[Jewelry making - Article 00722] - Re: [Orchid] Cleaning Ivory

[Wayne Emery]

========[ Invite a Friend - http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm  ]========

    I once had to clean an old collection of over 700 ivory pieces,
    mostly elephant, some narwhal, some bone. Be VERY careful when
    attempting to clean ivory. First, make sure it IS ivory and not bone
    or an imitation. 

    Black spots on ivory are usually caused by mold, in turn caused by
    keeping the ivory piece in a damp atmosphere. Ivory is quite porous
    and will rapidly absorb anything placed on its surface. Here's the
    guidelines I've always followed, with attribution. 

    Cleaning ivory

    Never attempt to remove the surface coat pigment or patina, as it
    affords protection for the piece, and is an indication of age. Many
    liquids, including water and cleaning solutions, are destructive to
    ivory, and should be avoided. Applying water may cause swelling and
    cracking. Extremely dirty pieces should be referred to a
    professional conservator, as well as pieces that are dyed, pigmented
    or inlayed. When in doubt, consult with an expert. 

    Dry cleaning methods may be attempted: Using a clean, soft paintbrush
    or toothbrush, carefully brush dirt off the object. 

    Ivory that is in good condition should be cleaned and wiped gently
    with a soft, clean cloth. If dirt remains, but no cracks, using a
    solution of 50% ethyl alcohol and 50% distilled water, dip a Q-tip
    into the solution and blot on a piece of paper towel. Use this to
    clean a small, inconspicuous area, and dry immediately. If this goes
    well, clean the entire piece in this manner, working on one small
    piece at a time, and drying immediately.1 

    Remember: When in doubt, consult with a professional. 

    1 The Cane Collector's Chronicle, Volume 4, Number 1, January, 
    1993

____________________________________________________________________
T h e   O r c h i d   L i s t
Open Electronic Forum for Jewelry Manufacturing Methods and Procedures
____________________________________________________________________
Orchid FAQ:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/faq.htm
Orchid Archives:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/archive
Orchid Galleries:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/orchid/gallery.htm
Invite a Friend:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/invite.htm
____________________________________________________________________
Tips From The Jeweler's Bench - Article Archive
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/borisat/tip_sear.htm
The Jeweler's Selected Bibliography List
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/jewelry-books
Buy Orchid Jewelry:
~ http://www.ganoksin.com/shop
____________________________________________________________________
-Unsubscribe:
-Email: orchid-request AT ganoksin.com Body=unsubscribe subject=blank
____________________________________________________________________