Here’s a general question for Rick, Sam and others who work with
Turquoise. It was suggested that I purchase an ioninc cleaner
for my silver and I’m fine with the price. The equipment seems like
it would fit in well with my studio, but would the solution be OK for
turquoise or would I have to pull the stones from items I want to
clean? Has anyone else out there who works with a lot of turquoise
used this type of cleaner successfully?
You asked: “The equipment seems like it would fit in well with my
studio, but would the solution be OK for turquoise or would I have
to pull the stones from items I want to clean? Has anyone else out
there who works with a lot of turquoise used this type of cleaner
successfully?”
The ionic cleaner solution has not affected any of the beads or
stones I’ve put in the unit. That includes turquoise and pearls.
I will say, that while the tarnish is removed, the surface of the
silver will be slightly duller after cleaning. That makes sense if
you recognize that molecules are being removed from the surface and
that means it is not quite as smooth. I’ve found that the polish can
be easily restored with brisk rubbing with a polishing cloth. If the
surface is textured with sharp cuts, the cuts will be white but not
as reflective.
Also be aware that ALL tarnish is removed - including intentional
patina in crevices.
On the whole, I am pleased with my cleaner and would purchase it
again. BTW, I’ve had the same unit for many years and it has been
reliable. No association with the manufacturer, etc.
Judy in Kansas, where the frost is definitely on the pumpkins and my
remaining green tomatoes are safely wrapped & stored for future
ripening and use!
Sandy, I had to grab my Rio catalog to see what an ionic cleaner
was. They don’t list one so I’m assuming you mean ultra-sonic
cleaner. I use an ultra-sonic cleaner and a steam cleaner to clean my
silver and turquoise as well as gold and turq. I don’t leave any
turquoise in there and just run it but will hold the pieces with
tweezers and let them clean for 30 seconds or less then steam them
off and look at them to see if they need another round. I will also
hold the turquoise itself (in the jewelry) with the tweezers so the
shock is somewhat absorbed and keep it in for 30 seconds or less.
Matrix can be vibrated out of the stone if left for too long or if
the matrix is very fragile to begin with. Some of the waxed Chinese
will look frosted afterward but, can be zammed back to high shine.
All the material I have ever read says never to put turquoise in the
ultra-sonic so of course I did exactly that. It works well 99.98% of
the time.
You can view the ionic cleaner in the Stuller, Inc. vol 56 tool
catalog on page 186. We have 3 different sizes. As well you can check
them out on the web-site. stuller.com
Andy The Tool Guy Kroungold
Phone 800-877-7777 ext 4194
Fax 337-262-7791