Cement filled candlesticks

Jewelry Discussion
1

I’m preparing to send a batch of jewelry-making scrap to a refinery.
I also have a pair of damaged sterling silver candlesticks which I
would like to include. However, they are filled with cement. Is there
a way I can separate silver from cement safely (no smelting torch),
or should I just have the refiner deal with them?

Lisa

2 
Is there a way I can separate silver from cement safely (no
smelting torch), or should I just have the refiner deal with them?

why bother? The refiner no doubt has dealt with many such. Easy for
them, usually not much extra bother. If in doubt, call them and ask.

Peter

3

Most refiners won’t accept filled hollowware and you’ll just strain
your relationship by sending the piece to them. Also many filled
items actually contain chaser’s pitch rather than cement or plaster.

'try heating the item with a heat gun or torch to see if the filler
melts out. If not, split the piece open (it’s damaged anyway) and try
to remove the filler.

T. Hammett

4

The silver does peel off if you get it started. It is almost like
foil on those. Almost not worth the silver to do the work.

5

Thin-gauge weighted sterling is absolutely, positively,
unequivocally junk. Crap. Garbage. A black mark on the silver
industry. Here’s an article I wrote on how to care for it…

Jeff Herman

6

Jeff,

I have at times, taken the fluted edge of a candlestick or rim cup
and incorporated it into a fabricated one of a kind piece. Worked
for me.

Hugs
Terrie

7

Jeffrey- I always find your posts informative and useful.

I do find the weighted candle sticks useful for one thing. I melt
the pitch out and save and use it.

Have fun and make lots of jewelry.
Jo Haemer
timothywgreen.com

8

Hi Terrie,

I have at times, taken the fluted edge of a candlestick or rim cup
and incorporated it into a fabricated one of a kind piece. Worked
for me.

Well, that’s an interesting idea!

Hugs right back at ya,
Jeff

9

Jo,

I do find the weighted candle sticks useful for one thing. I melt
the pitch out and save and use it.

I do the same!

Have fun and restore lots of silver!

Jeff Herman