Pitting in silver jewelry can be a frustrating issue, but there are several ways to address it. Whether you have an antique piece with years of wear or a newer item that has developed pits, there are solutions to restore your silver’s shine. In this article, we’ll explore the best methods for repairing pitted silver jewelry.
Cleaning and Polishing
The first step in repairing pitted silver is to clean the item thoroughly. Use a mild, non-abrasive soap and rinse thoroughly in water. Dry the item immediately with a soft cotton cloth. Apply a professional-grade silver cleaning cream with a soft, dry cloth, using straight strokes, not a circular motion. Wipe the cream away with a fresh cloth.
Filling Pits
If the pitting is severe, you may need to fill the pits with solder. This process involves heating the silver to a high temperature and applying solder to the pits. Here’s how to do it:
Filling Pits with Solder
1. Use a ball bur to smooth the finish around the pits.
2. Apply flux to the area.
3. Heat the silver until it’s hot enough to melt the solder.
4. Apply solder to the pits, allowing it to flow into the depressions.
5. Remove any excess solder with a file or sandpaper.
Another method is to drill a hole larger than the pit and fit a piece of wire in that is the same size as the drill hole. Solder the wire and file it flat. For pits larger than about 1mm, you can flatten the top of the wire into the rest of the pit, burnish, and then resolder.
If you’re not comfortable with soldering, you can also try applying a clear nail polish or lacquer to the underside of the jewelry to prevent further pitting.
Remember, it’s important to take your time and work carefully when repairing pitted silver jewelry. With patience and the right techniques, you can restore your silver pieces to their former glory.