Several thousand years ago, a new metal was discovered - silver. And since then, the era of silver jewelry, cutlery and decorative items began. To this day, silver products do not lose their relevance and are as in demand on the market as they were many, many years ago. Even more.
Over time, craftsmen began to discover new facets of metal processing: mixing it with other metals to improve its properties, decorating it with gold and rhodium plating, and using a black alloy to give a black color to the product. This is exactly the method of blackening silver that we will talk about in our article. Let's figure out what blackened silver is, how it is made and why it is valued more than ordinary silver.
Silver and its types
Silver is part of the main group of precious metals, which are united by inertness, natural rarity, and high ductility. This element has a silver-white color, better thermal conductivity and is capable of reflecting up to 95% of light.
In its pure form, the metal is not used to create jewelry because it does not have sufficient strength. Silver is doped with various impurities, which makes it possible to improve wear resistance, casting qualities, and change the shade and melting point.
Blackened earrings and ring
There are several varieties of lunar metal, which differ from each other in the way they are decorated. The same silver alloy can look different if finishing operations such as blackening or filigree are applied to it.
Matte
Externally, matte metal resembles sterling. Using this technology, they create exclusive souvenirs, decorative items, and writing utensils.
The matte alloy consists of 92.5% silver. Usually the remainder is copper, but sometimes the material is doped with other impurities.
The surface of the material can acquire a matte tint using one of the following operations:
- Sandblasting;
- Application of vibration heating;
- The impact of a special essence;
Matting with sandblasting is used in large factories, since this method is the most expensive. Special granules are loaded inside the apparatus that processes the surface. Using mechanical action, they give the surface a matte tint.
Varieties of silver
Pure silver has a white color with a silvery tint. But pure silver is too malleable; it cannot be used to make filigree jewelry or a sophisticated box. Therefore, alloys of various metals are added to silver, and depending on the percentage of silver and alloy, the color of the product and its characteristics change. So, today there are several types of silver:
- Matte. They are obtained in different ways: by etching a special emulsion, using a sandblasting machine or a vibroengraver. The product is obtained with a fine-grained rough surface without gloss. Matte silver items look very elegant and unusual. Often such items are chosen as an exclusive decorative gift.
- Coin. Surprisingly, coins were not made from this type of silver, as it might mistakenly seem. Coin silver contains a large percentage of silver (90%) and only 10% copper (rarely nickel or zinc). This alloy composition provides strength and wear resistance to the products. And the name most likely came from ancient times, when people brought silver coins to the master to be melted down. Nowadays coin silver is 900 silver.
- Filigree. This is silver of the highest 960 standard, that is, it consists of 96% silver and 4% alloys of other metals. A thin silver thread is forged from this type of silver and then we form openwork patterns and complex ornaments. Making jewelry from filigree silver is considered a very difficult task, which only true masters can do.
- Blackened. That same silver with the contrast of white and black. Jewelry made from niello looks authentic and sophisticated, and serving items add luxury to any interior. Blackened silver is produced by applying black to pure metal. Next we will look in detail at the methods of blackening silver.
What is rabble? History of technology
The technique of blackening silver has been known since the dawn of civilization. The oldest work, a blackened silver horn found inside a pagan burial, dates back to the end of the 9th century.
Jewelry made of blackened silver
In Russia, metal began to be blackened in the 10th century; archaeologists have found many pendants, bracelets, and moonlights of that era, processed using this technique. Silver niello has become a real diamond in the crown of Russian jewelry. The traditions of the ancient craft are preserved by many craftsmen to this day.
The technique can be briefly described as follows: crushed niello is sprinkled on a metal surface that has previously been engraved. The surface is fired, after which a black tone appears on it, firmly fused with the base.
Silver, gold, platinum, and many other metals can be blackened.
Product care
Although items made of blackened silver do not tarnish, dirt may well accumulate on them. Therefore, it is recommended to care for it regularly, wash, wipe and dry well.
- A regular soap solution is perfect for removing light dirt and dust from the recesses of the product.
- You can use potato infusion for cleaning. Pour water over the peeled potatoes and let it brew. Then place the blackened silver there and leave it for several hours (up to 4). Afterwards, as always, rinse and wipe.
- Never use harsh or abrasive products, such as ammonia, dry baking soda powder, etc., to clean blackened silver.
- Plus, blackened silver does not tolerate hot temperatures, which means that all methods involving boiling will not work.
- Such items can only be wiped with a soft cloth and stored in a dry, dark place.
Methods for obtaining blackened silver
There are several ways to produce black on precious metals. Silver alloys tend to oxidize over time, but blackening can easily hide this flaw.
Silver bracelet with blackening
Mechanical method
The technology involves manual application of dark patterns. First, a special paste is made from graphite with iron oxide and a small amount of turpentine. The resulting paste is used to cover those areas of the product that will contrast with the silver background.
