CARE FOR YOUR BEADS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19108, 28 June 1930, Page 20 (Supplement)

CARE FOR YOUR BEADS.

\Ve all wear beads nowadays, for however inexpensive they may be—they do add to the smartness of our frocks or outfits. The simplest frocks gain added chic if a suitable string of beads is worn with them. And you do make the most of your necklaces, don’t you? If they are worn day after day, week after week, without being taken care of in any way, they begin to look tawdry or tired very soon. Thev don’t need skilled or difficult treatment to keep them at their best—anv girl can keep her beads looking bright and beautiful herself. Pearls.

Artificial pearls should be properly cleaned at least once every three weeks: and—like real ones—they are much better for being worn constantly. Dust them frequently with a piece of soft silk. The real cleaning consists of laving them on a very soft cloth, covering them with rice flour, and leaving like this overnight. Use a silk hankie to wipe away the flour. This freshens up your pearls marvellously! Coral and Amber. Coral and amber beads (both of which are very fashionable just now' can be cleaned with a suspicion of olive oil on a rag through which your beads are drawn gently. Give them a final polish with a soft cloth. A Good Way with Ivory. Ivory beads should never be allowed to get dirty or discoloured. Spread a paste of lemon juice and powdered whiting over these—being careful not to touch the threading string. Leave this paste on for several hours, and when dry remove it with a soft cloth. This method is excellent, also, for cleaning carved beads: athough in such cases the paste should be removed with a soft brush in lieu of a cloth.

China and Glass Beads, Some china and glass beads can be washed in a soapy lather, or warm water to which salt has been added, but they must be removed from their string beforehand. You can also wash certain kinds of wooden beads, btit do not attempt those which are painted or varnished! In the latter instance, they should be put in a bowl and covered with a mixture of equal parts of warm bran and powdered magnesia. Move them about gently in this at intervals, then remove, lay them on a fresh handkerchief and polish with a piece of silk.