Oxidize Silver with Egg Yolks
To bring out the design on a piece of sterling silver jewelry, it is often desirable to darken the background. This is done by introducing sulfur to the surface of the sterling silver. You can use commercial solutions, or liver of sulphur to do this, but here's an easy, economical method to oxidize your sterling silver.
Note that this method does not work on fine silver (.999 fine), but since most of us designers as well as most commercial sold silver jewelry is sterling (.925) or lower, that shouldn't be too much of a problem.
Contents
Steps
- Boil an egg. Boil two eggs if you're doing a lot of silver.
- Eat the white. Don't waste valuable protein.
- Put the yellows (yolks) into a plastic food storage container, or into a bowl that can be easily sealed. Break them up a bit.
- Put a wire rack over the egg yolks to hold your jewelry above the eggs. If you don't have a wire rack, use some paper toweling to keep the egg from touching the silver. Anywhere egg touches, it will oxidize faster, and unevenly.
- Put your jewelry in the container and seal it. Leave it for a day, then check it If not dark enough, leave it for another day or two.
- Remove the jewelry and wash it with a gentle soap.
- Use a buffing cloth to bring the high points on the piece back to a bright shine. Cheap, quick and easy.
- Finished.
Tips
- This method will also work on copper and bronze.
- Make sure that the jewelry is completely clean before you try to oxidize. This includes making sure there are no finger prints. They can oxidize into the surface. This can be cool, if it's what you want, otherwise, it's an annoyance that means buffing down the piece and starting over.
- Don't over polish, don't use a paste, and don't use a dip. You'll undo all your work.
- If you want it really dark, use a solution of liver of sulfur. It is not terribly expensive, but you end up with a lot of sulfur. Unless you're going into metal work, you'll have more sulfur than you will ever finish using.
Warnings
- Egg yolks stink after a day or two. Be sure you open the container in a well ventilated area. And be ready, because it will smell really bad!
