Crescent Brooch and paint?

[nala]

I don’t know how else to describe it. But was it customary to paint over actual gold? Gold paint over gold? It was tested for 14k gold so I am not worried, I just did not know this was a thing. I am thinking about replacing the garnets with old cuts but am wondering how the gold paint will be impacted. Thoughts?

 

[stracci2000]

I think what you're seeing is the unpolished surface of the gold.
They didn't bother to polish the recessed and hidden areas after casting.
There is no paint involved...
It's really pretty!

 

[nala]

I think what you're seeing is the unpolished surface of the gold.
They didn't bother to polish the recessed and hidden areas after casting.
There is no paint involved...
It's really pretty!

Really??? I see that color in the prong areas too though. Hmmm.

 

[stracci2000]

Really??? I see that color in the prong areas too though. Hmmm.

Did you try scraping a small section? If it's some sort of paint, it should flake off.

 

[nala]

Did you try scraping a small section? If it's some sort of paint, it should flake off.

I did. But it doesn’t flake off. My jeweler is on vacation until next week so I guess I will just have to wait until then. I feel like I am seeing a rust color.

 

[stracci2000]

Maybe it came in contact with something corrosive, during storage over the years.
Prolonged exposure to fumes from bleach, ammonia, or other chemicals could've caused this.

The retailer might have then taken it to the polishing wheel for a refresh before you got it.
Ida know ...just guessing here.