Whilst trawling through the internet, I stumbled on this article which demonstrates how to use Liver of Sulphur for antiquing silver (& other metals), which I thought was quite interesting and may be useful for other forum members. (Apologies if it's already been posted previously. )

There are quite a few interesting tips & articles on this site, especially for beginners in jewellery-making.


Sarah

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Errr, where's the link Sarah

Ahaa! So you spotted my deliberate mistake!! Here it is (it would help wouldn't it ) ....

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Doh!

Sarah

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I have been looking for ages for directions about using a small bottle of liquid oxidising solution. I have now read:

25mls oxidising solution should be added to 1 litre at 60 - 70 degrees C. Immerse for 5 - 20 seconds.

Just mix up a small quantity - I use half a mug of warm water with a few drops of LOS. You don't need to mix up a whole litre which will then be wasted.

If the water isn't very hot, you can get lovely rainbow effects.

If I want it really dark or black, I often paint it on neat, "mixing it" as I go by applying it with a wet paintbrush, and then I heat it with a hairdryer, or in the steam from a kettle (don't burn yourself!).

Rinse with cold water to stop the effect when you're happy with the result.

I have an article online describing it in detail. It is the 12th link from the top on the

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.

Petra

Thank you Petra. Interesting article. One more question - if I want to patinate sterling wire, do I treat it with LOS first, then work it...or make it into a link necklace with gemstones then patinate it.

Does the LOS affect gemstones and Swarovski? Thanks

I'd finish the necklace, then patina it. Then all the links will look similar and you'll also get the patina on any wire wraps or similar parts.

Most stones are fine, swarowskis are no problems - but there are some sensitive stones which you might want to be careful with.

If you're concerned you can always put the necklace in one corner of a plastic food container and put a hardboiled broken egg in another corner - that will do the trick without any risk at all to the stones. You don't get the rainbow effects and can't be selective, but if you want an overall patina it is great.

Petra