Before you give up on your faded bling, here’s the good news: you might be able to restore that shine. Whether you're working with glass rhinestones, resin, or even high-end Swarovski crystals, there are ways to bring back the brilliance. Let’s break down what causes rhinestones to fade and how to fix them.

Why Do Rhinestones Lose Their Sparkle?

Fading rhinestones aren’t always a sign of poor quality. Even the best crystals can dull over time due to:

• Exposure to oils and lotions: Skin oils, perfumes, and body lotions can coat rhinestones and mute their shine.
• Harsh cleaning chemicals: Cleaners that aren’t designed for delicate materials can cause clouding or scratching.
• Wear and tear: Constant friction (like on shoes or costume pieces) wears down the surface over time.
• Moisture or water damage: Humidity and water exposure can cause rhinestone foil backing to lift, oxidise, or discolour.

Once you identify the cause, the next step is figuring out how to restore them—or when it’s better to replace them altogether.

How to Restore Faded Rhinestones

1. Clean Them Gently but Thoroughly

The first thing to try is a deep but delicate clean. Avoid soaking or using alcohol-based products on foiled-back rhinestones. Instead:

• Use a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in a mix of warm water and mild dish soap.
• Gently dab and wipe each stone, avoiding the back.
• Let them air dry fully before storing or wearing again.

2. Polish Glass Rhinestones (If Applicable)

If your rhinestones are made of glass and don’t have a foil backing, you can carefully polish them with:

• A microfiber cloth or eyeglass cloth.
• A small amount of glass cleaner on the cloth (never directly on the rhinestones).

Do not use polish on coated or foil-backed stones, as this can cause permanent damage.

3. Use a Rhinestone Refresher Spray

Some crafters swear by rhinestone-specific sprays (like those used in theatre and costume design) that help recondition dull stones. These sprays often contain gentle, non-abrasive solutions that lift off residue and restore some shine.

Tip: Always patch test first and avoid using sprays near foil backing.

4. Replace the Most Damaged Stones

Sometimes the damage is beyond repair. If rhinestones are cloudy, cracked, or the foil backing has oxidised, the best fix is to replace them entirely.

You can often find exact or similar replacements through specialist suppliers. For example, you can explore decorative rhinestone crystals for your project from leading brands like Swarovski, Preciosa, or Zodiac.

Replacement is especially helpful if only a few stones are affected—it’s a great way to refresh the whole piece without starting from scratch.

Preventing Rhinestones from Fading Again

Now that you’ve restored your sparkle, here’s how to keep rhinestones looking pristine longer:

• Store them properly: Use a soft cloth pouch or separate compartments to avoid scratching.
• Avoid moisture: Keep items away from steamy bathrooms or damp environments.
• Apply beauty products first: Perfumes, lotions, and hairsprays should go on before your rhinestone accessories.
• Clean regularly: A quick once-over with a dry cloth after wear removes buildup before it sets in.

Costume designers and dancers often swear by these small habits—they make a huge difference in the longevity of your pieces.

Bonus Tips for Specialty Items

If you're working with rhinestones on clothing or performance wear, you might find these extra ideas useful:

• For fabric-backed stones, use a lint roller or tape to pick up surface dust.
• If you’ve used glue-on rhinestones, inspect the adhesive over time. Regulate humidity and avoid direct sunlight to prevent yellowing or peeling.

When to Call in the Pros

If your rhinestone piece has sentimental or monetary value—like a wedding tiara, designer clutch, or performance outfit—it may be worth getting it professionally restored. Restoration experts can re-foil glass stones, replace hard-to-find pieces, or even reassemble items where adhesives have failed.

The Bottom Line

Rhinestones may fade, but that doesn’t mean the sparkle is lost forever. With the right care—and a little effort—you can breathe new life into your accessories and keep them looking fabulous for years to come.

Whether you’re restoring a sentimental piece or refreshing something for resale, the trick is knowing what you’re working with and using the gentlest techniques possible. And if restoration doesn’t cut it? Replace a few stones and let your creativity shine all over again.

Need more help with crystal care? Don’t forget to read our full guide to cleaning Swarovski crystals for even more tips on keeping your rhinestones in top condition.