Cleaning old gold eyeglass frames.

[inkyhands]

I have an old pair of eyeglasses which I haven't worn for a while. They are a good quality pair of frames, made of 14 kt gold. I love the shape of the frames(http://www.framesdirect.com/framesfp/Savile_Row-tcmakj/r.html). The frame is somewhat beat up, and has some greenish crud on it. I would like to get them cleaned up, add a pair of cable temples, and wear them again.

Anyone know how to go about cleaning the crud off of these glasses?

I would buy a new pair, but they are rather expensive, and since I am going to have to get new lenses, I would like to reuse the frames if I can.

 

[Shangas]

My grandmother had a pair of gold-rimmed glasses that she used to wear for special occasions...they were really quite something.

For cleaning up ordinary dust, crap, grit and grime, a good soak in an ultrasonic jewellery-cleaner ought to do the trick. Or, buy an all-purpose metal-polishing paste to give it a wipe and buff.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

I have an old pair of eyeglasses which I haven't worn for a while. They are a good quality pair of frames, made of 14 kt gold. I love the shape of the frames(http://www.framesdirect.com/framesfp/Savile_Row-tcmakj/r.html). The frame is somewhat beat up, and has some greenish crud on it. I would like to get them cleaned up, add a pair of cable temples, and wear them again.

Anyone know how to go about cleaning the crud off of these glasses?

I would buy a new pair, but they are rather expensive, and since I am going to have to get new lenses, I would like to reuse the frames if I can.

I would try to take them to a jewelry specialist. They can probally clean them easier & safer than you can. They have all the special equipment & cleaners needed to do the job.

 

[Bruce Wayne]

One more thought. Are you sure that they are gold? Gold ususally doesn't tarnish.

 

[Shangas]

They could be gold-filled or gold-plated, that might possibly explain the discolouration.

 

[scotrace]

Toothbrush, wetted, and scraped along some mild bar soap. Then scrub. It'll also get the greeny crud off the nose pads.

 

[PhilR]

I'll second the ultrasonic cleaner. They are used in all eyeglass repair shops. Soak the glasses for ten minutes or so in a cleaner and most of the crud will be long gone. Anything else can be carefully removed with a soft toothbrush.

 

[Miss sofia]

If you're not sure they are gold, perhaps gold filled, i would also recommend as the others have pointed out perhaps taking them to a jeweller or optician and have a specialist clean, to be on the safe side. I did check in the good ole Readers Digest, 'How to clean anything' and it recommended using a soft toothbrush with a mild detergent or soap, then rinsing under running water and drying with a chamois or a soft white cloth. I love having any excuse to get that book out, thanks!

 

[jdbenson]

Windex & Microwave

A jeweler friend of mine once advised me that if I didn't have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, to briefly microwave a small bowl of windex just to get it warm and let the jewelry soak in that. Now, that was for rings, but I don't think it would hurt gold eyeglasses....[huh]

 

[PhilR]

You can find serviceable ultrasonic cleaners big enough for eyeglass frames on the 'Bay for about $40 - $50. All the ladies in the house will love you for getting one as they are perfect for cleaning jewelery too.

 

[Foofoogal]

The green is called Verdigris and is corrosion. It is best to not let it near your other jewelry and things as it can transfer.

It can be bad enough to pit your metal. Use a toothpick or dry toothbrush to get some of it off and then try Maas Metal Polish gently.

 

[WideBrimm]

Ultrasonic cleaning is a good way to go. And before getting new lenses is the time to do it. Just remember there are no guarantees regarding lenses and lense treatments (anti-glare, anti-scratching, etc.). No telling what the ultrasonic cleaning or solution will do to the lenses.