That Indian-fine-gold-look

Jewelry Discussion
1

Hi Orchidians,

One of my clients lost one of her 18k gold hoops - which was
obviously Indian made and I need to replicate it. The hoop is easy,
and I love that Indian-fine-gold-look, but how does one put a gold
finish like that on 18k gold. Is there a trick?

Thanks!
Janet
P.S. You guys are great!

2 
One of my clients lost one of her 18k gold hoops - which was
obviously Indian made and I need to replicate it. The hoop is
easy, and I love that Indian-fine-gold-look, but how does one put a
gold finish like that on 18k gold. Is there a trick?

Indian (from India) gold jewelry is 22k yellow gold.

Jennifer Friedman
enamelist, jewelry artisan, ceremonial silver

3

A very old Indian trick is plate it 24K gold.

We have Indians buying Krohn’s 24K gold plating Solution. Beats
polishing and getting blemishes out.

Kenneth Singh

4

However, they do manufacture a lot of 18k findings that have a 24 or
22k finish. The finish on them isn’t polished, but a rough-matte
look. I’ve never plated before, so if anyone could tell me how to do
this, I would love to find out.

Thanks!
Janet

5

Does anyone know how to get this look on gold??

Bari

6 
Does anyone know how to get this look on gold??=

Dear Bari

Here is a recipe which works wonders for me:

Saltpeter (Potassium Nitrate) - 4 parts by weight
Alum - 2 parts
common Salt - 2 parts

Add enough water to make a thin paste. Place in a crucible and boil.
Place the article attached to a silver wire into the mixture for
10-20 minutes. Rinse with hot water and scratch brush with brass wire
brush and return to the solution. Rinse again in hot water, scratch
brush, wash with soap and hot water, rinse in hot water and dry off
in sawdust. This will give you the high karat colour you are looking
for.

I think I owe this to an older Orchid post in which case I beg
forgiveness fro copying it, but it really gives very nice results.
However it is imperative to keep your pieces off the bottom of the
contaioner as the gold will otherwise be dissoluted into the paste.

Niels Lovschal

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