Hi all,
What is your opinion, those of you who make woven fine silver chains
(loop in loop and similar variations), about how you finish them? I
know that some people like to give them a little polish and some like
to leave them more frosty matte. But what about patina? I like the
look of the fine silver chain left to age and patina on its own. But
my clients seem to want that antiqued look and don’t want to wait for
it to happen naturally. When I patina the chains with liver of
sulphur and bring back out the highlights, it gives a much darker
look to the chains. The natural patina/oxidation seems softer. So I
am just curious what others might prefer. It sure adds more work
applying the patina with sulphur and I am not sure the results are so
much better. Any thoughts?
Thanks for all the helpful info!- Carrie Nunes
Since fine silver really doesn’t oxidize, I don’t know about the
"natural patination".They won’t patina like sterling does. If you
really want an antique look, you need to use Black Max or LOS. Eve
Welts, Certified PMC instructor and sometimes fine silver chain
maker since taking a class with Jean Stark.
Hi Carrie,
Mine go for a 1/2 - 1 hr. ride in a vibratory tumbler with assorted
shapes of stainless steel shot. I’ve never had a customer ask for
one to be patinated.
Dave
Carrie -
I have two thoughts. You could dilute your liver of Sulphur to
color more slowly or you could bag the chains with a lump of sulphur
and check them daily until they reach the level you desire.
Debby Hoffmaster
...But what about patina? I like the look of the fine silver
chain left to age and patina on its own. But my clients seem to
want that antiqued look and don't want to wait for it to happen
naturally.
Enclose the chain in a ziploc type of bag with a freshly peeled
clove of garlic and set in a warm or sunny spot. Buff in the
highlights by dragging it across a jean-clad thigh, similar to how
you would buff a shoe with a cloth. Fine silver does tarnish, it just
takes a little longer than sterling.