How to oxidize or antique silver pieces
To give your pieces that antique (oxidized) look, you can use one of two different products: Liver of Sulphur (LOS) or Silver Black (hydrochloric acid).
BOTH products are HIGHLY toxic, and it is very recommended that you use long sleeves, rubber gloves and protective glasses when handling. Silver black CAN burn the skin, even in very small amounts. (Believe me,
I've been there).
The containers and brushes used for oxidizing should not be used for anything else, especially NOT for eating. Preferably use disposable containers.
Latest update: I've been told that Silver Black also has very toxic fumes and should only be used in well ventilated areas. If you want to read more about it, go here.
I don't use LOS, because it requires more difficult handling. I use Silver Black instead, which comes in liquid form. I've been told the effects are slightly different: Silver Black turns the piece very black and
comes off easily with the steel wool; while LOS gives it a multi-colored/brownish color and cannot be removed easily once applied.
Before oxidizing
After oxidizing
These are the steps to oxidize a piece of jewelry using silver black:
1) Pour just a few small drops of Silver black into a glass container. Do not leave the Silver Black container open, to avoid exposure to fumes.
2) Dilute with the same amount of water, just a few drops.
3) Using an old paintbrush or cotton swab, apply the diluted silver black on the piece, avoiding the stones. (See below) The piece will immediately turn dark.
4) Discard the rest of the dilution or store in a tightly closed jar.
5) Wash the piece with lots of water.
6) Pat dry with paper towels.
7) Still with your gloves on, use very fine steel wool (0000) to remove the excess, bringing out the high details. Avoid brushing the stones.
8) Use a steel brush to remove all the smaller pieces of steel wool that got caught in the piece.
9) Wash with water again and pat dry.
10) Using a flannel or a tumbler, polish the piece.
11) If using a tumbler, add 1 or 2 pounds of steel shot to the barrel.
12) Place the piece inside the barrel. Cover with water, just about 1/2" above the level of steel shot and jewelry.
13) Add a tablespoon of dishwashing liquid soap.
14) Close the barrel tightly and tumble for one to two hours.
15) Rinse in water and pat dry.
Beads & Stones: can they resist oxidation?
Glass and crystal is practically immune to oxidation. Most stones are totally immune to oxidation too, especially the harder ones. Pearls and soft stones (jade, turquoise) can
suffer and be tinted with oxidation, however, that can be avoided if using the paintbrush carefully. Soft stones and pearls don't do well in tumblers either.
Oxidizing with hard boiled eggs
If you would prefer not using hard chemicals, use the following technique: boil a hard boil egg. Remove the shell and cut it in four pieces. Place in a plastic bag or sealed container with the
jewelry. Remove the piece when it has the right amount of oxidation. This maybe take a while (I have not tried this technique, so I can't say for sure how long it takes, but I
heard it can take up to a couple of hours in some cases).
Final note: to oxidize or not?
Oxidation is largely a matter of personal preference. Some people like best the shiny, whitish aspect of new silver; others prefer the more antique look. All silver will tarnish lightly with
time. To avoid premature tarnishing, keep your pieces in sealed ziplock bags when not wearing.
Oxidation is usually final, and cannot be easily reversed, so be sure you (and most importantly, your clientele) really like the look...
I was told about a dip that apparently removes a thin layer of silver allowing it to shine white again, you can find it at Thunderbirdsupply (search for Silver Dip). I tried it personally and
found the results to be less than satisfactory (and the dip damages some of the more porous stones, too).
So if you want your silver shiny, think twice before oxidizing!
Please note: this information was learned mostly from experience. If you have any comments or corrections to suggest, please write to me! Contact Eni.
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