HELP: Acid Earring Problem

LSlydice on 14/04/2018 - 08:30
Last edited 14/04/2018 - 12:37 by 1 other user

Hi OzBargainers,

I need your help.

About 5 years back my boyfriend bought me a pair of earrings from Thomas Sabo for Christmas. I loved these earrings and wore them everyday. Because I loved them so much I paid a lot of attention to them. One day I noticed one earring was more cloudy than the other so I used a toothbrush to clean it. The next day I noticed it still wasn't equal in sparkle so I tried cleaning it with a toothbrush again. Repeat for a few weeks.

The back of the earrings is something that looks sort of like a cage so I though maybe that was stopping my toothbrush bristles from scrubbing the right spot. Then I had an ingenious (downright stupid) idea: I could use the same salicylic acid solution that I use for cleaning my retainers (others use it for cleaning dentures) to help me clean those hard to reach spots on my earring.

So I put my earring in acid and after 10 minutes I pulled it out and the metal looked black (not silver) and was soft so the hook part didn't hold it's shape. I've sort of (not really) bent it back into shape and after years of avoiding looking at it the black metal has now turned a splotchy dull grey.

I've had this problem for a long time but still don't know how to fix it. I think my stupidity and shame made me put fixing it off. Hoping the collective mind has some ideas to help me out.

Here are some pictures of my beloved earrings:
https://imgur.com/zTFukRu
https://imgur.com/zTFukRu

TLDR; Put earring in salicylic acid hoping to clean it. Silver metal became black and malleable. Over time black metal became splotchy grey. How can I fix it?

Edit: Thanks for all your comments. Definitely feeling the Ozbargain love even if I haven't found a solution to my problem yet :)

Fashion & Apparel Earrings Fix Jewellery Mistake

Comments

    • outlander on 14/04/2018 - 09:33

      Lemon juice? Are you joking?

      Better off cleaning with toothpaste.

      • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 09:34
        -7

        Toothpaste is acid…

        • outlander on 14/04/2018 - 09:40
          +8

          You think you clean teeth with acid, but lemon juice is an alkali?

        • Slydice on 14/04/2018 - 12:06
          +4

          @Warier:
          Aren't lemons part of the citrus family (like mandarins and limes and oranges) and therefore contain citric acid? I'm trying to soak it in a salt water solution now but I doubt it'll do much since it's been ~5 years haha 😐

        • Slydice on 14/04/2018 - 12:28

          @Warier:
          I used Epsom salt and water but didn't seem to do anything so I've rinsed and removed from the salt solution

        • terrys on 15/04/2018 - 14:27
          +18

          @Warier: "Lemons have an alkali effect on the human body when consumed "

          Would that be before or after they go into the hydrochloric acid bath in the stomach and reach the alkali duodenum? BTW, most toothpastes now contain Sodium bicarbonate, a mild alkali.
          Your "have an alkali effect on the body" doesn't even have enough validity to be considered nonsense. It's arrant bullshit mate.

        • Hahuh on 15/04/2018 - 20:32
          +7

          @Warier: yeah "on the human body". You suggest she swallows the earnings with a pint of lemon juice?

        • Symbiotic on 16/04/2018 - 08:40
          +3

          @Warier:

          Yes, lemons are alkali.

          “The acid in lemon juice really is a cleaning miracle.”

          From your own source:

          https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hi…

  • barbarella on 14/04/2018 - 09:42
    +9

    get the stones re-set by a jeweller

    • Sensiekatie on 15/04/2018 - 11:06
      +5

      Yes - this is THE ONLY solution.

      This metal will absolutely never recover - but if the stone is OK - then you will at least have something to wear.

      Ensure they use either sterling silver or a gold (9ct or upwards).

      In future, clean carefully with the correct jewellery cleaner or just detergent and warm water.

      Never use a toothbrush.

      • cameldownunder on 16/04/2018 - 09:36

        OP could have washed the earrings in one of those small containers filled with water, that micro-vibrate and pass that vibration onto the earring. No clue how it's called and too lazy to check google. I hope OP knows what I mean.

        • releasethekr4cken on 16/04/2018 - 13:54
          +6

          Ultrasonic is the method you are thinking of

    • ozzpete on 16/04/2018 - 07:04
      +1

      OP could get it reset/repaired overseas, if they are going there anyway. There are some countries where jewelry workers labour is much much cheaper, but they still are quite skilled.
      Note: I forget which countries are best for cheap jewellery labour. My sister in law bought ordered a very fancy ring from overseas, and due to difference is labour cost, she saved thousands.
      If OP wants a bargain jeweler, that might be the way to go.

