Need help from metalsmith

M

mikestrauss

Squire
Help please.

I have a metal medallion that I have worn constantly for the past 17 years. I am not certain what type of metal it is, but it is slightly on the softer side. The medallion is a simple round plate with a symbol etched on it. The top of it is shaped like a loop so that a leather or cloth cord can be put through it.

After 17 years of constant wear, part of the loop has begun to, for lack of a better word, dissolve. There is a currently a gap in the loop and it is growing bigger. Does anyone know of any ways to repair it or know of any good places to get it repaired?

Thanks in advance.

-MS
 
My guess is that it is made of pewter and after 17 years of bouncing on a cord would have worn away the metal. Soldering it is extremely difficult since pewter is such a low melt temp metal. There are some metal epoxy resins out there that are used to do such things as repair muffler holes that would bond really tightly to it. You can mold it like putty and then just let it harden. An auto parts store should have what you need.

Another option is to let someone make a new mold of the item and cast you a new one. Of course, I am assuming that it is the actual pendant and not the shape that holds the meaning to it.
 
I agree with the last post it is most probably pewter but may also be aluminum. Epoxy putty comes in all colors for all metals but pewter. Home renovation centers carry them but you may have to check either in the plumbing or paint sections. The putty is more like a thick paste shaped in a roll that you simply cut a portion that you want then mix them together in your hands wearing latex gloves.

If you want a soldering paste your local welding supply store can help you out but it is extremely costly. The upside it is a permanent solution and you can even weld metal parts together in any shape or form.
 
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