QuestionI recently acquired a collection of filigree Bedouin silver jewelry. What is the best way to clean it and is there any product that can be applied after cleaning to prevent oxidation? Thank you
AnswerHi, Diane. You give me an interesting question. As with Indian and Afghan jewelry items I have seen and appreciated, much bears an almost primitive look telling stories of history and the way things have been for many years despite politics and changes in environments. I do appreciate the items of the peoples. Sometimes, silver is used and at other times it is gold (India) or what metal such as brass which is available to embellish.
I suggest first using baking soda, gently rubbing a paste of the soda with your fingers on the jewelry. This will generally clean off lighter discolorations. The final polish will not be bright as buffed by a modern machine but will be slightly mooted and quite nice.
The second method will remove tarnishes and leave the surface with the same degree of polish it had while tarnished. I have used this to clean sterling table ware of an estate which was tarnished almost black. The method works very, very well and only requires a rinse and patting dry:
Put heavy duty aluminum foil in a stovetop proof glass container(do not use a metal container). The container needs be just deep enough to cover the jewelry with water. Put in water deep enough to cover the jewelry but don't put in the silver just yet. Heat to a simmer, not hotter than that and if not quite a simmer that will work ok. With the heavy duty foil pushed to the bottom of the container, put in the jewelry. It must contact the foil. Then add baking soda. How much? Well, add soda (it might bubble a bit at first but all is ok) until you see a reaction on the silver. This reaction is the dark of tarnish vanishing. You might smell a bit of sulfur which comes from the tarnish being removed. When done, remove, rinse and dry.
If the soil on the jewelry is not so much tarnish as other stuff, the safest is a mild dish detergent such as JOY with warm water and a soft toothbrush. Never use ammonia containing cleansers with silver since spotting can easily happen. Certainly, do not use any sorts of bleaches since this can cause damage and not do a bit to actually clean the metals.
Diane, I do hope this helps. Let me know how it works for you. Without seeing the items more specific recommendations are difficult.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
