SWCreations Jewelry Designs Stephanie A White

Cleaning and Caring for Hand Beaded Seed Bead Jewelry
by Sue Lovett (subeeds315@yahoo.com)

Safely cleaning and storing handmade seed bead jewelry. If properly cared for, seed bead jewelry may last for generations. First and most importantly, keep all chemicals (perfume, hair products, etc) away from the beads themselves. Chemicals can mar or alter the finish of some beads.

If the clasps or earwires are sterling silver, they can be cleaned by dipping a cotton swab in silver jewelry cleaner and wiping gently over tarnished area. Rinse cleaner off with a cotton swab dipped in bottled water. I recommend bottled water because city water or well water may contain chemicals that can pit or re-tarnish the silver.

If the clasps or earwires are surgical steel, they can be cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. If the seed beads themselves need cleaning, lightly dampen a soft cloth with warm water and gently wipe the beads, trying to get as little water on the threads as possible.

To store your seed bead jewelry, wrap in acid free tissue paper!

Sue Lovett is a native Floridian, now living in Georgia, Sue has been crafting for years. She recently started her own hand beaded jewelry company, Dancing Wind Designs and will have a website up in 2007.

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