P. Sanchez bolo

[Kit]

Hi all,
I have P. Sanchez bolo, one of my favorites, which I think bears a cab of Dry Creek turquoise (confirmations?). But my real question is what is the black material surrounding the cab in the silver setting?
Another question regarding silversmithing: are bolo tie tips often unique to a silversmith? Tommy Singer’s certainly are. And I have never seen the ones on this P. Sanchez. Many others are, of course, of a common origin that numerous silversmiths have used and acquire.

Thanks for your help!
Kit

[StevesTrail]

Liver of sulphur was traditionally used to obtain a black patina on silver. A deeper more permanant black oxidation of silver was then obtained using Hil-ox in the 70s invented by a plating company. It uses a hydrochloric acid and tellurium dioxide solution that is brushed onto the silver immediately turning it black. I believe Griffiths Silver Black uses the HCl mix.

[singing]

Beautiful tie! Like the shadowbox that highlights that pretty stone.

[Kit]

Thanks, Steve, for your insights.

[Islandmomma]

Great bolo. I think the tips may be commercially available. They look similar to some Aztec style beads available at the supply stores.

[Kit]

Thank you Islandmomma! Do you have any pictures by chance? I’d love to
see some close for comparison.

[Islandmomma]

It took me a while to find the picture. Hope you can zoom in enough to see.