| I'd recommend using a solvent, "Attack" is what I use, on the stubborn one at this point. I've never pushed this method to the max, which is something I'd like to do after feedback from others on this forum. I've had other jewelers put them in for 10 minutes and boil them, though I've never taken it to this extent. If you go to this extent, make certain you use enough water; you don't want to boil it all away and be left with metal in a microwave. Thus far I've used this method on Akoya, freshwater, and Tahitian pearls extensively. It seems to be a lot less harsh than "Attack". Also, the Attack seems to affect the metal to some extent and, although I've never had the "Attack" visibly affect a pearl, you've got to wonder about it since it is such a harsh chemical.
The darkness on the metal cap is probably some sort of residue that was already there and darkened with heating, since this method will not affect gold. I haven't used it on silver though... |