How to Replace a Crystal in Earrings

Don't throw them away when a crystal falls out--repair them.

In most cases, crystals are set into earrings with jewelry glue. If you are replacing the stone with a similar, but not identical piece, you may want to replace the stone on both earrings so that they match.

Things You'll Need

• Replacement stone(s)
• Jewelry pliers
• Tweezers
• Toothpick (optional)
• Jewelry glue

Instructions

Clean and Prepare the Area

1. Remove any remaining stone fragments or glue from the area where the stone is missing. Using a jewelry pliers, bend the finding tabs, if any, until they are straight and the replacement stone can fit inside the finding.

2. Place a small dab of jewelry glue on the earring finding, and a second dab on the back of the replacement stone. Use a toothpick to dab the glue if you are working with smaller stones. Let the glue set for about 20 seconds.

3. Using tweezers, set the replacement stone inside the finding. Wipe away any excess glue and hold the stone securely in place with the tip of your finger until the glue is set. Let dry for 24 hours or as directed by the glue manufacturer.

4. When the glue is dry, bend finding tabs, if any, down around replacement stone.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to ensure that the earrings match, replace the crystal on the second earring. Use tweezers to carefully remove the stone from the second earring, and then repeat the process starting from Step 1.