Usually, if they're in their original packaging, barring any discoloration and such, I'd simply place the coins straight away into Quadrums. However, as I was browsing through some 'different' raw silver coins, gimmick or not, I liked the designs and they were at a good price. So I was thinking of putting them in acetone before they'd get into Quadrum holders. That made me wonder, are these ok to put into acetone, or will they eat away the non-silver, non-metal components? I'd assume so with most of these, as I won't try it unless someone verifies that it doesn't. These are not good to put in acetone, right?: - Enameled - "Printed" colorized coins (usually looks pixelated) - Hologram - Antiqued finish (? I'd assume this is ok, as that's a physical change of the metal, as opposed to some type of coating...) - Amber - Stones (e.g. Swarovski crystal embedded ones) - Anything else? I believe that gold, silver, etc. gilt/gilding/plating are all good to put in acetone. Thanks in advance!
Enamel is glass so I'd think you're safe with that unless it's glued on but I've never done one. Hologram and colorized will probably dissolve. Amber and stones I'd think are ok and not sure about antiqued finishes. Basically acetone works on organic matter. So glues, some plastics like you're pixelated stickers etc
I totally agree but I would test it on amber. It will dissolve certain chemical compounds so check with small piece. If it feels sticky don't soak it. I wouldn't trust it on most finishes.
If it's organic, or you think it's organic, keep it away from acetone (or xylene or any other similar solvent). It'll probably eventually dissolve your fingers, but I've no empirical data on that, not being sufficiently stupid to experiment. I will say, there's pretty much nothing more painful in an open sore than acetone. It probably won't dissolve those pixelated colorized pictures (if they're printed on Mylar or another polyester), but it's about the best thing on earth to remove them; it goes straight through the adhesive. If they're painted, they're gone. When in doubt, Google is your friend.
Oh wait, duh, amber IS organic. Or at least was. Not sure if the fossilization prevents acetone from touching it or not. Might do nothing, might etch it. Now I'm curious
Artists have used real amber dissolved in solvents as a glaze or preservative. So no there. Stones made of minerals are safe, but today most stones are treated with organics to fill the internal cracks. A one karat natural untreated emerald has to be of the best quality for high prices, but an oiled one can have the cracks filled with organics of high RI to appear to newbies to be worth same. Emeralds, rubies, Tanzanite, etc. on eBay are considered treated without GIA cert.
What about modern bronze medals that are darkened with a compound such as liver of sulphur? I have always been afraid to rinse them for more then a few seconds on each side and only with alcohol. Am I being too paranoid?
Liver of Sulfur is for when you want All Of The Toning Right Now. Still sulfur oxide toning, and acetone shouldn't touch it.
I bought a Tanzanite at an auction once. Think it was a touch over a carat or a touch over 2 carats. Paid $80 for it put it on ebay that day and after a 7 day auction it ended at $2200. Sent the stone and the lady says it doesn'thave enough color change as the pictures indicated. I took pics at the hotel window and in the bathroom under incandescent. I think it was a good representation but I ended up giving her a $300 partial refund. Still a win for me
