Please help me save my Alaskan bracelets....

Hey all unfortunately I took my Alaskan bracelets to be restrung and was shocked when I picked them up. I had made specific instructions for them to be strung on elastic cloth which only one was. Also, I asked no adhesives and liquid be applied to them. They caked glue all over the opening where the string is tied! I am at a loss on how to remove the glue without damaging the ivory. Should I gently rub acetone until the knots loosen up? I need to get all the glue and knots out to restring them again. One of the pieces was even strung upside down...

 

This is terrible. I did a web search on solutions and there are various. If no one comes up with something, I'll share the links.

 

I suggest you go back to the jeweler and find out what kind of glue was used so that you can determine the correct solvent.

 

I'd cut the adjoining thread and pull the knots out with a needle nose plier..

 

They used epoxy and I've tried just pulling the knots out but they are glued solidly inside. I was refunded all my money and took them as was because I feared they would damage them more

 

do u by any chance have a dremel tool..?

 

What a bummer! Epoxy will be hard to get off. What about dipping it in very hot water? That might soften the adhesive enough so that you can pick the knot apart? Another option would be cold to make the epoxy resin brittle, but it may do the same to your bracelet.

 

I also think this is your best bet, but you’ll still have some glue left behind - and since ivory is porous you may have difficulty removing the glue without solvents. If that is the case, I’d pick away whatever possible using a razor blade or metal dental pick, and if forced to use a solvent, go slowly, dab a little solvent on the glue (just enough to sit atop the glue) - hopefully you can remove it. Glad you got your $ back at least.

 

The best solution to remove epoxy,etc. for the last 50+years... https://www.jewelrysupply.com/Attack-Solvent-Solution--Glue-Remover-_p_11310.html

 

Unbelievable!

I found this:
https://www.finishing.com/553/58.shtml

Don't be too scared to tackle the problem, ivory is pretty hard. Good luck with whichever method you choose. Will you let us know?

 

I like the cut the thread, and dental pick ideas; but the thread might be really saturated with the epoxy, so if it was mine, and that didn't take care of it, I might try a Dremel tool with a tiny drill bit or similar, very carefully and shallow, to get things started, then try picking at the remaining threads.

 

I feel a dremel would be the best tool. I cut the string and have been picking at it but it's as hard as a rock and isn't budging at all.