QuestionQUESTION: I have found answers to cleaning copper jewelry that doesn't have a lacquer finish (such as lemon juice, vinegar, etc.) However, cannot find anything on cleaning copper jewelry with lacquer finish. Do you have any suggestions? Thanks!
ANSWER: Hi Cheryl Copper jewelry with a lacquer finish is tricky. In theory, it should not 'tarnish' because of the lacquer coat. But any 'nicks' in the lacquer would tarnish, possibly giving a splotchy and uneven look.
If you want to keep the lacquer coat on, and if there are not too many tarnished 'nicks' in the item(s) to spoil its appearance, then a cloth soaked in very mild shampoo, wrung out until almost dry, and carefully wiped should be enough to remove any dust and dirt.
If the item has a great deal of holes in the lacquer, allowing it to discolor in a way you cant live with, then a possible option would be to remove the lacquer.
Guess it really depends upon your level of tolerance for the way it looks.
I'd love to see pictures.
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
Jewelry
QUESTION: I wasn't very detailed in first e-mail, but my jewelry has black spots. One piece in particular is very black on back. I didn't know if this is verdigris or patina or what. All pieces look to be lacquered. Image download only had room for one picture, so I am sending a picture of worst piece. Do you have any suggestions, how to get this black stuff off? Thanks very much!
AnswerHi Cheryl - Difficult to assess without seeing clear images. The small bit I can see clearly from your image looks like it may have been part of the design. Was it copper coloured all over (without the black) when you first got it ?
You can email images to me at info@collectablesnet.com maybe I can get a better idea, and advise you further ? I'll do my best.
Is that an oval signature plate I see on the image you posted? Top right, above the pin but under the loop ?
Please try to get good clear images, about 800 pixels max wide, and in JPG format.
Hope I can help, looks to be a gorgous item.
Kind regards
Erica
