Preliminary preparation
Clarify the material characteristics: The materials of different stone bracelets vary greatly, and the cleaning methods need to be adapted accordingly. For instance, nephrite (Hetian jade) has low hardness and good toughness, but it is prone to damage under external forces. Jadeite is hard but brittle, and it is prone to developing dark patterns upon collision. Turquoise, lapis lazuli 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 of the bracelet, you can consult a professional to avoid damage caused by improper cleaning.
Prepare tools and materials: Prepare appropriate cleaning tools and materials based on the material of the bracelet. Generally, 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. are needed. For porous gemstones, dry coarse salt can also be prepared. If the bracelet has metal parts, you can prepare a metal cleaning cloth.
Preliminary treatment
Surface dust removal: Place the stone bracelet on a clean soft cloth and gently brush off the dust and impurities on the surface with a soft-bristled brush. When brushing, pay attention to the force applied. Brush along the texture or shape of the bracelet to avoid scratching the surface. For some bracelets with complex carvings or textures, be especially careful to ensure that every corner can be brushed.
Check the stain condition: Carefully observe the distribution and severity of the stains on the bracelet, and determine the type of stains, such as oil stains, sweat stains, cosmetic residues, etc. Different types of stains may require different cleaning methods. For instance, oil stains may require the use of a cleaner containing a small amount of alcohol, but it is important to pay attention to the concentration and amount of alcohol used to avoid damaging the gemstone.
Deep cleaning
Soaking and softening: If the material of the bracelet allows, soak it 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. 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. During the soaking process, you can gently shake the container to allow the cleaning solution to better penetrate into the crevices and soften the dirt.
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. When scrubbing, be thorough to ensure that every crevice can be cleaned. If the bracelet has metal parts, you can gently wipe the metal surface with a metal cleaning cloth to remove the oxide layer and stains.
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. The specific time depends on the severity of the stain, usually ranging from several hours to one day. Then take out the bracelet 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 to avoid affecting the luster of the gemstone.
Rinsing and drying
Thorough rinse: Place the cleaned 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.
Post-maintenance
Apply maintenance oil (optional) : 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, maintaining its luster and texture. However, it is important to note that the amount of maintenance oil used should not be excessive to avoid affecting the bracelet's appearance.
Proper storage: After cleaning and maintenance, the bracelet should be stored properly to avoid collision with other hard objects. Bracelets can be placed in a special jewelry box or wrapped in soft fabric for storage. At the same time, it is necessary to avoid the bracelet coming into contact with chemical substances, high temperatures and humid environments to extend its service life.
