Blackened silver: varieties of shades, features of black jewelry, antique niello techniques

More and more often, items made of blackened silver began to appear on the jewelry market, and many people do not even suspect the existence of this type of metal. It has great strength and looks organic when worn by people of any age and gender. Also, few people know, but now jewelers all over the world practically do not use pure metal; craftsmen use its alloys, one of them is blackened 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.

Historical information

Silver blackening at home began for the first time in the 17th century in the Russian Empire. During this era, craftsmen appeared in the city of Veliky Ustyug who began to make the metal darker. Trade routes from Siberia and other countries passed through this area for a very long time. In almost every courtyard, craftsmen appeared who developed their own techniques for creating jewelry from blackened silver.

All stages from embossing the product to its darkening were carried out manually. Due to the fact that the masters refused to tell the secrets of the procedure to anyone except their family, the craft almost disappeared completely. Then they began to apply the technology on a large scale. In addition to cutlery, furniture and jewelry, they even made silver paintings - portraits, landscapes, still lifes. Even today you can find antique products by Russian craftsmen in specialized and antique stores.

There are several types of metal processing styles:

• Velikiy Ustyug;
• Dagestan;
• Israeli.

Jewelry made in Veliky Ustyug is distinguished by soft designs, floral and naturalistic motifs, and geometric patterns. Dagestan jewelers work with the help of a chisel; they create drawings of strict forms, deep clear engraving, and use shotting together with blackening. The Israelis try to create products in such a form as if they had recently been found by archaeologists during excavations. Their works are distinguished by embossing, which ages them.

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:

1. 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.
2. The product is placed inside the oven. Under the influence of temperature, the powder eats into the relief of the object.
3. 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.

Methods of applying niello

The niello is applied both wet and dry:

• In the dry method, the surface is wetted with the necessary special solution and finely ground black powder is applied. Then all this is carefully dried and fired in a muffle at a temperature of 300° to 400° C.
• In the wet application method, the composition is applied to the product in the form of a creamy porridge, which is diluted with water. Using a spatula or brush, spread the mixture tightly and thickly in the recesses and wait for the water to evaporate. Then, when heated in the muffle, the niello becomes soft, melts and flows into the design, covering the object. This means it's time to remove the product from the oven. Small decorations are melted with a soldering gun. The heat flow is concentrated on the base metal, so it is better to heat it from the reverse side. As soon as the mass melts, heating is completed.

Now it’s time to “clean up” the product with a scraper or file until a pattern appears. Very often, the background of the product requires additional engraving or shotting - applying strokes, dots or notches to the surface of the metal.

Having an understanding of the process of blackening products, you will be able to see flaws in jewelry on store shelves with the naked eye. For example, uneven background of the product: spots or bumps. You may notice splashes or streaks on light areas of the product. In general, negligence or, as experts say, a universal “vice”.

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:

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.

Original or fake?

Blackened silver, although at first glance some may not like it, turns out to be far from being the last relative in the jewelry business. The price of blackened metal may differ from the price of ordinary silver. You can't find niello in oxidized silver either. Oxidation, simply put, is an oxide film that protects the metal from tarnishing. It gives the product attractive properties. If for some reason the niello peels off the silver, it means it was oxidized.

By and large, you can get rid of blackening on jewelry. If you boil the product in a soda solution with foil, it will lighten. Housewives often practice this technique in everyday life, getting rid of any dirt, both on cutlery and on any other surfaces. A well-known gentle way to clean jewelry is to pour it in a glass with detergent or just shampoo and forget about it for a few days. If you don't believe me, don't waste your time and fill it with "Fairy".

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

Use of decorations

Blackened silver has long been popular, especially among adult women. It highlights their noble beauty, elegance and style. Ladies often buy massive earrings and pendants, wide rings and bracelets. On thin items, niello does not look so elegant. Although all the decorations are made in a different style depicting floral or geometric motifs.

Often, products are complemented with precious and semi-precious stones, which set off the dark material. All items are made exclusively from 925 sterling silver - the most durable silver. It does not require frequent cleaning and is not afraid of impacts and scratches.

Products using the blackening technique are suitable for almost any style of clothing, except sports and casual. Dark silver looks especially impressive on role players dressed as mythical creatures or historical figures. One of these styles is called elven; kafas, pendants, and headdresses made of precious metal are suitable for it. Blackened material goes well with evening dresses and summer sundresses. It is not customary to wear it under a business suit or casual wear.

