Korean najeonchilgi (나전칠기) — mother-of-pearl inlaid over layers of natural lacquer — is built to last. Antique pieces survive centuries in museum collections. But it is still a natural, handmade material, and a little care keeps the shell bright and the lacquer deep for generations. Here is everything you need to know to look after your jewelry box, keepsake box, or decorative piece.
Everyday handling
Handle your piece with clean, dry hands. The oils and moisture from skin are fine in small amounts, but repeated handling around the same spot can dull the surface over time. Open and close lids gently — the hinges and joints are set in lacquer, not heavy hardware. Lift a box from its base rather than by the lid.
Routine cleaning
For everyday dust, wipe gently with a soft, dry cloth — a microfiber or cotton cloth is ideal. Always wipe along the surface, never scrub.
- For fingerprints or light smudges, use a cloth very slightly dampened with water, then immediately dry with a second soft cloth.
- Do not use paper towels, which can leave fine scratches.
- Never use furniture polish, alcohol, glass cleaner, or any solvent. These can cloud the lacquer and lift the shell.
What to avoid
Three things age lacquerware fastest — sun, heat, and water:
- Direct sunlight: prolonged UV can fade the lacquer's depth and yellow lighter areas. Keep your piece out of windowsills and away from strong direct light.
- Heat and dryness: radiators, heating vents, and very dry rooms can cause the wood core to shrink and the lacquer to crack. Avoid placing pieces directly above heat sources.
- Standing water and humidity: never soak the piece or leave it in a damp bathroom. Wipe any spills immediately.
A stable room temperature with normal household humidity is perfect.
Storing your piece
If you store a box away, keep it in a breathable cloth pouch or wrap it in soft cotton — not sealed plastic, which can trap moisture. Add a small silica gel packet nearby in humid climates. Store flat and avoid stacking heavy objects on top of a lid.
Caring for the inside
Many of our jewelry boxes have fabric-lined interiors. Keep them dry and let them air occasionally. Store jewelry that is clean and dry — lotions and perfumes left on rings or earrings can transfer to the lining over time.
Long-term care
With gentle use, najeonchilgi needs nothing more than the occasional soft wipe. If a piece ever suffers a deep scratch or a lifted shell, resist the urge to glue it yourself — a specialist lacquer conservator can restore it properly. Treated kindly, a good piece becomes a true heirloom, passed from one generation to the next.
New to mother-of-pearl craft? Read our companion guide, What is Najeon Chilgi? A Beginner's Guide to Korea's Mother-of-Pearl Lacquerware.
Browse our handmade Korean mother-of-pearl jewelry boxes → — each one crafted in Korea and shipped worldwide.
