How to Remove a Rhinestone From a Setting

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If a rhinestone is damaged or dull, it is possible to remove it from its setting and replace it. A rhinestone can be set into jewelry in two ways: glued into the setting or set with prongs. Sometimes a rhinestone may be both glued and set with prongs.

How to Remove a Glued-In Rhinestone

Things You'll Need

  • Goggles to protect your eyes

  • Damaged or dull rhinestone setting

  • Acetone nail polish remover

  • Cotton swab

  • Toothpick (optional)

Warning

Put on the goggles to protect your eyes from rhinestones, as they can shatter.

Step 1

Soak the cotton swab in a small amount of acetone nail polish remover.

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Step 2

Press the cotton swab into the base of the rhinestone for 30 seconds. Repeat around the entire base to completely soak the rhinestone setting.

Tip

If the cotton swab does not seem to loosen the glue, soak the rhinestone setting in a small dish filled with acetone nail polish remover for 30 minutes. This should loosen the rhinestone from the glue.

Step 3

If the rhinestone is not completely removed by this point, nudge a toothpick just under the surface of the rhinestone to pop it out.

How to Remove a Prong Set Rhinestone

Things You'll Need

  • Goggles to protect your eyes

  • Damaged or dull rhinestone setting

  • Jewelry pliers

  • Tweezers (optional)

Warning

Put on the goggles to protect your eyes from rhinestones as they can shatter.

Step 1

Use the jewelry pliers to gently pull back one of the prongs surrounding the rhinestone. Lift the prong slightly at a diagonal, making sure you do not straighten it completely.

Warning

Use caution when lifting the prongs as jewelry pliers can scratch or chip rhinestones.

Step 2

Repeat step 2 with the prong diagonal to the first prong you lifted, then with the remaining two prongs.

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Step 3

If the rhinestone still isn't moving, return to the first two prongs you lifted and use the jewelry pliers to lift them slightly more. Continue in this way, working the prongs in pairs, until the rhinestone loosens.

Step 4

Remove the rhinestone from the setting, being careful not to bend the prongs.

Tip

If you are having problems removing the rhinestone from the setting, use tweezers to help ease it out.

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