What the heck is Verdigris? Definition: bright bluish-green encrustation or patina formed on copper or brass by atmospheric oxidation, consisting of basic copper carbonate. So, think of the Statue of Liberty and that green on her. It actually protects copper, but when it comes to Costume Jewelry, it is very bad news! When it starts to develop on Costume Jewelry it will start to damage the piece and start eating away at the other metals!
Photo on left is an example of Verdigris on some earrings I purchased from an auction. A lot of items in the particular auction lot I won had damage. You win some.. you lose some.. These were so pretty and the fact that are are Crown Trifari, I felt that it was worth my time to attempt to restore them!
I took strong White Vinegar and soaked the earrings for a short time to essentially kill the Verdigris. And then gave them a rinse in soapy water. And most importantly, make sure to dry them with a hair dryer, warm, on low. This will ensure that the piece is fully dry, as the last thing you want is water sticking around. There was still a bit of corrosion remaining which I removed with a nail file with a very fine grit. It also seemed like there must have been a sealant on them which started to come off, so I removed it with acetone, and finished it off with a small amount of mineral oil (supposedly this staves off verdigris from reforming.
Photos above show the final product, minimal gold tone metal loss and a gorgeous Opaline finish to these Poured Glass Crown Trifari Clip ons Circa 1950!
It is best to store items with an active case of Verdigris in their own container. Once it has been removed they can go back in with Gen Pop. Lol!
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