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<p>[QUOTE="mirana, post: 9613935, member: 79705"]I think I have at least mildly soaked (say half hr) most all shell or hardstone cameos when I've gotten them, using Bronwen's recommendation of a drop of dishsoap in a bowl of water, and then a soft toothbrush. For big jobs like below, sometimes a much longer soak (overnight) still doesn't do the whole job, and I'm impatient. Then I'll put on magnification glasses and use dental picks (pushing against the dirt--not scraping) to pop stuff off.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]468812[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]468813[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>If the shell still has a Byne's or a residue, then per Bronwen's advice, I use an eraser to remove it. She uses a type-writer eraser, I use a white rubber one. I'll trim a pointed and edged sliver off to get in the tiny areas and work at it.</p><p><br /></p><p>[ATTACH=full]468817[/ATTACH]</p><p><br /></p><p>I never soak them again after that and don't think they need it unless to clean. However, I live where it is about 100% humidity so there is plenty of ambient moisture. If you live in a desert YMMV.</p><p><br /></p><p>I only have one coral brooch and I don't think I soaked it...just used dish soap, water and the brush to clean the faces because they were dirty. Coral is of the sea so I'm not to concerned about it. Bronwen brings up a good point about dying so you might test the back first?</p><p><br /></p><p>I've never had an issue with a setting either. I think maybe the only time I'd be concerned is a closed-back piece, or something with foiled glass.</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>That is so interesting!! It makes sense if you think of it similar to how our nails will do the same thing...</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>I would never oil them. I tried it exactly once, with the above Juno, and it only succeeded in making the shell attract copious amounts of lint and dust literally immediately from the air and my handling it. It took several soakings to completely negate the oil. The minimal extra shine wasn't worth the grime attraction to me. I think oil being used with wood is where this idea comes from?[/QUOTE]</p><p><br /></p>
[QUOTE="mirana, post: 9613935, member: 79705"]I think I have at least mildly soaked (say half hr) most all shell or hardstone cameos when I've gotten them, using Bronwen's recommendation of a drop of dishsoap in a bowl of water, and then a soft toothbrush. For big jobs like below, sometimes a much longer soak (overnight) still doesn't do the whole job, and I'm impatient. Then I'll put on magnification glasses and use dental picks (pushing against the dirt--not scraping) to pop stuff off. [ATTACH=full]468812[/ATTACH] [ATTACH=full]468813[/ATTACH] If the shell still has a Byne's or a residue, then per Bronwen's advice, I use an eraser to remove it. She uses a type-writer eraser, I use a white rubber one. I'll trim a pointed and edged sliver off to get in the tiny areas and work at it. [ATTACH=full]468817[/ATTACH] I never soak them again after that and don't think they need it unless to clean. However, I live where it is about 100% humidity so there is plenty of ambient moisture. If you live in a desert YMMV. I only have one coral brooch and I don't think I soaked it...just used dish soap, water and the brush to clean the faces because they were dirty. Coral is of the sea so I'm not to concerned about it. Bronwen brings up a good point about dying so you might test the back first? I've never had an issue with a setting either. I think maybe the only time I'd be concerned is a closed-back piece, or something with foiled glass. That is so interesting!! It makes sense if you think of it similar to how our nails will do the same thing... I would never oil them. I tried it exactly once, with the above Juno, and it only succeeded in making the shell attract copious amounts of lint and dust literally immediately from the air and my handling it. It took several soakings to completely negate the oil. The minimal extra shine wasn't worth the grime attraction to me. I think oil being used with wood is where this idea comes from?[/QUOTE]
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