Covering two topics here that I need some advice. Recently started cleaning a stem...didn't think it was amber until I started cleaning it and the colors showed. So I did the tests, acetone, salt water floating, and the taste of the stem (I cleaned that part before) I cleaned it with alcohol at first....seems like it may have been a bad idea and glad I realized before it was too late. Thought maybe it may make it brittle, or shatter it. Also, it turned part of it a more orange color.
The first question is, how do you clean amber? It's one of those stems that's super filled with nasty tars..and I don't want to ruin it. Also, how would you it clean as you go without any issues? Holding it up to the light seemed to be the best way for me to show it as well as with the pipe. Whoever smoked this meer...smoked it heavy!
The next part is about an Ivory Stem. I have read about cleaning Ivory piano keys, and basic things. However, nothing about anything with a hole in it...that you can't see and is full of tar. I know it's delicate as well. Most cleaning methods involve very delicate work, and doubt most of it will remove the tars. The stinger/condenser on The Esterd will cause an even larger hassle. So, again...I want to know how to clean it, and upkeep it. Would hate to break it. Another thing...is the third picture shows a rough patch. While the stem has every factor to make it ivory...including history of the pipe...the rough patch I don't understand. Does this occur naturally in ivory; or is there a possibility something has been added?
Thanks in advance.
The first question is, how do you clean amber? It's one of those stems that's super filled with nasty tars..and I don't want to ruin it. Also, how would you it clean as you go without any issues? Holding it up to the light seemed to be the best way for me to show it as well as with the pipe. Whoever smoked this meer...smoked it heavy!
The next part is about an Ivory Stem. I have read about cleaning Ivory piano keys, and basic things. However, nothing about anything with a hole in it...that you can't see and is full of tar. I know it's delicate as well. Most cleaning methods involve very delicate work, and doubt most of it will remove the tars. The stinger/condenser on The Esterd will cause an even larger hassle. So, again...I want to know how to clean it, and upkeep it. Would hate to break it. Another thing...is the third picture shows a rough patch. While the stem has every factor to make it ivory...including history of the pipe...the rough patch I don't understand. Does this occur naturally in ivory; or is there a possibility something has been added?
Thanks in advance.