cleaning up items found

[snowman]

I went to a beach while camping in Michigans beautiful UP and found some cool stuff. the coolest was an indian chief ring which I think is sterling silver. It is a bit dirty as I found it about 10" under the sand and rocks about 70' from the beach in the water. I also found a 1937 indian head nickel which is pretty dirty. How can I clean these up?

 

[awhitster]

Soak the ring with liquid silver cleaner. If it is silver it should be marked sterling or .925. If it isn't, it might be junk and the cleaner will eat it up. Then polish with a jewelry cloth. You can get both at Walmart.

 

[Da Yooper]

Snowman,You were up in my neck of the woods, where did you go camping?

 

[snowman]

We were at castle rock campground in St. Ignus. Then to Soulte Ste Marie, Whitefish point and finally Tehqemanon falls. I found all my stuff at the beach at castle rock.

 

[snowman]

ok cool. I can make out the ster so I know its sterling.
thanks

 

[Goes4ever]

old nickels can be cleaned by adding a spoon of salt to vinegar, stirring it up till it dissolves. put the nickel in and swirl it around, watch it closely as the red color will fade quickly. Do not leave it in too long. When you are happy with the color take it out rinse it and put some baking soda on it to stop the vinegar reaction. rinse agin and your good 2 go