The influence of the seaside environment on stone bracelets
The seaside environment is complex. The seawater contains salt, minerals and microorganisms. The sand on the beach is fine and hard, and the sea breeze may carry sand and dust. When stone bracelets are exposed to such an environment, salt will crystallize on the surface and corrode the bracelets. Sand is prone to enter the crevices and scratch the surface. Microbial attachment may breed dirt, affecting the luster and texture of the bracelet.
Preparations before cleaning
Understand the material of the bracelet: The cleaning methods for stone bracelets made of different materials vary greatly. For instance, jadeite is hard but brittle and prone to cracking upon collision. Hetian jade has good toughness but relatively low hardness and is afraid of being scratched by sharp objects. Turquoise and other porous gemstones are prone to absorbing water and stains, and are also vulnerable to corrosion by chemical substances. Organic gemstones such as pearls and corals are fragile in texture and not resistant to acids, alkalis and high temperatures. If you are not sure about the material, you can consult a professional to avoid damage caused by improper cleaning.
Prepare cleaning tools: Prepare soft-bristled brushes (such as toothbrushes, professional jewelry soft-bristled brushes), cotton swabs, toothpicks or thin sticks, neutral cleaners (such as mild soapy water, neutral detergent), warm water, clean soft cloths, containers, etc. If the bracelet is made of porous gemstone material, you can also prepare dry coarse salt.
Cleaning steps
Initially remove surface impurities
Gently pat to remove sand: Place the stone bracelet on a clean soft cloth and gently pat it with your hand to make the sand and other impurities adhering to the surface fall off. When slapping, be sure to apply moderate force to avoid excessive force that may cause the bracelet to bump.
Soft-bristled brush: Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush off the surface dust and remaining impurities along the texture or shape of the stone bracelet. For bracelets with complex carvings or textures, be especially careful to ensure that every corner can be brushed.
Deep cleaning
Soaking and softening: Soak the stone bracelet in a container filled with warm water and an appropriate amount of neutral detergent. The water temperature should not be too hot to handle. The soaking time depends on the severity of the stain, usually ranging from 15 to 30 minutes. The salt and stains in seawater will gradually soften during the soaking process, which is convenient for subsequent cleaning. For bracelets with particularly severe stains, the soaking time can be appropriately extended, but it should not exceed one hour to avoid affecting the texture and luster of the bracelet.
Scrub the crevices: After soaking, use a soft-bristled brush dipped in the cleaning solution to carefully scrub the crevices and carved parts of the bracelet. For stubborn stains, you can use a toothpick or a thin stick to gently pick them out, but be careful not to apply excessive force to avoid damaging the bracelet. For instance, the sand in the crevices of a jade bracelet can be carefully picked out with a toothpick.
For special material treatment
Porous gemstones such as turquoise and lapis lazuli are not suitable for prolonged soaking in cleaning solutions. When cleaning, you can use a damp cloth dipped in a small amount of neutral detergent to gently wipe the surface, and then use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the remaining detergent. For stains in the crevices, dry coarse salt can be used for adsorption. Place the bracelet in dry coarse salt and leave it for a period of time, usually a few hours to a day. Then take the bracelet out and gently brush off the coarse salt and stains on the surface with a soft-bristled brush.
Organic gemstones: such as pearls, corals, etc., are fragile in texture and cannot be treated with chemical cleaners. When cleaning, you can gently wipe the surface with a clean damp cloth to remove dust and stains. If the stain is severe, you can dip a damp cloth in a small amount of olive oil and gently wipe it. Then, use a clean damp cloth to wipe off the remaining olive oil. However, it should be noted that the amount of olive oil used should not be excessive.
Rinsing and drying
Thorough rinse: Place the cleaned stone bracelet under running clean water and rinse it thoroughly to ensure no detergent remains. When rinsing, be careful not to let the water flow be too strong to avoid impacting the bracelet. For some bracelets with crevices, you can gently brush the crevices with a soft-bristled brush to help remove the remaining detergent.
Gently dry: Use a clean soft cloth to gently dry the moisture on the surface of the bracelet. Be careful not to wipe too hard to avoid scratching the surface. For some bracelets with carvings or textures, you can fold a soft cloth into small pieces and wipe along the texture to ensure that every corner is dry. After drying, place the bracelet in a well-ventilated area to air dry naturally, avoiding direct sunlight and high-temperature environments.
Subsequent maintenance suggestions
Regular inspection: After cleaning, regularly check the surface and crevices of the stone bracelet to see if there are any new stains or damages. If problems are found, they should be dealt with promptly.
Avoid re-exposure: Try to avoid exposing the stone bracelet to harsh environments such as the seaside again. If you must go to the seaside, you can take off the bracelet in advance and keep it properly.
Proper maintenance: For some stone bracelets that need maintenance, such as Hetian jade and jadeite, a thin layer of maintenance oil, such as white tea oil or baby oil, can be applied to the surface of the bracelet. Dip a clean soft cloth in a small amount of maintenance oil and gently wipe the surface of the bracelet to ensure the oil is evenly distributed on the bracelet. Maintenance oil can moisturize the bracelet, maintain its luster and texture, but it should be noted that the amount of maintenance oil used should not be too much.
