Jewelry Cleaning, Polishing and Finishing
The processes of cleaning polishing and finishing, as presented here, are done by hand without the use of acids or motor driven polishing buffs.
The condition of the metal to be cleaned determines which tool or abrasive should be used first to remove scratches or other defects. Start with the coarsest tool or abrasive necessary and use in succession others finer than the one just used. When smooth and clean, the metal is ready for polishing. The final steps in finishing a piece of jewelry are very important, for if they are done well they will add much to the beauty of the article.
Use jewelry tools and abrasives in the following sequence
Clean the metal with fine pumice powder and water, using a soft cloth for flat surfaces and a brush for recessed parts. This will remove discoloration and will show which of the tools or abrasives should be used first. File in the direction of a deep scratch, using a long stroke with a coarse file, and continue with finer files. Remove excess solder with a file, scraper or emery cloth. Remove marks of the file and minor scratches with emery cloth, or scotch stone dipped in water, rubbing in a circular motion to avoid wearing a groove in the metal. Rub the metal with fine pumice powder and water. Rub a piece of felt, charged with tripoli cake, over the metal surface (the felt may be mounted on wood and used as a hand buff). Wash in hot soap suds to remove the oil.
Polishing and finishing
Polish with prepared metal polish for luster. Rub the curved side of the burnisher over the metal until a high polish has been obtained. Finish copper and brass with a thin coat of lacquer.
To oxidize sterling silver
Dip the polished silver in a solution of liver of sulphur (a lump about 1/2 inch in diameter dissolved in a quart of warm water). When the silver becomes dark rinse in cold water. Dry the metal and rub with a soft cloth dipped in whiting or fine pumice powder. Do not lacquer.
Check out our other posts to learn more about how to make jewelry.
July 21st, 2009 at 7:53 pm
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