So...I have Tahitians needing a gold earring post & ruined faux pearls. I want to remove the faux pearl and glue on lovely Tahitians. Would you try Acetone? or Attack? (If not one knows, I will try the milder acetone, if that does NOT work, then attack.)
Faux pearls on gold post...how to remove?
- Thread starter A Breaker
- Start date
I've had success by boiling the earrings in the microwave in a half cup of water. Boil for several minutes, let cool a bit and gently twist. If not loose, boil again. It can take multiple tries to loosen the pearl from the earring back. Don't force it as you don't want to break the post off.
SurfnSci
Pearl-minded
I use acetone all the time - it will ruin whatever remains of the faux pearls though, and I would not use it on gold-plated posts (though I have used it with gold-filled without issue). I would definitely try Pattye's method first (I have also had success with that), and if not successful after a few tries, you could soak overnight in acetone. I think the hardest thing is patience; I've ruined several posts and had to drill out pearls by forcing things!
ennui
Well-known member
This method worked for me. I had a gold pendant that needed a better pearl.
Btw, has anyone been able to remove a broken post without drilling? I had an oops moment with a different pearl.
I would put that in you eventual Attack pile. Drilling has not worked for me..the pearl is softer than the metal.
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
I may try this. I have a pair of Majorica imitation Tahitian studs set in hefty, generously sized 18K findings. (Usually their findings are silver or vermeil).
ennui
Well-known member
Btw, I didn't have to boil my pearls for several minutes. I think I did one minute at a time -- let it sit -- check to see if loose -- go for another minute, etc.
And please be aware that extreme heat changes will crack many gemstones. I think you can crack an amethyst just by opening the oven but that could be a myth.
And please be aware that extreme heat changes will crack many gemstones. I think you can crack an amethyst just by opening the oven but that could be a myth.
I did mine slowly too.
I doubt the amethyst thing.. I can't actually remember wearing rings when I put things in a hot oven..(Of course I had hot pads...so maybe enough protection?)....but I will bet I had amethyst necklaces on when opened the oven. But them might be heat sensitive for sure.
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
I don't wear them at all-- they are an unflattering shade of gray for me. I prefer my real Tahitians.
Do report back... It would be helpful. Might as well do it for science!
Yay! Glad this worked for you! This tip was shared by someone else here; unfortunately I don't recall who it was. (I've been hanging out on this forum for about 20 years, lol.)
Pearl Dreams
Pearl Enthusiast
I'm in the process of trying to get 18K cups off my gray Majorica studs.
So far I have not gotten the cups to loosen even a bit, not after soaking in boiling water 3 minutes and not after microwaving on high in the same boiling water for 3 more minutes. The pearl is also unaffected.
I'll leave them to soak some more and see what happens. Maybe repeat the boiling.
If that fails I'll use Attack.
Edited to add: Boiling and soaking doesn't soften this glue-- and also doesn't harm these imitation pearls. Gotta hand it to Majorica! They're fake but wow, are they durable!
I'll try Attack another day.
So far I have not gotten the cups to loosen even a bit, not after soaking in boiling water 3 minutes and not after microwaving on high in the same boiling water for 3 more minutes. The pearl is also unaffected.
I'll leave them to soak some more and see what happens. Maybe repeat the boiling.
If that fails I'll use Attack.
Edited to add: Boiling and soaking doesn't soften this glue-- and also doesn't harm these imitation pearls. Gotta hand it to Majorica! They're fake but wow, are they durable!
I'll try Attack another day.
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