Tarnished stock sterling wire

Jewelry Discussion
1

Aloha,

My problem: I have three spools of sterling silver round wire, 24
gauge 10 ounces and 15 ounce and a 22 gauge 15 ounces. I stored them
incorrectly and they tarnished, oxidized, lightly blackened along the
top side of the spool. I would welcome suggestions on removing the
oxidation so that I can sell the wire ( I package it in 6 foot
lengths). If I can’t fix the problem I will have to try to sell it at
cost or below. Thanks for any assistance.

2

Nancy,

Slightly tarnished sterling should not require having to sell it
below cost. You might try removing the tarnish by using a polishing
cloth. Gently, very very gently, draw the tarnished area through the
cloth. Don’t use any pressure or you will work harden it.

Alma

3

The easiest way of getting rid of the tarnish is to wrap it in
aluminium foil and dunk it in a bowl of hot washing soda solution for
a few seconds. When the Al contacts the silver you get a cathodic
reaction that takes the oxide from the silver and corrodes the
aluminium. There was a posting on cleaning solver chain that
suggested the same method. It is brilliant because it doesnt remove
metal, just reduces the oxide back to silver.

Nick Royall

4

Hello Nancy,

Most likely, the tarnish does not extend too deeply into the coils
on the spool. If you have access to an ionic cleaner (SpeedBrite is a
brand), give it a try. When the tarnish is removed, the metal’s
surface might be slightly less shiny. In that case, after you cut
your 6 ft. lengths, a couple swipes down the length of wire with a
polishing cloth should restore the shine.

Hope this helped, Judy in Kansas, where today is SUPPOSED to be the
last with temps over 100F!!! I’m ready for fall.

5

Nancy,

Slightly tarnished sterling should not require having to sell it
below cost. You might try removing the tarnish by using a
polishing cloth. Gently, very very gently, draw the tarnished area
through the cloth. Don't use any pressure or you will work harden
it.

The wire is silver and silver DOES tarnish no questions asked. My
box of silver stock shows all different levels of tarnish. Charge em
extra for the nice patina or a rouge cloth for a shiny product.

jeffD
Demand Designs
Analog/Digital Modelling & Goldsmithing
http://www.gmavt.net/~jdemand