What makes the dark background on silver?

November 28, 2014

The antique finish we use on our silver highlights the design and makes it easier to read. Gold does not naturally oxidize so it is a bit artificial on gold. A solution of tellurium dioxide and hydrochloric acid is applied to the metal and rinsed off. Then the piece is polished to highlight the design but the background is left dark.

This is not like permanent enamel and often it will get lighter or will disappear entirely. We have learned to create a matt finish on the background that makes an excellent contrast with the raised pattern without a antique finish.

You can get the silver rings without the antique finish if you would like.



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