What does jewelry look like when you find it ?

Precious metals (gold and platinum) are defined by their inability to react to other chemicals such as acid or sea water. So when I find jewelry made of these, they look shiny and bright even if somewhat scuffed up from being tossed around in the sand.

High quality jewelry can be buried for years and look remarkably shiny when recovered. Usually I buff rings to give them back their original high lustre and shine, and to remove most scratches.

Silver tarnishes easily and will turn pretty black when recovered from salt water even after only a few weeks.

Mouse over the photos below to see before and after photos.