Daytona Beach silver earing- after treatment photo

[DR]

I found this earing in front of a hotel on Daytona Beach that was originally built around 1880. It appears to be silver with an Opal in the center. Every woman I have shown it to says it must be fairly old because it has a screw type fastener that pinches it on the ear lobe.
Any input on it would be appreciated and I could use some advice on cleaning it without causing damage.
Thanks.

 

[Ocaliman]

Re: Daytona Beach silver earing

Way to go.. Nice find... I would say that for a silver find like that, a low voltage setting w/ reverse electrolysis will knock off the built up corrosion. After that, a soft toothbrush w/ some baking soda and water will do the trick.

 

[DR]

Re: Daytona Beach silver earing

Thanks Ocaliman.
Where can I find some instructions for setting up the electrolysis bath?
I'd love to give it a try.

 

[Ocaliman]

Re: Daytona Beach silver earing

Here's a link to a site that will give you the instructions on how to perform this procedure. It works great, and will knock the crud off your finds..

http://www.treasureexpeditions.com/Reverse Electrolysis.htm

 

[DR]

Re: Daytona Beach silver earing

Got it.
Thanks again. I'll Let you know how it works out.
My scuba tanks are in for hydro so it won't be long till I'm ready for that Suwannee dive.
I'll be in touch on that one.
DR

 

[DR]

Re: Daytona Beach silver earing

Hey Ocaliman, I followed your directions and built a reverse electrolysis tank.
It's Da Bomb! Here's the earing after treatment.

 

[Ocaliman]

That worked like a champ... Amazing what we can do w/ a little bit of 5th grade science fair knowledge..

 

[SaintSea]

No freakin' way! I was with DR when he pulled that beauty out of the sand and I never in a million years would have thought it could shine up so purty! Way to go, bud! Now the metal does that nice gem some justice... Time to head back and find one for the other lobe - and maybe a matching necklace while you're at it!
Ruth

 

[DR]

Yep, the way the winds been howling all week the goodies should be within reach this weekend.
Pray for some good cuts.