Hello fellow collectors! I'm Old Li, a collection manager who has dealt with jade for most of my life. Today, I want to talk about my favorite – turquoise – and its maintenance. In recent years, turquoise has been very popular, and many new collectors have started to get in touch with it. However, turquoise is delicate, unlike the robust Hetian jade, and can 'change face' if not careful. So, today, based on my years of experience, I'd like to share some practical maintenance tips and pitfalls to avoid.

Scenario Introduction:
I remember when I first started collecting turquoise, I also took many detours. Once, I casually placed a piece of high-grade Hubei porcelain blue turquoise on the windowsill. As a result, after a short time, I found that it started to turn white and lose water. The heartache was immense! From then on, I truly realized that turquoise maintenance is not just an empty phrase, but a 'homework' that requires careful care. It's like a gentle girl who needs you to understand her, love her, to show her most charming luster.

Core Techniques:

  • 'Playing' is the best maintenance, but with proper methods: Turquoise is most afraid of dryness, and the oil and sweat secreted by the human body are its best 'nutrients'. Therefore, frequent wearing and playing are the best maintenance methods. But please note, 'playing' here does not mean rubbing hard with your hands, but gentle contact. My experience is to wear it daily, let it naturally contact the skin, and occasionally wipe it gently with a clean cotton cloth. If your hands sweat a lot, it's best to wash and dry your hands before playing to avoid salt in sweat corroding the turquoise.


  • Keep away from chemicals to avoid 'disfigurement': The structure of turquoise is relatively porous, and it is very sensitive to acidic and alkaline substances. Perfume, shampoo, soap, cosmetics, etc., can all cause irreversible damage to it. I once saw a collector whose turquoise bracelet became dull and even developed small cracks because he forgot to take it off while showering. Therefore, when exposed to these chemicals, be sure to remove the turquoise and store it properly.


  • Sun protection and high temperature prevention to avoid 'dehydration': Strong direct sunlight and high-temperature environments are the 'natural enemies' of turquoise. They can cause the internal moisture of turquoise to evaporate, making its color lighter, whiter, or even cracking. My own experience is that when I go out in summer, if I am exposed to the sun for a long time, I choose to wear turquoise inside my clothes, or simply not wear it. When storing at home, avoid placing it on a windowsill or near a radiator where it is exposed to direct sunlight.


  • Regular cleaning to maintain 'breathing': After wearing turquoise for a long time, dust and dirt will accumulate on its surface. Regular cleaning is very necessary. When cleaning, I usually use a soft cotton cloth dampened with a small amount of purified water to gently wipe the surface. Avoid using hard brushes or chemical cleaners. After wiping clean, use a dry cotton cloth to absorb the water, and then air dry naturally.


  • Store separately to avoid 'bumps': Turquoise has low hardness and is easily scratched or bumped by other hard objects. Therefore, when not wearing it, it is best to store it separately in a soft cloth bag or jewelry box to avoid mixing with other jewelry.


Precautions:

* Avoid soaking in water: Although turquoise needs moisture nourishment, prolonged immersion in water, especially tap water, can actually harm it. Chlorine and other impurities in the water may penetrate into the turquoise, causing discoloration or structural damage.
* Beware of 'fake infiltration': Some unscrupulous merchants use oil immersion, wax immersion, etc., to 'color' or 'moisturize' turquoise. Although this 'fake infiltration' looks good in the short term, over time, the turquoise will become dull and even appear 'oil reversal'. When purchasing, be sure to choose a reputable merchant.

Experience Summary:

Turquoise maintenance, in essence, is about 'care'. It doesn't require you to spend a huge amount of money to buy expensive maintenance products, but just a little more care and attention in your daily life. Just like my high-grade porcelain blue turquoise, after my careful nurturing, it has now regained its former warm luster, even more oily and moist than when I first bought it. Remember, every piece of turquoise has its unique vitality, and your dedication is its best 'nourishment'. I hope my experience can help you better care for your turquoise, allowing them to always radiate charming brilliance!