Reconditioning chrome....
I'm no expert but I'm thinking the options are:
- polish it
- strip it and rechrome it-
- can it get a replating of 'chrome only' without stripping it?
- there are other methods to apply plating such as 'plasma plating', which is how some plumbing fixtures are plated (saw it on 'This Old House'
- 'Vacuum metallizing' is done on plastic parts. It's actually a thin layer of aluminum that is vaporized and deposited. It's not thick enough for exterior use, but could be clear-coated. Looks like chrome.
Reproductions.... I saw an episode of 'How It's Made' on how class rings are made. Bet it would work for emblems too.
- a prototype is made from wax, then a plaster mold is made from it. Molten metal is poured into the plaster mold, then the mold is dissolved, leaving the cast parts. Rings are often made of gold or stainless. I think gold would be out, but stainless, aluminum, or nickel could be polished or chrome plated if desired.
....No idea what it would cost, but sounds like a mold could be easily made from an original, and the major cost would be labor.
Anyone have any connections in the ring/jewelry industry?