[Jewelry making - Article 00648] - Re: [Orchid] Dyed rubies discovered!

[Erin]

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Hi Karan,

    Many beads are dyed or enhanced w/heat treatments. Not all vendors
    know or are aware of the bead's status...so, I just assume they have
    been manipulated in some way and soak 'em... all of them overnight,
    in water w/dishwashing detergent. Yes, including the coral and the
    freshwater pearls, I know they are fragile and soap is not
    recommended, BUT, this cleans them up. Plus, beads are usually
    filthy, dusty and gritty, dyed or not. (exception: wooden beads.) 

    I have been in stores in Asia to witness angry customers returning
    "coral" which is often dyed MOP, because the dye came off on the
    neck. This also happens here in NYC. So your cashmere sweater comment
    prompted me to send in my 2 cents! 

    I recently purchased some very INEXPENSIVE 3mm garnet beads in
    China. The water turned red upon immersion. Then I rinsed them and
    soaked again till they came away clean. Some of the color can also
    come from the thread beads are strung with. 

    I hope this helps you. 
    Regards, 

Erin
www.clarkdesign.net
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