on this topic, but since there is no way to SEARCH the CYS community forum, I cannot find it now, pity.
Beads gone dull
we had a conversation
Keyword search and cleaning crystals
There is a keyword search function on lower right hand side.
I used it to serach on 'cleaning' and found the old topic.
http://community.create-your-style.com/content/cleaning-crystals
Rockinter ..................
I'm sorry to tell you that no matter what I used, the crystals (the AB's) have always remained dull and horrible. I just save them to insert in my bead embroidery!
It is a shame though - I would hate one of my clients to come and find me 6 months after her wedding or something 
.
jacky x
Dull outside or dull inside?
If they are dull outside, then a good cleaning should do the trick. A lot of times with frequent wear things like skin oils, hairspray, perfume, etc. will leave a fine dull layer...I give my pretties a "bath" in shampoo and water, give them a good rinse (add a little vinegar to the rinse and they really sparkle) and they dry them in soft towels (or sometimes the hairdryer) and boom! they are back to normal. BTW, if your client is a smoker, or wears the pieces around smokers, the dullness will happen faster (I know this because I've been there, done that...in 2 weeks will be 2 years of not doing it any more).
If the dullness is inside the crystal, aka, the hole...then I don't think we found anything that will work. I've found that the clear crystals can be scratched by thread (or maybe by the needles we use). The smaller the crystals the more likely they will get dull on the inside.
Hope this helps, diane
Beads gone dull
Hi,
I made an item for a person using swarovski beads. After about 6 months use the crystals have gone dull compared to new crystals. The item has been used a lot. I was wondering is there a way of getting the crystals shine back?
thanks
rockinter