Silver Filigree Work - Cleaning Methods?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

Hello,

I have met some difficulties cleaning silver items with filigree work. As you may well know, filigree work has holes and whatever which makes it rather difficult to clean. Any tip on how to clean it?

I used some silver cleaning paste once, didnt like the result on filigree. The paste gets between the holes and spaces and is hard to remove. Although the paste is rather excellent for silver items that are more flat.

Salaams A.alnakkas~ The quickest way is with a brass brush ! which sounds agressive but it's not as the brass bristles which are softer than silver only takes away the silver oxidation and polishes the silver without a scratch. We often use lemon juice with the brush then wash off and dry the item afterwards.. Toothpaste and brush also works as do many modern cleaners and cloths.

The silversmith uses an enhanced method for example on stitched silver belts which are first cleaned in a solution called "sapun rita" (sapun means soap..see next para for how this is prepared) a smooth flat headed hammer is pressed firmly onto the silver decoration and pushed along the belt with moderate force...Burnished ... Cleaning the khanjar is a peculiar operation which sounds a bit majical ~

Sapun Rita is prepared by setting fire to a rita berry which when dropped into water disolves immediately forming a burnishing solution..into which the khanjar is dipped then brushed vigourously and given the mallet press treatment as above. It is a long lasting polish technique suited to filigree and needleworked silver stitching on Khanjar scabbard and belt.

I suspect that part of the idea in filigree work is not to even bother cleaning right down into the pattern which some would argue is part of the decorative technique and patina...

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.

[Battara]

I suppose that a toothbrush and lemon juice would be safe.

I disagree with the brass being softer than silver, especially if it is stirling or above. Coin silver is a different story and if made of coin silver or lower, then it may be safe with a brass brush. Brass is certainly better than steel.

In either case I did not mention those because I have seen folks who don't know what they are doing scratch and damage silver. If one has the experience and know how, then that is a different story.

If the sunshine cloth does not work, then the oxidation may need the brush work. Again be very careful.

[kahnjar1]

Originally Posted by Battara

I suppose that a toothbrush and lemon juice would be safe.

I disagree with the brass being softer than silver, especially if it is stirling or above. Coin silver is a different story and if made of coin silver or lower, then it may be safe with a brass brush. Brass is certainly better than steel.

In either case I did not mention those because I have seen folks who don't know what they are doing scratch and damage silver. If one has the experience and know how, then that is a different story.

If the sunshine cloth does not work, then the oxidation may need the brush work. Again be very careful.

I agree totally. Keep metal brushes away, and for the reasons you mention. There is obviously a field of thought that considers that metal brushes are OK and we see the results too often, particularly on blades .

[A.alnakkas]

thanks for the info guys. I shall put the pictures of the items I want to clean.. will go with your advice..

Pictures coming later today.

[Battara]

Just for clarification - I am also a silversmith..........

[A.alnakkas]

These are the two pieces... they were heavily patinised but gave them some cleaning with the cloth Stu sent for me.. pretty ok result?

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Originally Posted by A.alnakkas

These are the two pieces... they were heavily patinised but gave them some cleaning with the cloth Stu sent for me.. pretty ok result?

Salaams A.alnakkas, Well we will never know since theres no before shot but I think its a reasonable clean up... you know what its like with these items being not pure silver they tarnish again very fast so what patina you lose in the cleaning you will soon make up in a few months as it returns. I think thats a fair job considering you only used cloth ... All the Omani silversmiths use the brass brush... hand held ...not dremel...and seen at my earlier reference. I can guarantee the brass brush and lemon routine will work better and about 10 times quicker than any other method on silver items... but of course thats just my opinion. You did a good job there.

Regards,
Ibrahiim al Balooshi.