Protect the Sparkle*

One of the most common complaints I have heard from friends is when an embellished item loses one of the gems/jewels/sparkle/diamontes. If you can't find a jewel to replace and therefore fix the item, you may as well kiss it goodbye. I don't like to wear the items once they are broken (if irreparable), because even if no one else notices, I know. That said, rings and even some earrings will be easy to conceal the missing stone but other items -especially necklaces, shoes or bags.

Jimmy Choo- Quinze Embellished Sandals

So to fix this problem, a girl must have some tricks up her sleeve. I have tried hairspray, clear drying glue and clear nail polish/hardener. The hairspray doesn't work (it may set your makeup but not your glitz), the glue works but you have to be careful that you don't get use too much glue as it can clump and then won't dry clear. The nail hardener is the one that I use, and I think the most effective. Here are my reasons why:

• Quick drying time- most Nail polish/hardeners dry in 30-60 seconds, which means it can be applied quickly if you forget to do it earlier and are in a hurry.
• Dry clear- keeps the embellished item looking the way it did when you bought it (although may add extra shine!)
• Cost effective- You don't need to spend alot of money, can be found in supermarkets/chemists/retail shops starting around $2.00
• Can be reapplied easily- couple of strokes and you are done,

Tips
 #1- Have a separate nail hardener for your nails to what you use for your embellished items. Not only will you not have to replace it constantly but you may spread infection if you don't separate the two. Label them or store them separatley.
#2- If you notice any stones starting to become loose, act quickly and coat them in the polish- two or three coats may be needed for some items.
#3- For items used frequently I would reapply nail hardener every couple of wears, especially on shoes, rings or clutches.
#4- If you forget to apply (or it has worn off) and something comes loose, see if you can salvage it (if you can find it) and glue/fasten it back on OR see if you can buy something to replace it with. For example discount stores often have little crystal/diamonte type stones for sale that people use for craft purposes, see if these suit your needs

Kooklah Xx