  • outlander on 14/04/2018 - 09:44

    To the op, toothpaste is an alkalising solution (neutralises acid) with mild abrasive qualities. Its well known as a home cleaning agent for buffing metal

    The problem is we don't know what metal your earings are made out of. I would guess stainless steel, but given the fact they've gone 'soft', I don't know. Without knowing the metal, its just a guess as to what to use. Toothpaste is a pretty safe bet though. Its mild enough that we use it on teeth, but strong enough that it will counteract the effects of the acid

      • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 10:50
        +12

        Fluoride is an ion. It does not have a hydrogen to donate. It cannot be an acid.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 11:22
          +17

          @Warier:
          Fluoride exist in other compounds other than hydrofluoric acid. Even if free ions were derived from an acid, it doesn't make the ions acid.

          It is basic chemistry.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 11:39
          -8

          Furthermore, hydrofluoric acid is corrosive to metals thus usually stored in plastic containers! Moral of the story… don't use toothpaste on your metal earrings :)

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 11:49
          +14

          @Warier:

          I don't know about you, but I use SCIENCE!

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 11:49
          +1

          @Warier:
          Uh…You also get water out of acids.

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 11:59
          -6

          @tshow:

          How is water made from acid? Do you have a link or something showing water being produced from acids?

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 14:31
          +1

          @Warier: what makes a typical acid. Hydrogen being released.

          What makes a typical base. Hydroxide being release.

          H + OH = H2O

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 18:32
          -4

          You still don't get water from mixing acids together.

          https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/earth/geophy…

        • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 19:47
          +3

          @Warier:
          Yeah, you get other things with it too. Just like in a reaction where fluoride ions are produced.

        • buckster on 15/04/2018 - 09:07
          +28

          @Warier: I can't tell if you're trolling or just plain ignorant, but please stop, my wife is having an aneurysm reading this (chemistry phd)

        • [Deactivated] on 15/04/2018 - 14:07
          +7

          @Warier:
          I can't even…

        • terrys on 15/04/2018 - 14:33
          +11

          @Warier: " I still don't see how you are getting an alkali solution made out of acids."

          We know you don't. That is because you don't know what you are beabling on about, and more than likely have no idea exactly what the "ph" represents. However, to continue the discussion on your level, it's all measured in moles, and such cute and furry animals couldn't survive in anything so dangerous…

          Sorry to others, but idiots like Warier are (profanity) dangerous loons and the baseless and unfounded "advice" they offer can do real harm at times!

        • terrys on 15/04/2018 - 14:36
          +1

          @Warier: You can't get there from here mate.

        • enzioFirenze on 15/04/2018 - 20:50
          +2

          @Warier: mate just stop! you don't even realize how ignorant you are!

        • wyrmy on 15/04/2018 - 21:14
          +1

          @enzioFirenze: My guess trying to follow Warier: Natural=alkaline, Evil chemicals=acid. From that over simplification all sorts of mental gymnastics are made to create an "alkaline effect" when its convenient.

        • Scrooge McDuck on 15/04/2018 - 23:43
          +12

          @Warier:

          She can use this formula H + OH = H2O to create water? Then post up the video on youtube I would love to see it…

          Here you go: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5hfYJsQAhl0

          PS: Water occurs naturally it cannot artificially created!

          Let me give you some advice. The greatest challenge faced by stupid people is that their stupidity generally precludes them from recognising their own ineptitude. This is a cognitive bias known to the field of psychology as the Dunning–Kruger effect.

          The first step to solving any problem is recognising the problem.

          Just because you read/heard something on social media doesn't make it true. Truth is confirmed after scrutiny and verification, not authority or popularity — such spawn are propaganda or rumours, not truths.

        • ozzpete on 16/04/2018 - 07:13
          +1

          @tshow: You seem to know alot about chemistry. Lets go for a camping trip to the outback next weekend in my RV.
          BYO methylamine.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 10:21
          +1

          @ozzpete:
          I have a shift under the laundromat that weekend. :(

        • Roman Sandstorm on 16/04/2018 - 11:20
          +2

          @Warier:

          Not sure how you make an alkali product using acid ingredients…

          … not sure you know a whole lot about chemistry…

        • Serapis on 16/04/2018 - 17:32
          +5

          @Warier:

          LOL please stop I'm out of negs

        • Spicket on 16/04/2018 - 20:15
          +2

          @Serapis:

          I second this motion.

        • lethological on 17/04/2018 - 20:36

          @tshow:

          indeed it is a weak base.

    • Slydice on 14/04/2018 - 12:21

      I can't find what the earrings are called (to find the type of metal) but from looking on Thomas Sabo's website it seems likely to be sterling silver. It is stamped 925 on the bottom which seems to confirm this. Given that my partner was a broke uni student at the time I suspect the gem is CZ.

