A unique metal finish I have seen lately on jewelry

john16 2013-01-06 06:44:28 UTC #1

Hi, Orchidians.

I was wondering if anyone was familiar with a unique new finish I've seen on metal jewelry the last couple years. It resembles the prismatic finish on titanium coated quartz.

Does anyone know what that process entails and any companies that might be able to achieve that sort of finish on metal? I'd love to find someone whocan apply that finish to metal. I don't know if it's a plating process oran anodizing process or what it is, but it gives a rainbow like prismatic finish to metal with several shades of color in it.

Thanks!

aloped 2013-01-07 03:35:56 UTC #2

Lots can be done in terms of coloring objects with the CVD process. I'm don't have enough expertise with this process but other on this forum have more info.

Have fun and enjoy
Pedro

john16 2013-01-08 03:29:18 UTC #3

Lots can be done in terms of coloring objects with the CVD process.
I'mdon't have enough expertise with this process but other on this
forum have more info.

What is the CVD process, and where can I get started researching it? Thankyou.

judyh 2013-01-08 03:29:27 UTC #4

John - if you are talking about silver, the finish is called a iridescent patina. It is easily applied in the studio. My personal formula is: one cup room temperature water, a pea sized bit of liver of sulfur, iodized table salt and a bit of sudsy household ammonia. Applying it cold makes it change colors slow enough that you can stop it when you like. Stop coloring with a plain water rinse. Metal should be clean prior to application. Works better on textured surfaces.

But - it is not long term stable. It can be protected with silver cloth or plastic bags. You cannot seal it - that changes the color and dulls the iridescence.

You can simulate this effect with iridescent powders and sculpture patinas but it doesn't work on silver, it works on copper and bronze. Sculpture patinas can be sealed.

Judy Hoch

aloped 2013-01-09 03:42:15 UTC #5

Hello john,

I have this from a jeweller who invited me to his yearly
exhebition.

He had a fine bleu covered gold ring with diamonds. I asked him how this was done and the answer I've got was CVD-process. As far as I understand the process, metals are covered with vaporised gas covering the metal with a layer like drills are covered.

http://www.ganoksin.com/gnkurl/ep7zvv

Like I said before, I don't have enough expertise, just passing on the little bit of that I know of to give you a start.

Have fun and enjoy.
Pedro