[Jewelry making - Article 00083] - Re: [Orchid] Sheffield Plate

[Neilthejeweler]

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    John, My first company did silverplating and repairs to the public.
    Things being what they were at the time we eventually decided to
    outsource the plating. The tanks were as big as 8 feet long, huge EPA
    considerations. I can give you specific info on jobbers if you email
    me. 

    Replating old pieces is problematic and therefor expensive. And
    sometimes you just don't get the results you want. To get good
    coverage in recessed areas higher voltage is needed which causes
    frosting which requires more polishing which sometimes cuts thru the
    plate requiring another replating process which you have to start
    again from step one. Seams with tiny gaps can cause bleeding of the
    cyanide solution up to months later. Base metal is another thorny
    issue. Zinc die cast for example absorbs the electrocleaner solution
    and leaches it out over time, blistering the silverplate. Sometimes
    you will have applied pewter borders on copper sheet. You need an
    intermediate plate to even things out. 

    I don't know the construction of your piece but a simpler way out
    for you may be to just silver solder your joints(assuming its
    suitable) then spot plate that area yourself and try to 'age' the
    spotplate. Also if you are going to silver solder over previous soft
    solder you MUST ENTIRELY eliminate the lead. At high temps the lead
    will amalgamate with the base metal,creating a spongy new alloy that
    is impossible to do anything with. 

    Given all those potential headaches sometimes a soft solder is the
    pragmatic way to go. Polish and lacquer the repair. 

    If this is a customer's piece I suggest you discuss the situation.
    If its genuine Sheffield and not just later silverplated copper any
    repair, even if it comes out well, will adversely affect the value.
    The line that worked well for me was. "as far as investment value
    goes the piece is ruined already. but we can redo the piece for your
    own enjoyment". 

    That's probably more than you wanted to know but hey, its 4AM and
    and you brought back fond(?) memories. 

Good Luck,
Neilthejeweler AT aol.com
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