How To Clean Ivory Jewelry
Ivory that is in good condition should be cleaned and wiped gently with a soft clean cloth.
How to clean ivory jewelry. When the juice and salt has all been wiped away allow the piece to air dry. Reach into any tight cracks and crevices. Use this to clean a small inconspicuous area and dry immediately. To clean gold jewelry let it soak for 15 minutes in a bowl of warm water with a few squirts of dishwashing soap. Dust ivory using a paintbrush.
The glycerin will also help put oil back into the surface and loosen deeper dirt. Keep working the glycerin into the ivory and wipe it off between cleanings with a soft rag. Ensure none of the cloths used to clean the piece have been dried with fabric softener as it will transfer to the piece and can cause damage or markings on the surface. A bead a carving a tusk or other ivory piece. Before handling ivory wear clean white cloth gloves.
Use a soft bristled toothbrush to scrub away any remaining grime. Soak a soft cloth in clean water and wring out the excess. Use the damp cloth to wipe down all surfaces of the ivory item. To clean silver line a bowl with aluminum foil and fill it with hot water and teaspoon of salt. I realize this is a general answer since i don t know what the item is.
White vinyl erasers being very soft are generally used by artists for removing pencil or charcoal marks lines. Stir until the salt dissolves then soak the silver for a few minutes. 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. Dip a cloth in baking soda to rub all over your ivory after it has dried. If these are not available wash your hands first with soap and water to remove hand oils and dirt.
Rinse your pieces in a mild soap and water solution if your ivory becomes greasy or soiled. Dry your ivory immediately to prevent it from splitting or cracking. Since these are also free of contaminants and dye based materials it s pretty safe to clean the ivory. Handle ivory with white cotton gloves. Some sites recommend cleaning ivory by rubbing it with lemon and setting it in the sun.