posted 08-10-2004 04:51 PM            

I have been searching the Net in vain for information about removing pits from sterling silver jewelry. I have a few sterling silver pieces from the 1970s both of which show some pitting on the underside, (both pieces are collar necklaces). I have tried polishing the necklaces with a polishing cloth, but while the cloth is great for removing tarnish, it doesn't do much to remedy the pitting situation. Is there a good silver cleaning/finishing product out there which would take care of this problem or do the necklaces need to be refinished/resurfaced by a professional?

posted 08-10-2004 07:33 PM            

These are not new items and wear and corrosion must be expected due to use.

posted 08-10-2004 07:57 PM            

As an amateur and as far as I know (from polishing many pieces of silver jewelry), there isn't any cloth, cream, liquid, etc. polish that will remove pitting. When I'm absolutely sure the piece is solid sterling, and it's for my personal use, I use a Dremel or other brand of similar tool with a soft buff wheel attached and apply a small amount of sterling silver finishing polish (you can check on-line jeweler supply houses for a variety of sterling polishes & buffing wheels). If the finishing polish alone doesn't do it, then I use an abrasive (also available from supply houses), wash well, dry, and follow with the finisher for a high polish. Depending on the degree of pitting, you may have to 'fan out' the polished area. CAUTION - every time you use a buffing wheel and abrasives you remove a tiny bit of silver - that's why some items that are overly polished lose their crispness of design.

If you're thinking about trying this yourself and are not too familiar with using a dremel type tool, start slow and practice on a piece of scrap sterling, using the abrasive first, washing very well, drying, then using the finishing polish - CAUTION AGAIN - YOU CAN CAUSE 'DENTS' in the soft silver if you use too much pressure, or polish for too long.

Once you get the hang of using the dremel and various polishes, you'll be looking for things to clean and polish! If you have the time, try it yourself on scrap first - if not, a professional jeweler is the way to go.

posted 08-10-2004 11:00 PM            

Thanks muchly for the info.. I am unfortunately not a jeweler so I will probably leave the pits alone, unless they get worse, in which case I may have the collars refinished or possibly look into doing something myself. I bought these collars at auction in southern California near the beach, maybe the salt air wasn't too great for the silver.

At any rate, I do appreciate your time and answers.

posted 08-10-2004 11:56 PM            

Back on 8/1/04 (general forum) someone asked about cleaning silver - take a look for some other suggestions & 'pit falls.'

posted 08-11-2004 04:49 PM            

Thanks for the tip, will put a layer of clear nail polish on the undersides before I wear the collars. Since I bought them to wear and not display, a little wear doesn't really bother me. Will definitely keep them away from salt and salt air in future.