[Jewelry making - Article 00429] - Re: [Orchid] Coloring & oxidizing silver

[g.strickland]

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    Dear Shane, The range of "oxidation" colors you describe on silver
    (deep purple to violet) are not unusual, using "Liver of Sulfur" 
    slowly and carefully applied.  The chemical is sold as "Potash
    Sufurated", with the formulaK2Sn, meaning various Potassium Sufides. 
    I've had some truly marvelous results ranging from blue through pink,
    purple, red, orange, yellow,  and blue to black.  It's hard to give
    you the exact  concentration, but many old source books quote  a 
    "pea-sized chunk added to 1 liter (approx. 1 quart) warm water.  I
    find that  it should be fresh (doesn't seem to last long, either), and
    warm,and your silver piece should also be a little warm. It will be a
    pale yellow color. (The solution.).  If it cools, warm it in a
    microwave for a minute or so; you'll smell the Sulfurous smell of
    rotten eggs, which I kind of like. Go very slowly.  Dip your silver
    piece for about a second.  Pull it out. Let it set, and LOOK at it for
    a few minutes.  You'll see these colors develop as they want to. 
    Later, you can "paint" with the Liver of Sufur, by using a "Q"-tip
    (cotton on a stick) or a small brush to accentuate the color in
    various areas.  Again, brush lightly, then WAIT for a few minutes
    before proceeding.  Surprisingly, it's one of the few things in life
    in which I can be patient! But the results are really, really, worth
    it.  I use it especially on reticulated silver, and get marvelous
    colors, looking like topographical maps from outer space. To preserve
    these colors, I use automobile lacquer applied full strength with a
    small brush.  My pieces have held their colors for several years now.
    Good luck.  I love the fact that your piece (and its colors are
    related to you and your actions, but somewhat independent, as well). 
    You "helped", but the end result is more than just you. 

Gary Strickland, GJG

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