Repairing Guides

how to repair sterling silver

by Dr. Lindsay Ebert Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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Directions

  • Thoroughly clean any oil, grease, oxidation or tarnish from the jewelry surface. ...
  • Clip off a small piece of silver solder . ...
  • Set the pieces to be soldered on the flame resistant surface or put on a work glove and hold the piece in vise grips. ...
  • Light the torch. ...
  • Turn off the torch. ...

More items...

Use tweezers or a wet paintbrush to place the piece of silver solder on the seam where the metal pieces will be joined together. Light the torch. Move the flame around to heat the surface evenly then apply slightly more heat directly under the joint to draw the melted solder down into the joint.

Full Answer

How to maintain sterling silver?

How to maintain sterling silver jewelry. The biggest reason that leads silver oxidation is the oxygen in the air, so the best way of maintenance is to use air barrier, for example, silver jewelry should be put in a sealed plastic bag and then into the jewelry box, blocking air contact with the silver. ...

Does Avon sell sterling silver?

Sterling Silver CZ Layer Ring by AVON Sz 7 ~NEW w/BOX~ FREE SHIPPING! Got one to sell? Get it in front of 160+ million buyers.

Does sterling silver jewelry ever rust?

Silver, in its purest form, does not rust. However, because pure silver is soft and bends easily, it must be alloyed with other elements if it is to be made into something useful. Sterling silver, for instance, is made from pure silver and copper. However, this alloying leaves the silver more vulnerable to tarnishing and corrosion.

Can you put sterling silver in the oven?

Sterling silver flatware may certainly go in your dishwasher. We do recommend a few modifications to your typical washing procedures to make sure your silver stays as bright as the day you bought it: Rinse your silver under the faucet before you put it in the flatware basket. This removes remnant food particles (particularly damaging substances ...

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How do you fix a stripped sterling silver?

Aluminum foil and baking soda Place your sterling silver inside and add boiling water along with a cup of baking soda and a pinch of salt. After the silver soaks for a few minutes, the tarnish will jump from the jewelry to the foil. Tiffany & Co. advises against soaking silverware.

Can sterling silver Be Fixed?

We can make your silver shine again! Using our state-of-the-art laser welder we can size or repair any piece of silver that you might have. So bring your silver of any origin into one of our Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repair locations and we will be happy to restore it to its former glory!

Can broken silver be repaired?

Akers notes that sterling silver is easier to repair than silver plate, which is more difficult to solder because of the varied metal content. Also, silver plate often needs to be resilvered, which can be costly. "If it's a prized family heirloom you want to keep and use, you may want to get it resilvered.

Can a sterling silver ring be repaired?

Metal Type: The type of metal greatly affects the repair cost. Sterling silver is very cheap and easy to mend, whereas gold and platinum are comparatively more expensive because they require the matching type of wire or solder that contains gold or platinum content.

How do I turn sterling silver back to silver?

Tarnished silver is no match for this aluminum foil “recipe.” Bring one liter of water, one tablespoon of baking soda, and one piece of aluminum foil to a boil. Drop silverware in the pot for 10 seconds (longer if it's very tarnished), then remove using kitchen tongs. Magic!

How do you make sterling silver silver again?

Mix ½ cup lemon juice with 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large bowl. Then, use a small microfiber cloth and dip it in the solution. Use this cloth to polish your sterling silver, rinse and dry.

How do you glue silver together?

The best glue is a rapid two part epoxy, such as Devcon 5minute epoxy, which they have at Cooksons. It needs to be mixed well to set reliably and I would mix with a plastic coffee stirrer on a square of that stiff clear packaging that some things are sold in.

What is silver soldering?

Silver soldering, also known as 'hard' soldering or silver brazing, is a process in which two or more parts are joined by melting and flowing filler metal into the joint.

How do you repair silver items?

0:111:22How to Easily Re-Plate Damaged or Scratched Silver Items or ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhich actually contains real silver hg silver plating polish can also be used as a polish for wornMoreWhich actually contains real silver hg silver plating polish can also be used as a polish for worn silver plated articles damage marks such as scratches or engraving errors in solid silver articles.

How do you fix a silver ring that turned black?

To clean tarnished silver, use a polishing cloth or soak it in a solution of warm water and ammonia and scrub it lightly with a soft toothbrush. It is a good idea to clean your silver jewelry regularly, even if you don't see signs of tarnishing.

How do you join broken silver chain?

1:026:13How to FIX a BROKEN CHAIN NECKLACE ( DIY Jewellery Repair )YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo i twist it. Open. Then we slide both sides of the broken chain. Onto this open jump. Ring andMoreSo i twist it. Open. Then we slide both sides of the broken chain. Onto this open jump. Ring and then we twist. Back feel the jump rings fully closed.

