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Ted Mooney, P.E. RET
The authoritative public forum
for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
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Sterling Silver Has Accidental Copper Patina
I accidentally applied copper cleaner to my sterling silver earrings and watched in horror as a copper patina appeared in areas. Please tell me how I can remove the copper patina? I have unsuccessfully tried silver polish and a hot water, baking soda, and salt solution. Any suggestions are appreciated.
Leah K JonesHome owner - Savannah, Georgia, USA
2003
2003
Leah,
Methinks your silver isn't silver ... WHERE are the mfg. and identification marks, typical with all pure (European, at least) silver?
I can clean silver spoons with Brasso ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , chrome polish or whatever ... mind you, silver polish is better!
It sure sounds that you have plated silver ear rings, which have a copper base.
Mind you, if they are really OLD, then they could have been made from Sheffield plate which always has a copper type base but then the silver is a very soft colour/shine due to that base.
Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).
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