AboutThomas Expertise A lot of hobbyist are out there looking for answers, lapidary, jewelry making craft, etc. I can answer to many topics in those areas. I do not generally deal with costume jewelry but can give some advice regarding such. Note that I do not string pearls(or other bead work) or do twisted wire work jewelry. I can give info on gemstones and jewelry making tools and techniques.
Experience Experience: Over 25 years as a professional jeweler, working at the bench with the everyday problems of everyday people, plus good knnowledge on the do`s and dont`t, what to expect, what is unexpected, how to get beyond the simple into a rewarding hobby.
Clients: Owned and operated a "trade shop" servicing designers, retail jewelers, etc, and owned and operated a school for jewelers now gone by the wayside due to certain personal and economic conditions). I produced fine jewelry for one national opal company. Also lectured, demonstrated, and taught at the request of clubs, societies,etc.
Question Dear Thomas,
I ahve nice watch with mother of pearl dial. I have observed that the mother of pearl is not well polished and has a dull finish. I am willing to do a nice polishing on the mother of pearl dial and get it printed there after from some body. I have noted with graet regards from your answer on removing the glue from the knife that you have very good knowledge about Mother of Pearl. Please help
Answer Dear Raj Kumar,
I returned to home late last evening and could not answer your question until this morning. I believe I have the proper help for you.
Mother-of-pearl laps and polishes rather easily. The first trick (and you may already know how to do this) is to remove the dial from the watch movement. The hands must be removed and the dial lifted away from the watch. There is a good chance the dial has little “pegs” on the bottom, the dial feet. Dial feet hold the dial in proper alignment with the watch movement. Be careful in the polishing work not to damage the dial feet. Since the dial is likely thin, also handle it quite gently in the lapping and polishing work.
HOW TO SMOOTH AND POLISH MOTHER-OF-PEARL
The first step is to smooth the face of the dial. This is best done by hand with fine sandpaper. If scratches are there, start with a 600 grit wet and dry paper. You might get away with 1200 to start. (Fine sandpapers are available at auto supply stores and sellers of painting supplies.)
To keep a flat surface for working the dial, put the sandpaper on a flat stick, such as a paint stirring stick or part of an old flat wooden ruler. Any smooth flat piece of wood will do. The paper may be wrapped around and taped to hold in place. It is best to have only one layer of sand paper on the working surface to help keep it flat with no bulges from layers underneath.
Wet the paper slightly. I like to work mop wet since the work glides more easily on the sandpaper and the finish appears to be more uniform. Sand gently and just enough to get a uniform dull finish on the dial surface. When accomplished, you are ready to polish.
Polishing may be done by hand* but is more risky to the dial since more pressure is needed. This is also a time consuming method. The better approach is to use a small cotton buff in a “Dremel” type tool. A plastics polishing compound or fine white jewelry compound is touched to the turning buff. Don’t load the buff with compound; just a little on the buff surface is all you really want.
Work the buff across and around the dial face and you will see a shine start to develop rather quickly. Keep moving to avoid heat build-up and cover the entire dial until the desired shine is reached. Now, clean the dial gently with a mild dish detergent and the dial is ready to go to the dial finisher.
Polishing The Dial By Hand
Get some fairly still felt and cement it to the flat stick. Rub polishing compound on the felt. Then, simply move the dial across the felt, again, again, again, again and again until a desired shine is developed. : ) Yes, this will take some time!
I do not suggest holding the dial in your hands and moving the stick across it since there is a chance of too much pressure breaking a thin dial. Keeping the felt still and moving the mop is a safer approach.
COMPOUNDS FOR POLISHING…SUGGESTIONS OF THE TYPES TO USE
Contenti Jewelry Supplies, polishes suitable for mother-of-pearl:
From the list, click “lustre bar” or “plastic rouge”. The lustre bar sort of compound works quite well and quickly. Another brand is Fabuluster sold by other suppliers. Any general compound for polishing plastics should work. But, do stay away from deeply colored compounds such as red rouge. The compound can get into minute scratches in the pearl and is difficult to remove.
GETTING THE MARKINGS BACK ON THE DIAL SO YOU CAN TELL TIME
Most any watch repair shop has access to dial refinishers. They can take your mother-of-pearl dial and have the desired numerals or figures painted. The cost is generally not very high for these services.
Well, there is the answer, Raj Kumar. This should do the trick. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this, please do not hesitate to use the “follow-up” option that comes with the answer.
