What is silver oxidation

How and why is the oxidation process for silver carried out?

Silver is a noble metal that goes with any stone, skin color and even clothing. Silver jewelry is also popular because the cost of this metal is not so high. In order to change silver jewelry and affect its color and shade, the oxidation process is used.

What is oxidation?

Silver oxidation is a chemical process. As a result of which the metal is covered with a film, the decoration changes color. In addition, the film protects the jewelry from the effects of the external environment.

Pros of oxidation:

1. Helps change the appearance of jewelry.
2. Protects the product from the aggressive action of the external environment.

Oxidized silver can have several shades: it can be gray, purple, blue and even black. The shade of the jewelry is determined during the oxidation process; once a certain color is achieved, the product is removed from the solution.

Silver oxidation process

The solution for the oxidation process is prepared separately, its shelf life is no more than 24 hours. The higher the temperature of the solution, the more saturated the color of the product.

You can prepare a solution for oxidation at home, and oxidized metal can also be obtained through industrial processing.

How does oxidation take place?

The process of processing silver jewelry takes place according to the following scheme:

• the product is placed in a pre-prepared solution;
• observe the chemical reaction;
• using a wooden device, the decoration is removed;
• wash the product in water.

To prepare the solution, sulfur liver is used - this is a solution of potassium carbonate and potassium sulfide in a percentage ratio of one to one or one to two. The components are dissolved in water, and then the solution is subjected to heat treatment - it is slowly heated to a temperature of 80-90 degrees.

If you want to give a tint to a separate area of ​​silver jewelry, then the solution is applied selectively to individual areas of the jewelry.

If it is necessary to completely change the color of the jewelry, then it is completely immersed in the solution, and then washed under a stream of water, slowly reducing its temperature in order to fix the resulting color.

Before the procedure, silver must be degreased, and only then begin oxidizing the metal. For degreasing, you can use gasoline or alcohol.

When the silver processing process is completed, the surface of the jewelry is cleaned with felt cloth and first rubbed with chalk. The jewelry is polished - this helps to preserve and fix the result.

In workshops, silver jewelry is oxidized using electrolytic deposition. The temperature of the solution used for processing is much lower - from 18 to 22 degrees. Processing time takes approximately 35 minutes. After processing, the decoration is dried at a temperature of 60-70 degrees.

Result

Oxidized silver acquires a noble color. The convex parts have a pronounced shade.

Silver products after oxidation

The metal shimmers with new colors, the decoration changes color and appearance. Silver can turn black, gray, blue, purple, and the resulting color is retained by the jewelry for several years.

The film completely covers the silver and protects it from external factors. If oxidation is carried out for a product with stones, then you should not worry about their safety. Gemstones will not change color because only the metal reacts.

Immersion in a solution of sulfur liver helps to change a familiar product beyond recognition.

The oxidation process takes 30–40 minutes, it helps to give the jewelry a different color, increase its resistance to external factors, and affect its appearance. Silver treated in this way does not darken. The film protects the jewelry, but gradually it becomes thinner, so the procedure can be repeated several times, changing the color of the metal as desired.

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Source: https://DedPodaril.com/serebro/info/oksidirovanie-serebra.html

Silver oxidation as one of the types of jewelry coating

The development of technology allows us to find new methods for refining jewelry made from different metals. For example, oxidizing silver is a reliable way to improve its decorative and performance qualities. The choice of coating technology depends on the desired end result. Jewelry with a protective film on the surface not only benefits significantly in practical terms, but also looks much more impressive.

General information and essence of the process

You've probably seen different-looking silver items in stores: classic white or with dark inclusions. The latter is also called blackened silver, which is obtained by engraving the surface and then covering it with a special film. Silver items with this effect do not need to be cleaned; they are quite durable to wear even with regular use.

Blackening of the precious metal was eventually replaced by oxidation. At the same time, the jewelry retained the necessary qualities inherent in old silver. The method of applying the oxide film allows you to change their appearance and protects them from aggressive external influences. This is precisely the point of covering silver with a protective layer. Often, when selling a blackened item, buyers are provided with oxidized silver. At first glance, it is difficult to distinguish them, especially if you are not a specialist in jewelry.

Oxidation of a precious metal involves a process in which it is coated with a film, thereby changing the color of the product. In this case, the shades can be completely different: from light gray to black, and sometimes even blue and purple. You can vary the color scheme at your discretion. During the oxidation process, when the product acquires the desired color, it is immediately removed from the solution. The higher the temperature of the liquid, the richer the color of the silver.

The composition for coating the silver surface is prepared in advance. It must be used within 24 hours, otherwise it will lose its properties. Jewelers often use sulfur liver for the oxidation procedure. The substance is dissolved in water and a silver item is dipped into the solution. To give a dark shade, just wait a few minutes. After the blackening procedure, the silver jewelry must be washed with clean water to stop the further oxidation process.

Oxidation of a silver ring

Silver blackening technology can be used on any small jewelry: beads, earrings, pendants, chains and bracelets. Handmade products or those requiring restoration are often coated using this method. After the procedure, their convex parts become shiny and their concave parts dark, which creates the effect of color heterogeneity and looks very stylish.

