I had a pair of clip back concho earrings converted to dangle earrings recently, and realized in the process of having them converted, they lost the black contrast in the stamped areas (I know that happens with heat in the process), but they look really flat now and I would like to reapply blacking in the areas that lost it (does that make sense?).
How do I go about it. I have a steady hand and lots of patience from my old graphic design days, so that’s not an issue. I’m just not sure what’s the best product since I’m not a professional silversmith.
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The method engravers use is to apply a bit of thick black oil based enamel (any black enamel will do as long as it sticks and doesn’t dry too fast) to your fingertip and rub it into the recessed areas, wiping the top areas clean with your thumb. When the enamel is dry, you can touch up the raised surfaces with 000 steel wool. Rubbing across the piece in one direction works best.
I should add that you can and probably should use a pair of good nitrile gloves for this proceedure.
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Thanks Mike - I’ll give it a try.
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I have another idea. I know how most people dislike acids but I find them extremely useful. Griffith’s is the best oxidizer since Hil-ox.
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Thank you - this was what had vaguely bubbled up in my brain ( or a similiar variation) as what I thought our jewelers used back in the 80’s when I worked for Zell Bros
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I spoke with the daughter of the Hil-ox inventor. They sold the formula to Rio Grande who tabled it. I believe it was hydrochloric acid and tellurium dioxide. I think Griffith is the same thing.
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