The proper way to handle a bracelet has always been a topic of heated debate. There are the “devotees” who bathe it in incense, the ‘protectors’ who use gloves and washcloths, and the “rough-and-tumble” types who rub it everywhere. So how exactly do you care for a bracelet to make it truly stand out? Today, we’ve compiled a few key points. Curious? Keep reading.
① Cleanliness is crucial
If you toss it on a greasy dining table one day, then fling it onto a dusty stool the next, or slip it onto your dog when you see it, or leave it on the floor for days without picking it up, Forgetting to remove it when washing hands, or leaving it out for extended periods without storing it in a box—if you manage to polish a good bracelet under these conditions, it’d be a miracle. Regardless of the material’s delicacy, since it’s worn daily, cleanliness is essential.
② Be sure to brush patterned tree seeds frequently
The saying “three parts polishing, seven parts brushing” holds true—especially when you see dirt lodged in the grain’s crevices. Brush immediately. Delaying even a day or two may make that grime impossible to remove. Some sellers claim seeds like Phoenix Eye or Passion Fruit seeds don’t need brushing, but that’s incorrect. Even Phoenix Eye seeds, which have minimal grain patterns, show drastically different results depending on whether they’re brushed or not.
③ Keep all materials away from sweat
At this point, some might ask: Doesn’t sweat accelerate color changes in seeds like Bodhi or Passion Fruit? True, they may change color faster initially. But observe whether they develop alkali residue, and whether they develop a red or black hue later on! Therefore, avoid exposure to sweat. While methods like “sweat-curing” aren’t necessarily unreliable, they are unsuitable for at least 95% of people. Some might argue that sweat from the sides of the nose and forehead is ideal for polishing beads, as it accelerates color change. I’ve tried this myself, but what was the outcome? Bracelets frequently wiped with sweat from the sides of the nose and forehead changed color twice as fast as those worn normally. Yet the results were starkly different: normal wear developed stronger jade texture, richer patina, and deepened red hues, while sweat-worn pieces had poorer patina and turned blackish-red. Beyond that, an even bigger flaw was uneven color distribution.
④ Priming is crucial
What is priming? It’s not just about wearing white gloves daily—its primary purpose is to fully oxidize the beads. Even if a seller claims the beads are pre-primed, you should still prime them yourself. Priming a new strand is tedious since you can’t wear or handle it, but remember: comparison is key. To make your beads truly radiant, priming is essential.
⑤ Keep Hands Clean While Handling
Have you noticed how beautifully monks in temples handle their prayer beads? I’ve researched this: monks always keep their hands exceptionally clean when handling beads. Never handle your bracelet with unclean hands, as you’ll transfer impurities onto it. Hands can be washed clean, but bracelets cannot.
⑥ What is the optimal method for handling?
Start with clean, dry hands and continue handling until your palms become slightly sweaty—reaching a point where you feel slight resistance. Then set the bracelet aside until your hands dry before resuming handling. Repeat this daily. Of course, this initial process can be tedious. To track progress, take daily photos of your bracelet under consistent lighting. While gradual color changes may be subtle to the naked eye, photographs clearly document the transformation. This visual record also builds confidence. Wishing everyone a bracelet that brings you lasting satisfaction.