Pickling Argentium set with turquoise

Jewelry Discussion
#1

I make a necklace out of argentium wire with turquoise stones woven
in the metal. I heated it in the oven at 365 for 2 hrs, and now the
silver is discolored. Other posts say to pickle the metal to remove
discoloration, but I’m afraid this will harm the turquoise. Any
suggestions?? Thanks! Kelley

#2

Hello Kelley,

I make a necklace out of argentium wire with turquoise stones woven
in the metal. I heated it in the oven at 365 for 2 hrs, and now the
silver is discolored. Other posts say to pickle the metal to remove
discoloration, but I'm afraid this will harm the turquoise.

Try citric acid pickle. Much less likely to be harmful to things like
Turquoise.

See http://www.touchmetal.com/workshop/citricacidpickle.html for some
info on using the stuff.

Cheers,
Trevor F.
in The City of Light
Visit TouchMetal.com at http://www.touchmetal.com

#3

It might take longer than pickling, but you could try sanding or
polishing your metal (carefully avoiding the turqoiuse so you don’t
scratch it).

Leah
www.michondesign.com
@Leah2

#4

Kelley,

I make a necklace out of argentium wire with turquoise stones
woven in the metal. I heated it in the oven at 365 for 2 hrs, and
now the silver is discolored. Other posts say to pickle the metal
to remove discoloration, but I'm afraid this will harm the
turquoise.

I think pickle will harm the turquoise. Also, heating the turquoise
any amount is risky because it may harm a waxed or stabilized stone,
or may crack the stone.

Argentium sterling is harder than regular sterling if you have
worked it at all, so additional heating really is not necessary. At
this point, you might try to remove the discoloration with radial
bristle discs or with pumice mixed with water. Either way, it will
take some effort to remove the stain without abrading the turquoise.
It might be less difficult to start over. Gulp! Good luck.

Nancy