Antique Rosary

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Flautist14

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Almost a year ago, I had moved all of my antiques, decorations, and keep-sakes out of my room and into the basement while my dad and step-mom repainted the walls and refurnished it (I went away last Summer for my first year of college). I went down there today to find something, and ran across my late grandmother’s and grandfather’s (both on my late mother’s side) rosaries. I had completely forgotten that I had put them down there for safekeeping!
My grandmother’s is still in good condition, but my grandfathers, with large dark-blue/black wooden beads and metal chain (not sure what type, not pure copper, though, a silver alloy perhaps?) has started to oxidize pretty badly. Most of the chain is okay, but the medal is so covered in a green-grey material (like an old penny perhaps?) that I can’t even make out who is depicted on it anymore. Does anyone know how to safely (and inexpensively) restore the medal, or is it too damaged?
Thank-you!
 
There are metal cleaners you can buy at the store, but you might want to try something that might clean it but that wouldn’t harm it. I would try a bit of oil on a soft cloth and wipe it gently. And by oil, I mean something like baby, mineral or olive oil. Just a drop.
 
If the medal is sterling, any good silver cleaner wil do.
You cant really damage these things.
You can get the links and the chain replaced rather readily by anyone who makes rosaries.
PM me if you need help.

Peace.
 
The green grey you describe sounds like copper with a silver overlay, cleaning may just remove what’s left of the silvering.

Now, think about how they got so tarnished, in your grandfathers hands, are you really sure you want to lose that bit of your history? Keeping it as is might have more meaning.

Just a thought…
 
It is likely brass, or, possibly, silver-plated copper. I would apply an all-purpose metal polish with a soft cloth to remove the oxidation. If that isn’t effective, you could also use copper polish followed by silver polish; that would probably work. Dry, and polish with a tiny bit of oil to protect it.
 
Scripture orients us to the possibility to understand divine law
 
My advice…use it! The more you pray with it the shinier it will get…Promise

My wife’s advice…toothpaste.
 
For years I used my maternal great grandmother’s Rosary. She brought it over on the ship when her and great grandfather came to America from Hungary in 1880. One day my eldest daughter was in desperate need of one, so I gave it to her. She still has it.

At one time the Rosary had a couple of broken beads, so I fashioned replacements using
Testor’s model airplane glue. When it dried it was almost the same color as the original beads.

It’s not the most beautiful Rosary but it is my favorite. 🙂
 
In was meant for you to fine it,say the Rosary daily ,your grandparent,s,are with you,even if you can,t see them. :heaven:
 
You might want to try a little toothpaste on a soft cloth, followed by rinsing with warm water.
Good luck!
 
Flautist14 said:
Almost a year ago, I had moved all of my antiques, decorations, and keep-sakes out of my room and into the basement while my dad and step-mom repainted the walls and refurnished it (I went away last Summer for my first year of college). I went down there today to find something, and ran across my late grandmother’s and grandfather’s (both on my late mother’s side) rosaries. I had completely forgotten that I had put them down there for safekeeping!
My grandmother’s is still in good condition, but my grandfathers, with large dark-blue/black wooden beads and metal chain (not sure what type, not pure copper, though, a silver alloy perhaps?) has started to oxidize pretty badly. Most of the chain is okay, but the medal is so covered in a green-grey material (like an old penny perhaps?) that I can’t even make out who is depicted on it anymore. Does anyone know how to safely (and inexpensively) restore the medal, or is it too damaged?
Thank-you!
Click to expand...
Green with indicate copper oxide
Since brass ,and bronze are copper alloys they could could possibly made of either
Take to a jewelry store a very quick dip in solution might Work
Silver oxcide is black
It was common to sliver plate over brass
But your usually talking .0001 thick
 
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