Questioni wanted to know what a good way to clean up jewelry that was in a fire its got heavy black stuff and melted plastic on the gold and all so the diamonds. help thanks
AnswerJimmy, I have cleaned many items with fire damage. In most cases it comes down to three primary actions:
1. Removing melted on materials by either peeling off as best can and then by solvents
2. Professionally cleaning by ultrasonic cleaners and steam blasting
3. Buffing with mild abrasive compounds followed with polishing compounds
Jimmy, most of this is not a do-it-yourself project. Peeling away plastic like materials can be done at home and some solvents such as acetone may be tried. Not knowing the material to be removed, a solvent cannot be recommended beyond acetone, which must be used with good ventilation and away from flames but is safer than some others. Put the item in a jar with acetone, put the lid on securely and soak over night then see if any removal is happening. If the material is not coming off or softening to be peeled off, take it out of the acetone and rinse off with water. That solvent will not do the job.
Any scraping or peeling will leave marks which must later be removed and the item polished by a bench jeweler who has the equipment to do that.
Some organic residue may be removed by soaking in oven cleaner, a good cleaner for organic stuff. This will remove organic materials not quite baked on. Use care and soak, avoiding contact since the cleaner is strong and can burn the skin. This works like lye but is safer.
Following these attempts, the next step is going to a professional jeweler to see what they can do. Generally, fire damage will clean up just fine. Best wishes with the restoration.
Thanks for asking. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