      I forgot to mention that when it turned dull grey it seemed to harden up to the same stiffness as the non-affected earring

    • Sensiekatie on 15/04/2018 - 11:07
      -1

      Sorry but toothpaste is bad for jewellery.

  • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 10:57
    +1

    Salicylic acid is corrosive. Due to different pH and composition of acids, corrosion can occur at different rates for different materials.

    In this case, the solder that connected the earing to the shaft was probably dissolved. You can probably get it resoldered. Alternatively, you can reset any jewels if it is a high value stone.

    • Tech5 on 14/04/2018 - 11:48
      +14

      Your reply is basic

      • [Deactivated] on 14/04/2018 - 12:12
        -8

        thanks, i take that as a complement

    • Ryanek on 14/04/2018 - 19:37
      +4

      Don’t be an arse mate.

      • freakatronic on 16/04/2018 - 21:24
        -1

        It's a simple concept that not many can grasp.

    • Scrooge McDuck on 16/04/2018 - 00:38
      +11

      they look really basic.

      Looks can be deceiving; apparently they're acidic.

    • jerjergege on 16/04/2018 - 07:40
      +7

      Not many got the joke, I got the joke.

    • Symbiotic on 16/04/2018 - 08:47
      +4

      This one went swoosh over a lot of heads…

  • Tech5 on 14/04/2018 - 11:48
    +1

    I saw those at lovisa, dont they sell them?

    Edit: Did not see you had a different brand, but if you need new ones, have a look in Lovisa. Almost identical

    • Slydice on 14/04/2018 - 12:13

      I bought a replacement lookalike pair before but it just doesn't do the original earrings justice and I can't bring myself to wear them when the original was clearly better. I'll have a look in Lovisa though, might be closer in appearance and cheaper than resetting them!

  • Chickin on 15/04/2018 - 08:25
    +21

    Hi, I am a Scientist. Sorry about your earring, and unfortunately it can not be repaired by soaking in anything else. Acids dissolve metals. The reaction is irreversible. You earrings would have been made from a metal alloy (mix of different metals - the 925 stamp is used for silver jewellery which contains 7.5% other metals to make the jewellery stronger) and 10 mins is more than enough to dissolve different metals out of that alloy. Dipping the earrings in a basic solution will not replenish the metal. Hope you can find an identical pair soon. All the best :-)

      • buckster on 15/04/2018 - 09:09
        +29

        Your logic is akin to "oh dear I burnt my toast, the opposite of fire is water so I'll submerge it in water and my bread will be as good as new"

        Please stop

        • terrys on 15/04/2018 - 14:37
          +10

          @Warier: So Sodium hydroxide is a health drink, and Sugar soap is good for cocktails?

          You are the most ridiculous fool I have read this decade…

        • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 10:33
          +5

          @Warier:
          Huh. I suspected you were a homeopathy "genius".

          I'd refute your claim with some facts but you don't even accept the law of chemical physics, I doubt we can be objective with statistics and data.

        • phocus on 16/04/2018 - 11:33
          +1

          @Warier: Are you an antivaxer?

        • releasethekr4cken on 16/04/2018 - 14:02
          +6

          @Warier: Big Pharma, and Big Jewellery, never has a more powerful alliance been formed

        • Pinchie on 17/04/2018 - 13:32
          +1

          @Warier: Is the kool-aid you're drinking acidic or alkali?

          I assume the bullshit is alkali.

      • PlasticSpaceman on 15/04/2018 - 10:42
        +5

        Quick science here. Lemon juice is acidic. Ph of about 2 or 3 compared to water (7) or battery acid (1). When digested in small quantities in combination with water 'it can have an alkalizing affect' apparently…. But in this case it would not be a great idea. Rinse in water to ensure no chemicals are left to stop further damage. Then see suggestions below.

        Cheers

      • tighttighttight1 on 15/04/2018 - 23:05
        +4

        something alkali like a lemon

        Lemon is not alkaline

      • Symbiotic on 16/04/2018 - 08:50
        +3

        something alkali like a lemon

        “The acid in lemon juice really is a cleaning miracle.”

        From your own source:

        https://home.howstuffworks.com/home-improvement/household-hi…

        You really shouldn’t be giving anyone advice on using chemicals. You lack a basic understanding of chemistry.

        • abb on 16/04/2018 - 10:41
          +7

          basic understanding

          I had to concentrate, but I saw your excellent pun.

