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A fairly simple solution I was taught a number of years ago, is
plain old rubbing alcohol. Yep, the stuff you can buy at the
pharmacy or grocery store. Usually for less than a buck a bottle.
To remove a set stone, I simply drop the item in a jar with enough
rubbing alcohol to cover it completely, seal the jar and let sit.
Depending on the setting, ie a lacy or filigree style or a plain,
tight bezel, it can take over night or longer. I generally check
it after about 8-12 hours. If it is not moving much, I may pry the
setting open more to allow the alcohol access to the epoxy, replace
the item in the jar and let it soak some more. It will make the
epoxy gummy, and you can then remove the stone from the setting, or
scrape/peel it off your stone/item. If I am doing anything that
requires soldering, I remove/scrape all the epoxy I can, off. It is
very nasty to burn off.
Just a couple of things to remember; Know if you are working with
dyed stones, the alcohol can remove the dye, along with the epoxy.
This is good, if you want to remove excess dyes from stones or
beads, but bad if you or your customer is happy with the dye in the
stone. Nor would I recommend using this for pearls, amber or other
softer - fragile stones, unless you test it first.
I hope this helps.
AJ Cullum
Gemini Dreams
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