The product is allowed to dry completely, after which the excess paste is removed with a soft cloth soaked in alcohol.
A variation of the mechanical method is electrolysis. Both methods can be done at home.
Chemical method
The chemical method is the most common because it is easy to implement and also contributes to the formation of a durable coating.
The step-by-step process looks like this:
- The engraved product is sprinkled with manganese, copper, sulfur, and lead. The final shade will depend on the amount of sulfur; the more of it, the deeper the tone.
- The product is placed inside the oven. Under the influence of temperature, the powder eats into the relief of the object.
- The finished work is removed from the oven and allowed to cool.
Oxidation
The method involves alternately placing the processed object inside special essences. The technology allows you to cheaply obtain a uniform coating on a surface of any complexity.
Oxidized metal is often passed off as blackened. Visually, the materials are indeed similar, but vary greatly in quality.
Classic blackening of silver is more durable. Chemically produced oxide film wears off much faster. The service life of such a coating will depend on the thickness of the applied layer.
Rhodium plating and ruthenium
Rhodium is a rare noble metal. With its help, silver is protected from deformation and painted gray-black.
Metal oxidation
Now you can find oxidized silver in stores, which is passed off as blackened. They may be visually similar, but they differ in quality.
Oxidized silver has the same blackish color, but with uneven filling and is slightly darker than real blackened silver should be.
Metal oxidation is a cheaper way to apply niello to a patterned surface. The product is coated with a thin oxide film, which creates blackness. The thicker the layer, the blacker the pattern will be.
But this method of blackening metal is short-lived. Over time, the film wears off and the item loses its original attractive appearance.
Black silver price per 1 gram
The cost of a silver alloy depends on its purity. You can buy jewelry made of blackened silver in various jewelry boutiques, buying stores, pawn shops, and on Internet sites.
In order to find out the current cost of blackened metal, it is convenient to use the table:
| Try | Price per 1 gram |
| 960 | 180 rubles |
| 925 | 160 rubles |
| 875 | 130 rubles |
The actual cost largely depends on the pricing policy of the selling store.
Use of blackened silver
The material has many fans around the world. The “antique” effect attracts buyers of all ages, and gives craftsmen ample opportunities for creativity.
During the Soviet era, the “Northern Chern” plant was created, which produces products in accordance with Russian traditions. Silver objects are decorated with mythical images of Ancient Rus', city panoramas, and floral patterns. The product catalog of “Northern Chernya” is striking in its diversity and is expanding from year to year.
The relevance of black silver jewelry
Each jewelry boutique offers a wide range of products made from black lunar metal. In the display cases you can see rings, earrings, chains, rings, pendants, bracelets, amulets made from this material.
Products from Kubachi, a Dagestan village where the legendary forge of exclusive items made of blackened metal is located, are in great demand. The technologies of Kubachi fishing are kept secret; all products are created by hand. Kubachi craftsmen use special ornamentation techniques, such as tutta, marharai, tamga.
The scarlet precious metal is used by famous jewelry houses to create collections; it is perfect for the most stylish design solutions.
Stones for blackened silver
Often products are inlaid with amethysts, amber, cubic zirconia, diamonds, and pearls. These stones look most advantageous with black and white material.
Features of blackening
This technology is aimed at obtaining unusual patterns on the product. A special technology has been developed that produces blackened silver at home. First, the jewelry is engraved or minted, then a special solution is applied to it, including oxides of lead, copper, and silver. The surface of the product must be clean; all grease stains must first be removed from it. To melt the solution, the product is heated. As a result, a beautiful black pattern appears on the silver surface.
Advantages and disadvantages of blackened silver jewelry
The material has a number of undeniable advantages:
Attractive appearance;
Does not require careful regular care;
Has bactericidal, antifungal, antiseptic effects;
Stronger than ordinary silver;
The disadvantages include the following characteristics:
More expensive than precious metal without sputtering;
Cannot be cleaned using many traditional methods;
Silver with blackening
Types of silver alloys
Now on the Russian precious metals market there are several main types of silver alloys: Matte. From the name it is clear that such silver does not reflect and does not have bright patterns; jewelry made from it will not shine in the sun. To obtain a matte surface, various chemicals are added to the metal, due to which the metal slightly changes its properties. It is with the admixture of emulsions that the surface becomes rough rather than smooth, which gives some originality to such products.
- Filigree. As a rule, this option has openwork on the products. The design is made from thin threads, which can be obtained due to the pliability and strength of silver. As a rule, this type of product has a fairly high price tag, due to the complexity of the work, which requires professionalism and skill.
- Sterling (coin). The most common type of silver goods on the Russian market at the moment. These jewels are silver in color, last a long time and shine pleasantly in the light.
