Categories: Products; Instruction and information
Word count/read time: 390 words; 1-1/2 minutes
There it is. There it has been, like, forever: grandma's old silverware, great-aunt's gold and silver jewelry
hoard, father's collection of gold teeth. Doing nothing, collecting dust, but too valuable or sentimental
to discard, donate, sell, or bequeath. But there is another option. Repurpose!
While it would be convenient to have a simple checklist or order form, the possibilities
are endless. A little imagination tempered by science, logistics, and feasibility will guide the way.
Still, the best intentions should have a 'Plan B' as well.
It is easiest to preserve as much of the original shape and/or design since that involves the least amount
of work...and headaches. The lone fork - it makes a perfect pendant whose tines can hold a treasured stone
or locket. Spoons can be made into rings - both ends - with monograms and engravings preserved wholly.
Have a whole collection? Make identical pieces for each family member!
Gold and silver items are easy to melt down and cast, forge, or shape into something else
though it can be a bit more complicated than hitting it with a flame.
Silver cups, bowls, plates, and the like can be cut into strips to use as rings, charms, pendants, brooches,
bracelets, and more.
Jewelry is tricky. It might be marked as solid gold or silver but there are far too many
fakes or over-assayed metals to take a purity stamp as gospel. Old repairs, excessive solder,
and other things can wreak havoc on any attempt to remake it if there is soldering,
welding, or anything like that involved.
The best choice is often to refine it then start from scratch
to make your new showpiece. It will eliminate toxic or poisonous metals and ensure the purity and
metal content.
They can stay just as they are. A quality restoration or cleaning can go a long way to
imbue that ancient artifact with a new lease on life. Even damaged items can be brought to a respectable
condition in many cases. Or exchange it for something else that I make or can make.
Last case, sometimes cash is just as good. I buy precious metals for a fair market price, much
better than the 10% many pawn shops or antique dealers pay.
It all starts with what you have and what you want, a decision only you can make.
Posted by M: December 11, 2021
Please email any thoughts or comments regarding this post.
Comment Section
NOTE: Your comments will be included in this section
as long as they aren't illegal. This section is censor-free so show me
your intelligence or ignorance and everything in between!
|
2024
Update Those Displays
Fly on the Wall
Greed Won Out
German Silver
Save It for Desert
Toeing the Line
Time for a Redo
USPS Is Broken
Not Enough Space
Jump Ring Stretcher
Nope! That's Not Green
2023
2022
2021
2020
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
|