How can I fix a broken ring at home?

0:129:15FIXING a ring that was CUT OFF! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPart of going back to square one is soldering the ring back together I'll add some boric acid. BringMorePart of going back to square one is soldering the ring back together I'll add some boric acid. Bring a flame to it. Add a little bit of flux.

How much is it to repair a sterling silver chain?

Soldering a Broken Chain: $30-$230 If the chain on your favorite necklace breaks, you can fix it by getting it soldered back together. This will cost you anywhere from $30 to $230 depending on the type of metal and the area of the chain that needs to be soldered.

Can you glue sterling silver together?

The best glue is a rapid two part epoxy, such as Devcon 5minute epoxy, which they have at Cooksons. It needs to be mixed well to set reliably and I would mix with a plastic coffee stirrer on a square of that stiff clear packaging that some things are sold in.

Can sterling silver be soldered?

Many metals used in jewelry making can be soldered, including sterling silver, fine silver, brass, copper, gold, and gold filled.

How long does sterling silver last?

Even though sterling silver, on average, lasts 20 years there are ways that you can stretch its longevity to last as long as several generations!

Jewelry Repair Using Hand Tools

Whether it's a piece of men's or women's jewelry that has suffered a breakage, the basic construction is the same, so you're going to employ the same methods to perform your repair.

Jewelry Repair Using a Soldering Torch

If you need to repair a broken chain, chain links, rings, settings, or charms, then you can light 'em if you got 'em. This task requires some patience and practice, and you'll also need the following supplies:

Removing Shallow Scratches in Your Silver Jewelry

Tiny scratches may accumulate on the surface of your sterling silver jewelry, either while you're performing repairs or over the course of normal wear. These scratches may not lead to breakage, but they can cause your silver to lose its shine.

Keeping Your Silver Jewelry Clean

Everything from sterling silver body jewelry to silver eating utensils builds up tarnish over time. Part of keeping your silver jewelry in a good state of repair is keeping it as radiant as the day you got it. Luckily, you can click here to access a quick guide we prepared to help you with DIY jewelry cleaning.

Back to Your Collection

Now that you don't have to fret over what to do if a precious piece of your sterling silver jewelry gets damaged, you can get back to crafting your own signature look with Roma.

How to clean tarnished sterling silver?

Line whatever you are using for the cleaning, whether it is the sink or your bucket, with aluminum foil. Place your sterling silver inside and add boiling water along with a cup of baking soda and a pinch of salt. After the silver soaks for a few minutes, the tarnish will jump from the jewelry to the foil.

How to wash sterling silver?

Washing silver by hand with a mild detergent with a soft cloth or sponge in warm water with a mild detergent. Storage is also an important component of sterling silver care. Keep it in a cloth bag, like the one some jewelry comes in, or in an air-tight plastic bag. Store it separately from other metals.

How to keep sterling silver from tarnishing?

Be especially mindful to keep silver away from rubber, vinegar, olives and fruit juice. One of the best ways to keep sterling silver stunning is to wear it. Put your jewelry on after you have styled your hair and put on lotion so the chemicals do not affect the silver.

How to get rid of tarnish on silver?

You can buff the silver with a 100-percent cotton or flannel cloth to prevent and get rid of tarnish. Specialty silver polishing cloths and polish are also available. When you use polish, make sure you wash the item off in sudsy water and then run it under water.

Is sterling silver easy to clean?

Because of its composition, silver takes more attention and care than other metals. The good news is that it is easy to clean. A word of caution: stick to polishing your valuable sterling silver with a silver polishing cloth. First try the alternative methods on less expensive pieces of jewelry to see if you like the way they turn out. Here are three ways to make your sterling silver shine:

How to remove dents from sterling silver?

Removing dents from sterling silver requires a great deal of skill and patience. I do by best to remove the damage by carefully rubbing out the dents taking time and care to do no harm. Even silver crushed and bent can be restored to a more presentable appearance. It takes time, strength and specialized tools to take out even the smallest dents working carefully and slowly to avoid further damage .

What to do if silver plating is worn?

If the silverplating is worn or damaged, I will take your silver to a local plater that I work with, and arrange for new silver plating to completely restore your silverplate heirloom. Be prepared, silver plating is very expensive in the 21st century. Silver plating baths are cyanide base.

What are the problems with silver coffee pots?

Coffeepot and Teapot Repair. Teapots and coffeepots are possibly the most frequent silver repair. Common problems include hinge repair, insulator repair, dents, and broken spouts.

