Silver Filigree Work - Cleaning Methods?

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Battara

I suppose that a toothbrush and lemon juice would be safe.

I disagree with the brass being softer than silver, especially if it is stirling or above. Coin silver is a different story and if made of coin silver or lower, then it may be safe with a brass brush. Brass is certainly better than steel.

In either case I did not mention those because I have seen folks who don't know what they are doing scratch and damage silver. If one has the experience and know how, then that is a different story.

If the sunshine cloth does not work, then the oxidation may need the brush work. Again be very careful.

I agree totally. Keep metal brushes away, and for the reasons you mention. There is obviously a field of thought that considers that metal brushes are OK and we see the results too often, particularly on blades .

[A.alnakkas]

thanks for the info guys. I shall put the pictures of the items I want to clean.. will go with your advice..

Pictures coming later today.

[Battara]

Just for clarification - I am also a silversmith..........

[A.alnakkas]

These are the two pieces... they were heavily patinised but gave them some cleaning with the cloth Stu sent for me.. pretty ok result?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

These are the two pieces... they were heavily patinised but gave them some cleaning with the cloth Stu sent for me.. pretty ok result?

Salaams A.alnakkas, Well we will never know since theres no before shot but I think its a reasonable clean up... you know what its like with these items being not pure silver they tarnish again very fast so what patina you lose in the cleaning you will soon make up in a few months as it returns. I think thats a fair job considering you only used cloth ... All the Omani silversmiths use the brass brush... hand held ...not dremel...and seen at my earlier reference. I can guarantee the brass brush and lemon routine will work better and about 10 times quicker than any other method on silver items... but of course thats just my opinion. You did a good job there.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[A.alnakkas]

Salam,

Thanks IBrahim, I will try to find some before shots.. I think I have some.

[Battara]

The second is great!

The first one could use one of Ibahim's ideas of lemon juice and a tooth brush. If you use a brass brush, please be careful - again brass is harder than silver and may scratch the surface.

Ibrahim is also right about the tarnish. The more copper is alloyed to the silver, the more easily it will tarnish.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Salam,

Thanks IBrahim, I will try to find some before shots.. I think I have some.

Salaams A.alnakkas; Can you say what is the provenance of the second exhibit? It is a most attractive combination ~ Is the scabbard from Oman ? having been altered or is it from the coastal Yemen region....Indian Ocean coast.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.