|  | | | Africa Direct | | | Maintained by: | | African Art, African Artifacts, African Masks, Statues, Carvings, Textiles, Kuba Cloth, Baskets, Tribal Jewelry, Ethnic Jewelry, Tibetan Jewelry, Tibetan Artifacts, Venetian Beads, Millefiori, Tibetan beads, Trade Beads, Lapis Jewelry, Shona Stone | |
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| | | | Cleaning Your Trade Beads |
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| | | Cleaning Your Trade Beads
Most of the beads we sell are “trade beads,” a catch-all term for old glass beads made in Europe for export to Africa, Asia and the Americas. The “trade bead” period was at its height during the 1800s and early 1900s, and many trade beads will have passed through three continents and accumulated a layer of engrained dirt by the time they arrive in your hands. If you want to restore the vibrancy of your beads, here are our “best practices.” You don’t need to go through all the steps though—stop as soon as you’re satisfied!
1. Start by lightly rubbing your beads with a barely damp cloth, then swish through warm water and dry with a clean towel. Move slowly. Remember, you can never reapply lost patina.
2. Place your beads in a sink, bucket or pot of warm, soapy water. If you’re cleaning loose beads, you may want to keep them together in a water-permeable bag. We find that a section of old panty hose tied off at one end will do the trick. Leave your beads in their soapy bath for five to ten minutes, then remove and scrub carefully with a soft brush. Rinse and dry. By now your beads should be regaining their luster.
3. If you really want to make your beads “pop”, it’s time to try oiling them. Baby oil is our product of choice. Squeeze a few drops onto your palms, rub them together and then massage your beads until each one is thoroughly coated. Wipe off any excess with a towel.
4. More extreme steps, for those who need them, include the application of toothpaste (or even cleanser) with a battery operated toothbrush. A couple minutes in a bleach solution can also have remarkable effects. But again, move slowly. These are old beads and much of their charm lies in the way they have been worn and weathered with age.
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