        • Symbiotic on 16/04/2018 - 12:21
          +7

          @abb:

          I enjoyed the reaction

    • outlander on 15/04/2018 - 11:24
      +1

      Wrong

    • Blitzfx on 16/04/2018 - 12:16

      Can't you reverse it with electroplating

  • PlasticSpaceman on 15/04/2018 - 10:33
    +9
    • Take to jewelers and have them reset them - can probably show you different types to choose from
    • Take to market and find someone who makes jewellery and ask them how much to replace the mounts
    • If the metal is now strong again, can consider electroplating with silver - would do both so they match
    • In the future, take jewelry to a jeweller to have cleaned, or get an ultrasonic cleaner off eBay and use that with tap or distilled water and a drop of mild detergent.

    Cheers

    • Sensiekatie on 15/04/2018 - 11:23

      Yes, a manufacturing jeweller - not just the store.

      That stone setting may need a tradesman rather than a a non-tradespersons.

      My husband is in the industry - but another trade. He purchased a pair of earrings and matching pendant for my birthday recently.

      They come from a person calling herself a jeweller and designer but she sells on fb and etsy.

      The way the stones are wrapped into the sterling silver is beautiful and definitely handmade. However, the fittings are not soldered and this will come apart very quickly.

      A good qualified jeweller should use silver (or gold) solder and prevent weakness in joints - yet the solder parts are virtually impossible to see with the naked eye.

      Ask for it.

      A non precious metal solder is useless as it is soft and will also tarnish.

    • [Deactivated] on 15/04/2018 - 18:12

      +1 for electroplating the fittings

    • Munki on 16/04/2018 - 12:07
      +1

      Plate with rhodium.

      • Spicket on 16/04/2018 - 20:18

        Yeah I agree you need to plate with something harder than Silver

        • Munki on 16/04/2018 - 21:41

          Not just harder, but withstands oxidation like a champ. And shinier.

  • chocoteddy on 15/04/2018 - 20:37
    +1

    Most silver jewellery are plated with platinum to give them that extra shine and hardness.
    Silver by itself (esp at 925) is pretty soft. My take on it is that the platinum layer corroded off, making it soft.
    Tarnished silver gives off a sort of dirty rose gold look, which I think is what you have on hand.
    Buy a silver cleaning solution from a jeweler and soak it for the recommended amount of time, or have it reset in metal that doesn't tarnish.

    • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 13:30
      +1

      I thought rhodium plating is the norm.

      • Munki on 16/04/2018 - 21:42
        +1

        Well rhodium is technically in a group of "platinum" metals, so kind of correct? ;)

  • tinyorca on 15/04/2018 - 22:10

    I clean my silver jewellery with baking soda. With plain jewellery you can boil water in a pot lined with aluminium foil and bicarb soda and put the jewellery in. However if it has gems then I just make a paste of bicarb and water and put it on some aluminium foil and either leave it for a day or rub it with my fingers to remove the tarnish.

  • solidussnake on 15/04/2018 - 23:17
    -2

    Buy real ones not fakes next time?

    • Slydice on 16/04/2018 - 09:32
      +2

      Au contraire I'm glad I only ruined my "fake" jewellery. It's a valuable lesson I'm sure to remember

  • SpaceNinja on 16/04/2018 - 00:56
    -2

    Get a new boyfriend.

    • Slydice on 16/04/2018 - 09:33

      Not sure how this is supposed to help?

      • manshrew on 16/04/2018 - 10:27
        +2

        New boyfriend = New earrings.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 10:36
          +1

          Make sure you make him feel like he has done something wrong. Use the old "I shouldn't have to tell you what's wrong" technique.

          Big ass diamonds.

        • Slydice on 16/04/2018 - 10:57
          +1

          @tshow:
          😂 sounds like you're familiar with this technique. I have much to learn.

        • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 11:02
          +2

          @Slydice:
          I am the suffering end of that technique.

          I've said too much. The order that all men belong to will surely be nofutnsnndefjxns

  • [Deactivated] on 16/04/2018 - 18:26

    Ask your boyfriend to buy you a 24k gold diamond earring.

  • GourmetFoodie on 16/04/2018 - 18:46

    Sorry about the earrings, they are a beautiful classic style! Very similar to what I wore for my wedding.

    I think there has been a lot of good advice so far.

    I'd also second the suggestion to buy a small cheap ultrasonic cleaner off eBay - think mine cost about $30. Our family friend who has been in the diamond business 50 years told me to do this and clean wth a few drops of dishwashing detergent in water. It sparkles my jewelry up perfectly and is very gentle!

  • Becsavers on 16/04/2018 - 22:37
    +1

    I have no idea how trustowrthy this website is, but you could try your luck buying a new pair here: http://www.janundmayaontour.de/thomas-sabo-earring-h17120511…

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