Ionic cleaners

Jewelry Discussion
1

Wayne, I have tried hand polishing the chains, but after they
went into the ionic cleaner, the irregular black on them did not
come off using any means. Of course, I don’t put chain in the
ionic cleaner any more. I just wonder, why this effect on silver
chain, when it removes tarnish so easily on other silver.???

2

I just wonder, why this effect on silver chain, when it removes
tarnish so easily on other silver.???

I have had this same problem also with sterling silver beads,
one side will turn black, I tried a shorter time but still same
effect. Back to polishing cloth.

3 
    I have had this same problem also with sterling silver
beads, one side will turn black, I tried a shorter time but
still same effect.  Back to polishing cloth.

G’day; Referring to difficult tarnish, I would suggest that you
try a jar of Goddard’s Silver Dip. It is available in NZ in all
Supermarkets, and I know that you can get it in the USA too. I
find it excellent, and many High Street jewellers carry it in
their back rooms for when people bring in their jewellery for
some sort of minor appraisal - their customers always exclaim at
the instant improvement - and return for purchases. It doesn’t
give a polish; just tarnish removal. If the tarnish was deep,
half an hour in the vibro polisher for chains and necklaces and
presto! However, it does contain dilute acid, so watch out for
your acid-sensitive stones like pearls etc. I’ve nothing to do
with Goddards of course. Cheers,

        /\
       / /    John Burgess, 
      / /
     / //\    @John_Burgess2
    / / \ \
   / (___) \
  (_________)
4

OK, I bought one of those ionic cleaners at a rock show and
wonder what you all think of them? Not Ultrasonic, ionic, you
attach a wire to your work and it cleans by electronic bubble
action…DAve

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5

Hi Dave, I purchased one of those, and find that I need to use
it if my silver items tarnish. Most of my pieces have stones in
them, I think I have read that you should not put most stones
into an Ultrasonic. With silver, you only keep the piece in the
solution for about 10 seconds (take it out long before the light
goes out!) I do not use the ionic for cleaning pieces after
polishing. I dip finished pieces into hot water with a bit of
Windex in it, that seems to get the gunk out without ruining most
stones. I do think I’ll have to find a very soft brush to get
into the small areas which are harder to clean . . .

6

I use a warm solution also and for a brush, I use a baby’s
toothbrush. Soft but the bristles get into the nooks and crannies
to get all the rouge goop out

Chuck

7

Hi

one caution with the cleaners is loupe the piece first to check the
claws, especially with old jewellery. Sometimes it is only crud
holding the stones in place.

Better to tell the customer the claw(s) need replacing, than the
stone(s) fell out because the only thing holding them in was your
crud.

On this subject I am amazed at television chefs who don’t take their
rings off.

“Now we just mix the mince by hand.” Hate to think what germs are
breeding in/under that ring and are now mixing with the mince.

Richard