Goodwill and Me

In my house there are five people who had lots of stuff. We are blessed to have more than enough clothes, toys, gadgets and other items we "need." After the holidays the kids had more toys than space. Bryan and I are fortunate enough to purge our wardrobes based upon current styles or whims. Not to say anything about our waistlines moving in different directions. 

To manage our blessed excess there is a corner for our Goodwill donations. The pile had grown larger than the space allowance so I made the trek across town. My secret thrill was to browse the store afterwards. In the past I found a cute skirt for one of the girls or a vintage 35 mm Kodak for my camera collection. Most efforts were a bust but not last week.

I found this cute bracelet for $2.00. I loved the tarnished look and for $2.00 why not? It did not bust my Starbucks addiction or the grocery budget. Plus, I HAD to have it for an upcoming baby shower. Don't ask why I needed a bracelet for a baby shower. 

After a household cleaning frenzy, my eyes turned toward the bracelet. I remembered from high school chemistry class the reaction between metals and air. After a little research and a cup of joe I tried to remove the tarnish. 

The polishing cloth was a lot of work. Not my idea of a good time. Instead, out came the glass bowl, small strip of aluminum foil and a dash of baking soda. I gently dropped the bracelet into the bowl making sure it came into contact with the aluminum foil, added the baking soda and covered it with hot water. Immediately, there was a strong sulfur smell from the metal oxidizing. After a few short moments the bracelet seemed almost perfect.

The key was to ensure the metal came into contact with the aluminum foil. When the sulfur smell dissipated I added more baking soda. 

This was the end result. Not bad for a $2.00 find.

Next up, lotion for my alligator hands.

Have you tried to remove tarnish from a piece of jewelry. Any success?

Sharon, The Mayor