Care & Handling Instructions

Vintage gemstones and collectible beads are irreplaceable. With the right care, they will retain their beauty and value for generations. Below are our recommendations for keeping your EastOasis pieces in the best possible condition.

General Handling

• Always handle beads and gemstones with clean, dry hands. Natural oils and residues can affect surface patina over time.
• Avoid dropping or knocking pieces against hard surfaces. Even robust stones like agate can chip or crack under impact.
• When examining a piece, work over a soft surface such as a cloth or padded tray.

Cleaning

• Dry cleaning is preferred for most vintage beads. Use a soft, lint-free cloth to gently wipe the surface.
• If light moisture cleaning is needed, use a barely damp cloth and dry immediately. Never submerge vintage beads in water.
• Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, steam cleaners, and chemical jewellery solutions — these can damage patina, surface treatments, and organic materials.
• For Dzi beads and Pumtek, do not attempt to clean the etched patterns with anything abrasive. The patina within the etching is part of the bead’s character and value.

Storage

• Store each piece individually or wrapped in soft cloth to prevent surface contact and scratching.
• Use a cool, dry, and dark environment. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can fade colour in carnelian, Venetian glass, and dyed stones.
• Avoid storing in airtight plastic bags for extended periods, particularly for organic materials like Pumtek or amber, which benefit from slight air circulation.
• Keep away from extreme temperature changes and high humidity, which can cause cracking or surface deterioration in porous stones.

Wearing & Display

• Remove bead jewellery before swimming, bathing, exercising, or applying perfume, lotions, or hairspray.
• If displaying pieces, use UV-filtering glass or cases to minimise light exposure.
• Rotate displayed pieces periodically to ensure even light exposure and reduce fading risk.

Restringing & Repair

If you wear your beads regularly, we recommend having strands professionally restrung every one to two years, or sooner if the thread shows signs of wear. Use a specialist with experience in vintage and collectible beads.

A Note on Patina

The patina on vintage beads — the subtle surface changes that develop over decades or centuries of use — is a mark of authenticity and age. It should be preserved, not removed. Avoid any cleaning or treatment that might strip or alter this natural character.

If you have questions about caring for a specific piece, please contact us. We are happy to advise.