[Jewelry making - Article 00282] - Re: [Orchid] Tumbling Alpaca chain

[Peter W . Rowe]

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>        I think that your problem with the alpaca chains has nothing to
>     do with your tumbler but the alpaca itself.  I know that wool gives
>     off sulphur fumes that will affect silver.  I'm thinking that the
>     alpaca does the same 

Eileen,

    Maybe I'm misreading too far between the lines of your response, but
    it sounds as though you're thinking that chain included parts made of
    alpaca wool, rather than the alloy called alpaca.   Alpaca, in
    addition to being the name of an animal that produces wonderful soft
    wool, is also the name of an alloy generally of nickel, copper, and
    zinc.  It's a synonym for German silver or nickel silver, and it
    would not generally be releasing any sulphur the way wool, or eggs,
    or a number of other materials can do.  Somehow I doubt that the
    necklace being tumbled had woolen parts.  If it did, then forget this
    message... 

    But I think you COULD get electrochemical interactions between the
    chemically less reactive sterling silver, and the alpaca parts that
    might cause darkening of one or the other, especially if the tumbling
    liquid used is slightly acidic perhaps. 

Peter

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