Oxidizing Jewelry.... The Gentle Way

Oxidation, a blackened antiqued finish, looks absolutely beautiful on silver jewelry. The proper application of an oxidized finish can highlight the intricate details in your metal piece and create a lovely contrast with the stones in the piece. 

An example of an Oxidized Silver Piece

I really love an oxidized finish on the silver jewelry that I create... however, the most common ways to create this look involve the use of a toxic acid solution that will reduce the silver.  Examples of these products are Liver of Sulfur and Silver Black.  These chemicals can cause burns and  you should avoid breathing the fumes.


I prefer a simpler method that  uses a hard boiled egg to oxidize my jewelry creations. It eliminates the use of the harsh chemical and is a gentler alternative for both you and the environment.

1. Hard Boil your egg.. or eggs. I tend to use 1 or 2 eggs.
   
2. While still warm place eggs in in a baggie or Tupperware
3. No need to peel your eggs :) simply mash them
   
4. Quickly place your jewelry piece into the container and shut the lid
5. After 15 minutes or so rotate the piece in the container to oxidize all sides equally
6. Remove piece once it has achieved the desired level of oxidation
   
7. Rinse the piece off
   
   
   
   
   
8. With a steel brush  & burnishing solution shine the piece leaving the oxidation in the crevices to highlight the details... if you don't have these steel wool & dish soap will do the trick.
   
9. Enjoy the new finish on your piece!!