What is Oxidised Silver?
From contemporary jewelry designs to art jewelry and sculpture, you’ve likely seen a lot more black silver these days. It’s both fashionable and edgy. Its contrasting color makes gems and diamonds pop! But you may also be wondering what exactly is oxidized silver?
About Oxidized Silver
A piece of black or oxidized silver is true sterling silver, but this surface has been deliberately dark through it starting for a chemical process. This petina, a surface color that occurs when silver is introduced into sulfides, is a blown version of the natural foggy process. A layer of sulfide forms of silver on the outer part of the metal that gives it a black form. Nowadays you can buy oxidised jewellery online in India as there are so many online platforms available who are selling online oxidised jewellery online.
Quick Aside: The term oxidation is a misnomer because the process is caused by the introduction of sulfide and not oxygen. But still, the industry has stuck vocabulary, although it is not technically correct.
We use chemical compounds such as sulfur liver, a potassium sulfide to form a black surface on jeweler silver jewelry. The range of colors that can be obtained from this process is wide. With full force, the color will appear a matte gunmetal black. But with a controlled application, a whole rainbow of colors can be obtained including blues, purple, yellow and red.
Like other patinas, oxidized silver is just nursing a surface and does not change the internal color or properties of the metal.
How does Blackened Silverware?
As I mentioned earlier, oxidized silver is only a surface treatment. Just the top layer of metal particles that have been painted black. Over time and depending on the amount of wear you give your pieces, the oxidized finish will polish off and shine through the true color of silver.
The look of your black silver piece will gradually change over time, so it is best to brace yourself for the development of the piece when you buy it.
The oxidized finish has the longest life on pieces that come into minimal contact with your surroundings such as earrings and necklaces. Rings and bracelets do not hold their color for quite a long time because they rub on things we touch more often. Black finishes applied at the leisure of a design hold your color best, while the raised areas of the piece polish over time.
And yes It is best to remove your oxidized silver jewelry before showering or washing your hands to prolong the darker color. In general, oxidized silver jewelry should not be cleaned with jewelry cleaning dip or aggressive polishing that will strip the black surface. If cleaning is necessary, use mild dish detergent and soft toothbrush with as little rub as possible.
One of the best things is the oxidized finish of jewelry can be restored at any time. Just ask the producer to black up or to inquire at your local jeweler to see if they can touch their oxidized finish. Shop oxidized silver jhumkas online now!
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