Re: Seed Pearls

[Scott Williams <Scott_Williams@xxxxxxxxx>]

Many pearlescent beads, sequins, and
buttons  that I have analysed by IR spectroscopy are composed of glass
or gelatin coated with cellulose nitrate containing pearlescent pigments.
 None of the objects analysed were seed beads, and I do not know if
seed beads would have similar composition.

Scott Williams
Senior Conservation Scientist (Chemist)
Canadian Conservation Institute

> Shirley Ellis <shirleye@xxxxxxxxx>
2007-06-04 11:39 AM wrote
> Sometimes imitation pearls are made from blown
glass filled with wax containing a "fish-scale" mixture to provide
the pearly look.  Under magnification you should be able to see if
this is true in this case.
> 
> shirley
> 
> >>> Nancy Love <nancyklove@xxxxxxxxx> 04/06/2007 11:19:35
am >>>
> I have been asked to wet clean a 1920's wedding veil.
> My original intent was to use sodium borohydride to
> lighten the lace. But the lace is also trimmed with
> hundreds of seed pearls.  Does anyone have experience
> with wet cleaning a similar object or know the
> materials used for imitation pearls?
> 
> Thanks,  Nancy
> 
> 
> 
> 
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