Written by the TreasureGuide for the exclusive use of the Treasure Beaches Report.
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| Source: MagicSeaWeed.com. |
Everybody knows that weather has a lot to do with beach metal detecting conditions. When conditions remain summer-like for long periods I don't mention it much, but when it looks like things might change, it becomes the big news.
As you know, 2021 so far has not been great for beach metal detecting overall. We mostly had a small to moderate surf with easterly and southerly winds. From the current predictions, I'm expecting something like what we had a couple weeks ago. During that time there was one great shipwreck artifact found and there were good numbers of modern coins and other things found.
If you check my first report when I went out after the last front came through, you'll see that I specifically mentioned the area where the shipwreck artifact find was made. I've pointed to that specific area a few times over the years. It is a bit of a walk, but last time it was eroded more than usual down that way.
According to the current predictions, the surf will be about the same, and there will be a short period of north wind at the beginning of the increased surf. That is what happened the last time too. It is a common pattern when a front comes through.
Of course it would be more promising if we had a bigger surf, bigger tides and a longer period of north winds, but at least it should help some - enough to make it interesting while keeping it challenging. I'm expecting some good spots, but not overall great conditions.
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Not long ago I posted some marks I found on a ring. They were 14410 CS V.C.A.
Alberto S. said the VCA might stand for Van Cleef and Arpels and the number would be the serial number, which is found on every Van Cleef and Arpels piece. Below is an example.
While doing some research, the VCAs that I found at first, like the one shown above, had no periods between them. And most of the serial numbers had more than five digits. And I had no had no idea about the CS, but the example shown above had two letters in addition to the serial number, which I now think could be the initials of the craftsman.
It took a while, but eventually I found an example of a Van Cleef and Arpels piece with the V, C and A separated by periods.
Thanks to the help provided by Alberto, it is looking more like my item could be a Van Cleef and Arpels piece. I'd like to find a reference that gives a list of VCA serial numbers. or some dated examples with fewer digits.
Here are a couple relevant web sites. One gives a timeline, and the other tells how to spot a fake.
Van Cleef and Arpels | Antique Jewelry University (langantiques.com)
How to Spot a Fake: Van Cleef & Arpels Jewelry | The Loupe, TrueFacet
Genuine Van Cleef & Arpels jewelry always includes a signature stamp. The stamp’s placement differs from piece to piece: rings’ stamps are pressed on the inside shank; earrings are marked on one or both of the ear clips; and for pieces from the Alhambra’s collection, the stamp appears on the gold edge of the quatrefoil (or clover station) closest to the clasp.
The stamp should read “Van Cleef & Arpels” or “VCA.” If your piece reads merely “Van Cleef,” it’s most likely a fake.
The article also says that they only use 18K gold, which will bear a mark of 750. I didn't see that, so will have to give it a better look. I think the gold is 18k. Just didn't see the mark.I've been carefully cleaning a gold Christ figure while experimenting with a few methods. One thing I've discovered is that the white vinegar (5% acid) worked a bit at first, but after soaking the item another day or two, progress slowed - maybe stopped. Very little, if any more, of the encrustation was removed the last day or two.
I've thought about attacking this very stubborn encrustation in various ways. I've considered Muriatic acid, electrolysis, and trying to grind or chip the encrustation.
I am pretty sure that a Muriatic acid solution will do the job. I also think electrolysis might work. I'm don't think I'll try chipping or grinding, but might try a dremel with the right bit.
Here is a microscopic view of the encrustation to be removed.
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| Encrusted Gold Christ Figure (Contrast adjusted to show crust more distinctly.) |
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| Light Cleaning Before and After. |
The high spots, which had the lightest crust are now pretty clean, but where there was heavier crust, it still remains.
When dissolving matrix containing microfossils, I learned that white vinegar is a very slow process, taking weeks. On the other hand, Muriatic acid dissolved things much more quickly but also dissolved fossils. One is very slow, the other turned out to be destructive. That would not be the case with gold, which will not be harmed by the acid.
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Which of these people is owned by China?
Don't be fooled - both.
Think about it. So now you know why America first is not popular with the establishment.
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Keep watching that front.
TreasureGuide@comcast.net