I recently moved to Austin to start Jewelry Studies International
where we focus on offering cutting-edge jewelry classes featuring
Argentium Sterling Silver as the metal of choice. I have found that
since moving here, my Argentium has tarnished more in six months
than it did in 6 years in San Francisco. The surface was starting to
look dingy and slightly yellow or brownish. My theory is that there
must be more sulfur compounds in the air here. I started
experimenting with things to try and
remove it vinegar, lemon juice, etc. Nothing seemed to help.
A couple of days ago, I received a call from Jeffrey Herman, founder
of Society of American Silversmiths, regarding Argentium. He was the
first person to try Argentium here in the United States. Peter
Johns, the inventor of Argentium, sent some to Jeff to try. He fell
in love with it and has been using it since then. In our
conversation, the subject of tarnish removal came up. He told me to
try Windex or Hand Sanitizer. I had Windex on hand and tried it
immediately.
These photos show the result of the experiment. Just spray it on,
let it sit for about 15 seconds, then rinse. The tarnish was not bad
to start with (it is Argentium of course). I was AMAZED at the
results. Our thanks
go out to Jeff for the
Ronda Coryell