It is recommended to pay attention to your skin color before purchasing. Dark-skinned brunettes are suitable for products made of light metal with dark patterns. For fair-skinned blondes and red-haired women, it is better to purchase jewelry made of black silver with almost white inclusions and patterns.

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.

Silver with blackening: care rules

The peculiarity of blackened products is that they do not require too frequent cleaning and polishing. But sometimes you still need to remove dirt and dust from them.

There are several gentle ways that do not harm such items:

• A solution of soapy water and a small amount of baking soda. It should be warm. The jewelry is immersed in the liquid for 10-15 minutes, then washed with warm water and wiped dry.
• Potato infusion. Peel one potato, cut into slices and cover with cool water. Immerse the product in a container with potatoes for 4 hours, rinse with water and dry.
• Dissolve one teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of warm water. Wash silver items with this solution.

Items made of blackened silver should be treated with care and precision. If this is jewelry, then it should be stored separately from other jewelry in a tightly closed box. Then it will retain its sophistication and perfection for many years.

You may be interested in: 3 rubles St. George the Victorious made of silver – coin price

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.

Black and white French

Any variations are possible here. For example, a black smile on a white plate, a complex, two-tone smile, alternating with a shiny one, displayed in a lunar manicure. The tenderness of a classic French jacket with a white stripe will be emphasized by the proximity of the black plate to the painting. You can do a double smile with negative space or glitter. An exquisite option is a fantasy smile made of complex patterns in different colors on different fingers.

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:

1. The chicken egg needs to be hard-boiled, peeled, and divided into two parts.
2. The egg is placed inside a container with an airtight lid. In this container you need to hang a silver item by a thread.
3. 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.

Basic technique

Blackening of silver refers to decorative finishing. A special alloy consisting of sulphides of sulfur, lead and copper is applied to the metal. As a result of the procedure, the decoration acquires a deeper and clearer relief, and cutouts, recesses and figures receive a black tint.

The product is heated to a certain temperature, due to which the alloy is firmly bonded to its surface. The decoration becomes more contrasting and patterned, taking on the appearance of an antique. Its price depends on the degree of skill of the jeweler, the complexity of the work and the size of the product.

The blackening of the metal is reminiscent of the champlevé enamel technique. There are three types of creating a blackening mixture:

• German;
• Russian pre-revolutionary;
• modern.

In the first option, the master pours lead into the silver-copper alloy and mixes the solution well. Then the mixture is poured into sulfur powder and stirred until smooth. After this, the mass is poured into cold water. I transfer the frozen pieces into a porcelain mortar and grind them into powder with a pestle. The wet mass can be applied to the product.

According to the old Russian recipe, the solution is not poured into powder, but sulfur is added to the mixture and kneaded. Then the mass is transferred to a cast iron frying pan, forming one solid piece, shaped like a pancake. The lump is crushed into small pieces and melted again, adding flux and sulfur. To achieve high-quality niello, the procedure is repeated three times. After this, it is crushed, sifted and the product is decorated.

The third method was created at the Moscow Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals by one of the professors. Copper sulfide and silver, lead are prepared separately and mixed in certain proportions. Then the mixture is melted, cooled and crushed, and the surface of the jewelry is covered with the finished mass.

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

Benefits of silver products

Each of us chooses the decoration that we like and that you can afford. Gold is more expensive than silver. But this is not a minus, but a plus. In addition to price, silver has many advantages:

• We wrote about the price above. This is a profitable purchase;
• Silver goes very well with various stones;
• Silver products are suitable for various clothes;
• Silver is even used for medical purposes, as it has an antibacterial effect.

Since ancient times, silver has been endowed with magical qualities. It was believed that wearing such jewelry would help ward off evil spirits. Table sets are not only beautiful, but also healthy. Take care of your jewelry and products made from this noble metal, and they will serve you for many years.

Black and white manicure in the style of “minimalism”

The most legitimate combination for this style. One dot at the bottom of the plate is enough to make the whole design come to life. Remember to take advantage of negative space and its ability to create pattern.

Black and white matte manicure

The matte surface favors not only geometry, although it undoubtedly does. It is in black and white that a glossy design on a matte nail looks elegant, and intense shine – especially silver. Simple drawings and graffiti, silver and golden foil will not let brave girls get bored.