Acetone and pearls

Andy, Attack is not acetone. Active ingredient in Attack is
methylene chloride. While the effects of acetone on pearls are
apparently debatable; I would be hesitant to use m-c. RC2

long as the item is covered with water, it's temp when heated is
unable to rise too far above 212 degrees Fahrenheit 

True. When dopping with epoxy, I release even heat-sensitive stones
in boiling water. Bring the temperature up gradually, and let it
cool slowly. However, be aware that epoxies vary in softening
temperature, and this will not work with all of them. Usually the
5-minute epoxies are OK, but higher rated ones may not be.

Al Balmer

Elliot Nesterman said…

At one of the finest ateliers here in NY an important natural pearl
was being remounted.....[continues with story of pearl 'death'] 

I was in the middle of watching a particularly violent and bloody
episode of Boardwalk Empire when I looked over to my computer and
spied this post. I was held in absolute terrified suspense until the
horrible, mortifying end of the story… about the pearl. shudders
Boardwalk Empire wasn’t near as scary.