eBay

dream*peddler · ‎07-29-2014

I've been trying to sell this Hobe sterling silver brooch from the 40's for some time without luck. The patina vs. tarnish discussion has come up before and I'm wondering what is considered the difference between the two. Would you consider the finish on this brooch patina or tarnish? Should I try and clean it up or leave it as is? It's so intricate, if I were to try and clean it up what would be a good method? What say you, Joolies?

I'm not a hoarder! There's a price tag on everything!

evelyb30 · ‎07-29-2014

If it refuses to see in its "first state" try a sunshine cloth. I'm forever finding sterling and plated pieces with paste silver polish caked into them from someone's long-ago attempts to clean a piece. The cloth has the tarnish remover embedded and it won't leave all the crud. If you do use a polish like Wrights, use an old toothbrush to get the polish out of the nooks and crannies. If you don't have one get something from the dollar store; it doesn't have to be a good toothbrush.

She who dies with the most toys still dies; when's the estate sale?

dream*peddler · ‎07-29-2014

Thanks, Ev. I've considered using a Sunshine cloth but am afraid it will shine only the raised parts and won't be able to reach into the recessed areas. It seems like it would be quite an undertaking to try and clean it. Maybe I'll just dip it in Tarnex.

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Hahaha!

I'm not a hoarder! There's a price tag on everything!

prettysillybaubles_bylorih · ‎07-29-2014

Oh thank God you were joking! lol

mforjan · ‎07-29-2014

I use a foaming silver polish and a soft toothbrush on things like your pin, I have had great results. It cleans away the tarnish but doesn't shine it like it's new. And because you apply it with water to get the foaming action it washes away leaving no residue.

Give it a try, I buy it it my local hardware store 🙂

dream*peddler · ‎07-29-2014

LOL, baubles! Marie, that sounds good. Sounds like a run to the hardware store is in order.

I'm not a hoarder! There's a price tag on everything!

sophieschoice-vintage · ‎07-29-2014

It is a very pretty pin, I can't imagine why you haven't been able to sell it just as it is. Make sure you show us the "after" pic when you get it cleaned up.