by Lynn
(Massachusetts)
Can you tumble gold-filled jewelry? For how long? Using what materials?
Stacy's Answer:
Hi Lynn!
Although I haven't worked with gold-filled wire, etc. for a long time, I have tumbled 14K 1/20th gold-filled wire and it tumbled fine. I would not recommend tumbling anything plated as the plating could get damaged during the process. GF is not plated, but rather the precious metal is "fused" to the supporting metal or alloy. The bond is supposed to be permanent. Therefore, true filled metal should withstand tumbling.
You would use the standard Stainless steel media with water and dish soap.
Return to Tumble Polishing Q & A.