Shibuchi losing it's copper color

Jewelry Discussion
1

Greetings all!

I created some 75-25 Shibuichi, poured an ingot, rolled it out and
used it in some mixed metal jewelry (with Argentium Silver, to be
specific). After pickling, the lovely coppery color has gone, leaving
a greyish silver color in its wake. I’m wondering what happened, if I
did anything wrong, and if there is any way I can restore the color
of the Shibuichi to it’s original. Thanks in advance!

Best,
Kaia.

2

Thank you, Peter et. al. I didn’t realize that pickling would remove
so much copper from the surface of Shibuichi as to turn it (almost)
silver. Makes complete sense now.

Best,
Kaia.

3

Just buff it out. It’s oxidation of the copper. It’ll get all pretty
again… Promise.

tony

4 
Thank you, Peter et. al. I didn't realize that pickling would
remove so much copper from the surface of Shibuichi as to turn it
(almost) silver. Makes complete sense now.

Pickle dosent remove copper it removes copper oxide. Copper oxides
are formed when you heat copper without a proper flux coating or if
you heat for too long and burn out the flux’s ability to absorb
oxygen. Pay more attention to proper fluxing (I find prips flux
properly applied to be the best) and you will have less issue with
color changes in the shibuichi.

James Binnion
James Binnion Metal Arts