[PearlStruck.com]

If it's a 3M product, you should be able to get it from any number of places. I just did a Google search for "3M anti-tarnish strips" and over 2,000 results came up. Hope that helps.

[pattye]

Hi All,

There is also anti-tarnish fabric, and I have several jewelry boxes lined with some type of anti-tarnish, not supposed to harm any jewels. If I put jewelry in "clean" it really stays that way!

Also I have a "speedy plate" to clean silver which I think is aluminum or some metal, I put it in a glass baking dish, add a quart of boiling hot water and 2-3 heaping TBSP of household washing soda. Just drop items in and they clean right away!! It is pretty cool! I haven't used with pearls, but as the water cools it still works, then I would try items with pearls. [info with speedy plate says it works by 1. producing hydrogen 2. being only strong enough to remove the soft ions of sulphur 3. having an electrolytic action to draw dirt onto the plate and not onto your hands.] I really like this because I can clean tons of pieces in short order!!

I am now making jewelry with pearls and silver, so I will be curious if you all come up with some better solutions! Would LOVE to find a source for rhodium plated findings------although I do like the oxidized look----for some items the best solution may be to disassemble the item, clean the silver and restring.

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[knotty panda]

Aluminium-plated tarnish removal: I have heard stories of this process pitting silver, so I'd be afraid to use it on pearls. But that's just me.

The anti-tarnish strips are relatively inexpensive and are available at firemountain. You're supposed to store the silver in a plastic bag with the strip when not wearing, but with pearls and silver, I'd use a silk pouch.

Argentium is a higher grade of sterling silver which does not tarnish, needs no special cleaning or storage, and is not that much more expensive than the regular sterling you're probably used to purchasing. If you have a design you are not going to remake, try that.

Pattye: You need to post those pics!

[pattye]

OOPS, SORRY, read further--it does say no pearls, however, not certain if that is because of the hot water or the washing soda. The item is in the bath for a short time--say 30 sec?? a little longer as the water cools. I have not noticed any pitting on any of my pieces, but would be cautious on plated pieces or antiques. I liked that it was non abrasive.

So where does one get argentium? Could I just buy a can and spray it on??

Pattye
so many pearls, so little time

[Valeria101]

Originally Posted by pattye

So where does one get argentium? Could I just buy a can and spray it on??

There was a bit about the where, how and why on Ganoskin.

I don't think it sprays on ... the easiest non-traditional metal work think that comes to mind (aside buying findings, and precious wire 'knitting' and 'weaving) would be the use of precious metal clays... I don't think I have sen much of that done with pearls, but there's no obvious reason either.

[Would imagine you know of these... just can't tell through the screen. Sorry if way redundant ]

[knotty panda]

Pattye: Don't I wish you could spray it on! Cruise around on the internet some. Here's one site you may wish to visit. http://www.argentiumsilverfindings.com/index1.html

Also try the Silversmith's Society.

Now that you mention it, the pitting may occur with plated pieces.

--------------------------------------

I just made a stop at one of my regular places to shop, monsterslayer.com. I've been buying from them for years and you'll see their monster spring ring on a lot of my pieces. They carry Argentium now! I guarantee they will have excellent pricing. Also, they have rhodium-plated lead-free pewter! I never noticed that before.