- Rhodinated. An expensive method of treating silver with another precious metal belonging to the platinum group. What is rhodium plated silver: the item is coated with a thin layer of rhodium, which gives it strength, scratch resistance, and a “rich” appearance. The irradiated product is often mistaken for white gold due to its noble shine and brightness. Such decorations are considered the best. If the ring is rhodium plated, it will never tarnish or oxidize.
- Blackened silver. Obtained through a sulfur chemical reaction of a metal. Silver with blackening looks like it has aged, darkened from long wear, but this effect is achieved artificially.
Rules for the care and storage of products
The jewelry is perfect for classic outfits, will be the highlight of a formal look, and is suitable for everyday wear. It is better to refrain from wearing them with tracksuits.
It is recommended to remove products before cleaning, visiting the pool, or training. If the jewelry is encrusted with precious stones, it should be protected from contact with chemicals and direct sunlight.
Products should be stored separately from other jewelry; jewelry bags or boxes with soft inner lining are ideal for these purposes. You can put chalk or silica gel inside the box; they will absorb excess moisture.
It is also recommended to store chains and rings separately, this will help avoid the appearance of creases.
Cleaning methods at home
Caring for silver niello is much easier than caring for naturally colored metal. The dark surface is not subject to the formation of gray film and plaque. However, it must be cleaned of accumulated dirt.
Cleaning a silver chain
Soap solution
To prepare the solution, you will need soap, baking soda, and running water.
Method number 2
It is also recommended to clean blackened silver at home using water and ammonia.
The sequence of steps in this case will be as follows.
If the product is not excessively dirty, but only slightly darkened, then you need to select a small container for cleaning.
Water and ammonia are poured into the bowl in a ratio of 10:1.
A cotton pad or cloth is soaked in the prepared mixture, and then you can clean the item.
For an average degree of contamination, the same product is prepared.
The residence time of the product in the solution in this case is from 15 to 60 minutes. Under no circumstances should you overexpose the item!
Deciding exactly when you can start cleaning is very simple: you just need to monitor the water process.
If the item is excessively dirty, for example, a chain, it should be placed not in the solution, but in pure ammonia. In this case, direct cleaning can begin in a quarter of an hour. Then the chain should be rinsed with water and rubbed with a thick fleecy cloth.
Ways to tarnish silver at home
You can give lunar metal an unusual dark shade yourself. It is worth considering that the described methods will have a temporary effect. The dark shade will not be as durable and bright as with professional blackening.
Iodine staining
The method is ideal for products with a three-dimensional pattern.
You need to moisten a cotton swab with iodine, rub the pattern with the reagent, and leave until completely dry. After this, the pattern should be wiped with a damp cloth, after applying a little fluoride-free toothpaste to it. Convex parts of the surface will become light, hard-to-reach parts will darken.
Patination of silver with iodine
Impact of boiled egg
A brief description of the method is as follows:
- The chicken egg needs to be hard-boiled, peeled, and divided into two parts.
- The egg is placed inside a container with an airtight lid. In this container you need to hang a silver item by a thread.
- After a few hours, the product is removed.
Hydrogen sulfide vapor allows you to give the surface a uniform dark shade.
Using sulfur ointment and a hair dryer
Sulfur ointment is sold at any pharmacy; this inexpensive product is perfect for home blackening. Sulfur causes oxidation of the lunar metal, which contributes to the formation of a dark layer of silver sulfide.
Use ointment to lubricate those areas of the pattern that need to be darkened. Next, you need to set the hair dryer to full power and direct a stream of hot air to the treated areas.
After 5-10 minutes, you can begin polishing the product using a soft cloth and fluoride-free toothpaste.
Relevance of the problem
Silver can be found in almost every home, especially in families where they care about healthy eating, and, therefore, purchase silverware: full-fledged sets or individual cutlery.
Quite quickly after purchase and use, silver items begin to tarnish, turn black and even acquire a greenish tint.
The latter can be noticed even with the most careful handling of these products. The intensity of their use after purchase does not in any way affect their attractive appearance.
Thus, the frequency of use does not affect the degree of blackness of the product surface. The main determining factor in this matter is the metal alloy.
Reviews
I purchased women's stud earrings made of blackened metal. The earrings have a simple flower shape, but they attract the eye thanks to the “antique” material. Previously, I was skeptical about blackening, I thought that it was an analogue of gilding. Now I’m thinking of completely switching to black silver products.
Maria L., Kostroma
Svetlana K., Moscow
I order silver jewelry through Avito from private craftsmen. The product is always high quality and exclusive. The last time I ordered a man's amulet for the neck. I was very pleased, amazing work, decent quality of material.
I never thought that fine jewelry could be called “rabble.” I purchased several rings made of blackened precious metal to complement my daily look. Even my husband didn’t stand aside; he bought himself a gray and black chain; it looks much more brutal than classic chains.
Zhanna R. g, Stavropol
