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  for Metal Finishing since 1989
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Tarnishing of sterling silver

2003

I currently produce sterling silver charm bracelets. I buy the bracelets from a chain manufacturer that I am pleased with. The charms however are creating a bit of a problem. I have them produced by a tool and die manufacturer who does not specialize in the jewelry trade. I chose this shop because they were small and attentive as well as reasonably priced on their die prices and finished product prices.

My problem is that the silver charms tarnish badly at times. I know that they are not using any anti-tarnish silver and they send out the charm after it is stamped to a local polisher. The polisher does an OK job but I think does not always completely rinse off the ochre (I don't know if that is the correct word.) This leads to occasional tannish spotting on some charms. They also occasionally have black spots within the charms due to dust and dirt during the stamping process, I think.

Because of these problems we have been reluctant to go full force to the department stores and many specialty stores fearing that the charms would tarnish on display. We have an awesome potential but we need to get this problem resolved. I appreciate any input you or someone you know could provide.

John Shields
sterling silver jewelry - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA

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2003

Hello John,

A decent lacquer applied to the charms should stop the tarnishing.

Jake Koch
G. J. Nikolas &Co.,Inc.

Bellwood, Illinois