Aloha, fun & authoritative answers -- no cost, no registration, no passwords, no popups
(as an eBay Partner & Amazon Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases)

Home /
T.O.C.
Fun
FAQs
Good
Books
Ref.
Libr.
Adver-
tise
Help
Wanted
Current
Q&A's
Site 🔍
Search
pub  Where the
world gathers for metal finishing
Q&As since 1989



-----

Sterling Silver Has Accidental Copper Patina




I accidentally applied copper cleaner to my sterling silver earrings and watched in horror as a copper patina appeared in areas. Please tell me how I can remove the copper patina? I have unsuccessfully tried silver polish and a hot water, baking soda, and salt solution. Any suggestions are appreciated.

Leah K Jones
Home owner - Savannah, Georgia, USA
2003



2003

Leah,

Methinks your silver isn't silver ... WHERE are the mfg. and identification marks, typical with all pure (European, at least) silver?

I can clean silver spoons with Brasso [on eBay or Amazon], chrome polish or whatever ... mind you, silver polish is better!

It sure sounds that you have plated silver ear rings, which have a copper base.

Mind you, if they are really OLD, then they could have been made from Sheffield plate which always has a copper type base but then the silver is a very soft colour/shine due to that base.

freeman newton portrait
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).





(No "dead threads" here! If this page isn't currently on the Hotline your Q, A, or Comment will restore it)

Q, A, or Comment on THIS thread -or- Start a NEW Thread

Disclaimer: It's not possible to fully diagnose a finishing problem or the hazards of an operation via these pages. All information presented is for general reference and does not represent a professional opinion nor the policy of an author's employer. The internet is largely anonymous & unvetted; some names may be fictitious and some recommendations might be harmful.

If you are seeking a product or service related to metal finishing, please check these Directories:

 
Jobshops
Capital
Equipment
Chemicals &
Consumables
Consult'g, Train'g
& Software


About/Contact  -  Privacy Policy  -  ©1995-2024 finishing.com, Pine Beach, New Jersey, USA  -  about "affil links"