CONSERVATION / RESTORATION
Specialized websites provide appropriate information, but here is some practical advice.
The main enemies
• dust: it clogs up filigree or engravings, it is also harmful to kingfisher feathers: it severely reduces their brightness.
• insufficient humidity: dryness causes cracks in shell, horn (photo 2 - photo 3), ivory or pearl.
• sudden temperature changes: they are fatal to glass beads (photo 4 - photo 5) for example which burst, they also cause damage to celluloid whose chemical composition is not stable.
• exposure to light: it destroys celluloid which sometimes breaks or simply starts to melt. Here are BEFORE and AFTER (7 - 8) photos that say a great deal.
• exposure to air: it oxidizes metals such as silver or brass
• lack of ventilation: a minimum is required for celluloid, and generally all living materials.
• plastic packaging: their chemical substances can produce damage, for example to mother of pearl.
• vermin infestation: clothes moths have a devastating appetite. They cause damage beyond repair. They especially love shell and horn and start eating the dirtier parts such as the tips of teeth on combs.
Wood and vegetable fiber is also much appreciated by insects such as weevils.