What are the accessories in a sterling silver dresser?

Sterling silver dresser sets include brushes, mirrors, combs, and many different accessories including powder jars with sterling silver lids, button hooks, nail buffs, and files. All can be polished, repaired and restored depending on your budget.

How fragile are silver candlesticks?

Silver candlesticks are vulnerable to broken arms and stems. The arms extend to the sides and are especially fragile right where they attach to the main column. Many candlesticks are also filled with pitch (sometimes labels as "cement reinforced") which starts to break with age. The height of the candlesticks puts a lot of stress on the base where the silver may wrinkle. Take great care when you polish not to pull or twist, but if your candlestick or candelabra breaks, I can repair it.

Does sterling silver matter?

It doesn't matter if your treasures are silver plate or sterling silver, my goal is to do the best work possible. Repair and restoration on your sterling silver and silverplate require extensive metalworking experience and hand crafting skills.

Can you replace rusty knife blades?

Replace rusty or broken knife blades with new stainless steel blades to restore your sterling flatware. Click here to view more examples of knife blade replacements.

Where does a sterling silver spoon break?

This sterling silver spoon is a family heirloom that arrived broken in two parts. Spoons usually break right where the handle tapers and attaches to the bowl. It was soldered back together with a sterling silver patch on the back to reinforce and strengthen the repair. The patch is attractive, and I was careful not to cover the hallmark on the back.

Why do I need to polish 200 year old silver spoons?

While I would not normally polish 200 year old silver this shiny, it was necessary because of the severe damage and extensive repair work.

What happened to the sterling silver baby fork?

Sterling silver baby fork badly damaged from the garbage disposal. This sterling silver baby fork was badly damaged from the garbage disposal. It really bent the fork tines and chewed up the fork and handle. The goal is to straighten the tines and remove as much of the chew marks as possible.

Can you solder a broken baby spoon?

The sterling silver baby spoon in the images above arrived broken in two pieces. I soldered the baby spoon back together adding a patch on the back to strengthen the repair. Spoons always break at the same place, right where the handle attaches to the bowl, as you can see in these photos. Soldering a broken handle on a spoon are always one of the most challenging repairs. After the baby spoon was silver soldered it had to be completely refinished and polished to remove fire scale. The sterling baby fork was polished to match.

Can a stainless steel knife be reset?

The original stainless steel knife can be reset into the handle using pitch - the traditional material. The joint between the knife and sterling handle will be soldered for a seamless joint.

Can you use lip balm on Christofle knives?

When these steel blades are used they need to be washed and dried immediately. Immediate application of Lip Balm will prevent rust.

Can you put sterling silver knives in the dishwasher?

This is most often caused by putting your sterling handled knives in the dishwasher or soaking your knives in very hot water for an extended period of time. Never put sterling silver handled knives in the dishwasher.

How to clean silver before soldering?

If there is oxidization on the surface, you may need to place the silver in a pickle solution before soldering. Optionally, you may use 1000 grit sandpaper to make a rougher surface for joining.

How to keep silver plated jewelry permanently joined?

Rinse the silver. Rinse the newly joined silver with water. Pat dry with a clean cloth. If the process was completed correctly, the silver should remain joined permanently.

How to apply flux to solder joints?

Apply flux to the joint. Prepare the flux according to instructions on the packaging, if it is not ready to use. Use a small paintbrush to apply this flux onto the silver object (s). Some people apply flux only where the solder will be present, in order to limit the amount of solder that flows to the wrong place. Others prefer to apply the flux over a larger area to minimize the risk of fire damage, but this is not recommended for beginners.

How to melt solder?

Heat the objects until the solder melts. Light your torch and adjust the heat to its highest setting. Begin by holding the torch about 4 inches (10 cm) away from the joint, moving it constantly in small circles to ensure even heating of all components. Slowly move the flame closer to the joint, focusing on the metal objects near the solder, not the solder itself. When the solder reaches its melting point, it will quickly melt and be pulled onto the fluxed areas of the silver.

Why is silver soldering so slow?

Silver quickly conducts heat away from the location exposed tot he flame. Because of this, a small torch tip may make the soldering go much more slowly.

What solder to use for cracks?

If you are filling a crack, you may want to use a lower-purity "easy" silver solder, as it melts at a lower temperature. For joining two pieces together, use "medium" or "hard" silver solder with more silver content, to create a stronger bond.

What is the best soldering block for silver?

A charcoal soldering block may be the best option for soldering silver, as it reflects heat to create the high temperature silver requires. A magnesia soldering block or a kiln brick are other common options, and may last through more soldering projects than charcoal.

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