About Oxidised Sterling Silver
WHAT IS OXIDISED STERLING SILVER?
A piece of oxidised sterling silver is genuine sterling silver. It presents a darker shade of silver color compared to common sterling silver.
Jewelers use a chemical compound to create a blackened surface on sterling silver jewelry. This happens when sterling silver is intentionally introduced to a chemical called potassium sulfide, which sped up the natural tarnishing process. The layer of silver sulfide formed on the exterior give the sterling silver a gunmetal blackened look.
A quick note: The term "oxidised" is thus misleading as oxygen plays no role in this process.
This process can achieve an extensive range of colors. With controlled application, a whole rainbow of colors can be achieved, including blues, purples, yellows and reds. At full strength, a matte gunmetal black will appear.
Last but not least, oxidised sterling silver is just a surface treatment and does not change the properties of the metal.
HOW DOES OXIDISED STERLING SILVER WEAR?
Since oxidised sterling silver is just a surface treatment, only the top layer of the metal particles have been given that blackened color.
Over time and as you wear them, the oxidised finish will polish off and the true color of the sterling silver will shine through. Hence, in order to prolong the lifespan of your oxidised sterling silver, it is best to remove them before showering.
It is also important to note that oxidised sterling silver should not be cleaned with jewelry cleaning solutions or aggressive polishing that will strip the blackened surface. If you need to clean them, use mild dish detergent and soft toothbrush with as little brushing as possible.
WHAT IS OXIDISED STERLING SILVER?
A piece of oxidised sterling silver is genuine sterling silver. It presents a darker shade of silver color compared to common sterling silver.
Jewelers use a chemical compound to create a blackened surface on sterling silver jewelry. This happens when sterling silver is intentionally introduced to a chemical called potassium sulfide, which sped up the natural tarnishing process. The layer of silver sulfide formed on the exterior give the sterling silver a gunmetal blackened look.
A quick note: The term "oxidised" is thus misleading as oxygen plays no role in this process.
This process can achieve an extensive range of colors. With controlled application, a whole rainbow of colors can be achieved, including blues, purples, yellows and reds. At full strength, a matte gunmetal black will appear.
Last but not least, oxidised sterling silver is just a surface treatment and does not change the properties of the metal.
HOW DOES OXIDISED STERLING SILVER WEAR?
Since oxidised sterling silver is just a surface treatment, only the top layer of the metal particles have been given that blackened color.
Over time and as you wear them, the oxidised finish will polish off and the true color of the sterling silver will shine through. Hence, in order to prolong the lifespan of your oxidised sterling silver, it is best to remove them before showering.
It is also important to note that oxidised sterling silver should not be cleaned with jewelry cleaning solutions or aggressive polishing that will strip the blackened surface. If you need to clean them, use mild dish detergent and soft toothbrush with as little brushing as possible.