Questions on cleaning old trade beads.
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Posted by: ericmort
07/29/2004, 14:11:48 Author Profile Mail author

Hi All,

I was digging through my "ugly bead" box yesterday and came across some really dingy millefiori. I had always assumed that they were either very weathered or had been too close to a fire and were blackened. The coating wouldn't come off with with a knife or fingernail, so I just added them to my "ugly bead" box. Well, just for kicks today I started scrubbing them with a green pad, and a little soap. Wow, they cleaned up beautifully!

So, now to the questions: What is the best way to clean old trade beads? Does it negatively effect their value or collectibility? Are there any methods to avoid? If I sell them should I state "These beads have been scrubbed."?

Thanks for your help!

Eric



Followups
Clean Them!
Re: Questions on cleaning old trade beads. -- ericmort Archive Where am I?
Posted by: Beadman
07/29/2004, 14:35:53 Author Profile Mail author

Hi Eric,

People ask this question every now and then.

Opinions vary. Some would say "don't clean them,"

I disagree. In the third world, many people clean and/or polish their beads. Routinely or for special events.

You did the right thing. For any waterproof material, warm water, ordinary soap and a nonabrasive sponge work fine.

Right now, I am working with an excellent (but very dirty) strand of early "gooseberry" and a speo star beads from the 17th century, that I am about to restring for a client. Last night, I photographed them as they appeared when I received them. Then I put them to soak in a bath of warm water, gentle dishwashing detergent, and a small amount of Clorox bleach. Almost instantly, they looked great. I let them soak for a while (because they have dirt inside the perforations too)..., and I eventually rinsed them thoroughly, and dried them. Today I will take the strand apart and begin to sort and arrange.

It's a definite improvement for a strand of beads that cost $450, and now looks like they are worth it.

Jamey



Thanks Jamey! I will dig out my dish tub tonight and clean them.
Re: Clean Them! -- Beadman Archive Where am I?

Posted by: ericmort
07/29/2004, 15:06:56 Author Profile Mail author