OK-After only about 18 hours in the Alum solution (Alum/Water) there is a noticeable difference in the stem. It appears to be dissolving for the inside out. From the looks of it, and comparing the before and after photos, the stem has dissolved down into the crown about 2-3 threads. I actually was able to pull a piece of stem thread out of the crown with my tweezers. You'll notice it sitting next to the crown in the second shot.
Before pic
After Pic
I'll post updates on the progress!
My wife and I want to go to London so Badly! Right now, we are only about a 6 hour flight away. But, when we move back to Seattle in the Summer, it will be 9 hours-which seems just soo out of reach!
Love the Pic BTW!