David Yurman necklace ruined :o(

[Jacqueline]

About a year ago I got Joe a David Yurman necklace. It's sterling silver, 18 Karat gold, box chain. He tried to clean it and it actually discolored the chain. When he holds the chain up, you can see dark spots throughout the chain, and it even looks dull now ( I bought it at Bloomie's but don't have the receipt anymore, if I do, I can't find it anywhere. I'm not sure that they'd exchange it since it's been a long time and since I dont have receipt, I'm so pissed.

 

Does anyone know what I can try to clean it with? I thought just regular silver cleaner but that's what ruined it. I looked on their web for "Care" instructions but it didn't list anything. It bothers the f outta me cuz it was a gift #1, and #2, it wasn't cheap so I'm mad that it has tarnished, when all he did was use silver cleaner on it.

[DanielleNDerek]

Jac is there a number you can call on the website?

[Jacqueline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DanielleNDerek Jac is there a number you can call on the website?

There is, but I'm not sure on what to say. Like, should I mention he tried to clean it OR should I not mentined he did anything, and say it just tarnished?? I would hate them to be like "Oh well, he shouldn't have used certain cleaners, etc.."

Should I just say it tarnished and I wanted to know the return/exchange policy & I don't have the receipt? I wonder if I should call Bloomies though, since that's where I go it.

[Jacqueline]

I just called Bloomies KOP (where I bought it) and asked about their return/exchange policy and they need the receipt. I told her it tarnished and she said that is what sterling silver does. I asked how to clean it, and she said NOT to use sterling silver cleaner on it. ( Crap. I hope his necklace isnt ruined ( I'm gonna try to find the receipt and exchange it. (((

[becks]

Jac - if you used a credit card, you can probably get a copy of the charge slip from the CC company. It may not have details, but it should have the transaction number on it. And Bloomies should be able to find a copy of the sales slip from the transaction number.

 

As a plan B, if you can't find it. Take it to a jeweler and see if they can get it clean - steamers and such may be able to remove the remainder of the tarnishing.

[Jacqueline]

Becks thats a good idea, thanks!

[boscobel]

Jac - did you try using a silver cleaning cloth? That get tarnish out really good. I think you can buy them at any jewelry store.

[Jacqueline]

Quote:

Originally Posted by carly Jac - did you try using a silver cleaning cloth? That get tarnish out really good. I think you can buy them at any jewelry store.

it actually came with one and i tried to use it after it was tarnished but it didnt work. I will try it again.


ya kknw- i am wondering now, as i think about it, i think im the one that dipped it in silver cleaner (

[boscobel]

I would def take to a jeweler to see if they can fix it. That really stinks. Especially that you think you might be the one who might have messed it up!

[Lilpaisley]

I own a vintage jewelry store and I can tell you I have seen many items that were tarnished beyond what you would think was savable come back to life with a little elbow grease.

 

I don't know much about David Yurman in particular, but there are many modern jewelry companies that are now coating their metals in an anti-tarnish. You used to see this coating allot in the 60s and 70s on copper jewelry pieces like those by Renoir Matisse. This is why you don’t want to use a jewelry cleaner on the items, just a sofy polishing cloth. The cleaner damages the coating making it look worse than before. I also not a big fan of most of those jewelry cleaners that they sell in Dept. stores and places like Kays, Zale, etc. Allot of those cleaners are very toxic, and in my opinion too harsh. If you like the dip cleaners make sure it is a pearl safe cleaner like Jewel Brite. If it’s not pearl safe…don’t bother.

 

Now on to your necklace. The one over the counter thing you might try is Tarn-X. You can get it at most grocery store and places like Target. I use this in my shop on the heavily tarnished pieces with allot of luck. Read the instructions and make sure to wear gloves. Don’t use it if you pieces has any stones, enamel work, or artificially oxidized silver. If tarn-X won’t work for you, then try a silver paste polish. You’ll need allot of elbow grease for this method, but I have put a felt polishing wheel on my Dremel and used it with the paste with a light touch (caution, you can cause polish marks with this method if not careful).

 

If you want to send me a pic of the piece I might be able to get a better idea of what is going on and have some more suggestions. I'm kris at lilpaisley dot com