The further use of the jewelry depends on the thickness of the applied film. The thin oxide layer is short-lived and can wear off over time. Therefore, sometimes it is necessary to update the oxide film, although after this the blackened product will not look as aristocratic as it originally did.

High-quality deep oxidation gives a durable protective film on silver. It does not dissolve in water or weak acidic compounds, withstands cleaning with soft brass brushes and retains the shine of the oxidized product for a long time.

Techniques and stages of silver oxidation at home

The technology of covering silver jewelry with a protective film involves using one of two well-known methods.

1. Chemical oxidation.
2. Electrochemical oxidation.

Which one to choose depends on personal preference and the availability of the necessary materials and tools.

Chemical oxidation of silver

To perform chemical oxidation, you will need a special reagent - liver sulfur. It is sold in specialized stores or made independently.

In order for the liver sulfur solution to become working, and for the products to acquire different shades, ammonium chloride is added to it at the rate of 25 g per liter. To coat the precious metal, the solution is brought to a temperature of 75-90 degrees.

Immersing silver in a chemical solution helps change a familiar product beyond recognition. The oxidation procedure must be monitored at all times. Even a few seconds of delay can result in the decoration becoming too dark.

The product must be completely covered with the chemical solution. If you need to blacken a separate place, then the decoration is not immersed in the solution, but applied locally to the surface using a brush or cotton swab. At the end of the process, the product is washed, wiped dry and cleaned with cloth and chalk. Some craftsmen use pumice powder for cleaning. To give the oxidized film a beautiful shine, the surface is additionally brushed with soft brass brushes.

Liver sulfur - a means for oxidizing silver

The chemical method of silver oxidation is considered simple and economical from a financial point of view. With its help, decorative coatings of different shades are obtained. The desired result is achieved by changing the process modes, the temperature of the chemical solution and the oxidation time.

If it is necessary to obtain a deep black color with a velvety tint, the products are first coated with a layer of mercury in a liver sulfur solution before oxidation.

Electrochemical oxidation of silver

Unlike the first method of processing silver, the electrochemical process will require an electrolyte solution. The composition for blackening may be different. One of the following components is diluted in a liter of water:

• sodium sulfide - 20-35 g;
• sodium sulfate -15-20 g;
• sulfuric acid - 5-10 g;
• acetone - 3-5 g.

The temperature of the electrolyte solution is brought to 25 degrees. The current density is 0.1-0.5 A/dm2. The oxidation process lasts 2-6 minutes.

Electrochemical oxidation of silver requires an electrolyte solution

The technology of covering precious metals with a protective film with blackening using a home remedy - crushed egg yolk. It is placed in a plastic bag. Jewelry is also placed there. This oxidation method takes quite a long time, but it is safer and does not require the use of harmful chemical solutions.

Effectiveness of the result

After oxidation, silver acquires a beautiful noble color. Protruding parts are shaded with a black surface. The metal begins to shine, shimmering with new colors, jewelry changes color and appearance. With proper care, products retain their aesthetic and functional qualities for a long time.

The process of oxidizing silver items chemically lasts no more than 40 minutes. The resulting film can protect the jewelry, but over time it wears off and “exposes” the metal. Therefore, the procedure can be repeated several times, changing the color of the metal as desired.

Treated silver should be cleaned carefully, without rough tools or compounds that can damage the oxide layer. It is safer to clean the precious metal with a soft cloth and a mild soap solution.

In a situation where it is necessary to carry out the reverse procedure - to remove the oxide layer, the silver is placed in a soap solution, and then in a 10% solution of citric acid or ammonia. After this, the oxidized film begins to disintegrate and can simply be removed with a hard toothbrush or sponge.

Protective black film can protect jewelry from mechanical influences and other external factors. If you choose oxidation technology, then you don’t need to worry about the safety of precious inserts. They will not change color, darken or collapse, since only the metal reacts.

Source: https://1nerudnyi.ru/oksidirovanie-serebra-01/

Silver oxidation

The low cost of silver is perhaps the most important reason for the continued popularity of silver jewelry.

At the same time, silver also has other undeniable advantages - products made from this metal are easy to clean, suitable for all skin types and go well with any clothing.

But silver had one drawback - it always remained a white metal, familiar and monotonous.

And then cunning jewelers came up with a way to color silver items blue, purple or even black.

This process is called oxidation .

Such processing of jewelry can give it a unique unique style without exposing the product to any destructive effects.

So, let's take a closer look at how to perform the silver oxidation process at home.

Silver oxidation technology

1. Take a pea-sized piece of sulfur liver and place it in a bowl large enough to fit your silver jewelry. Read on to learn how to prepare sulfur liver.
2. Fill the bowl with hot water.
3. Stir the water with the sulfur liver with a wooden spatula until the lump is completely dissolved in the water.

   The resulting solution is called sulfuric water. Keep in mind that sulfur water retains its properties for no more than a day.

4. Place the jewelry in a bowl of sulfuric water. Over the course of 30 minutes, the silver will gradually change color from purple to blue and even black. Always keep in mind that a hot liver sulfur solution oxidizes silver faster and more efficiently than a cold solution.

5. When the silver jewelry reaches the color you are happy with, remove it from the solution using a spatula.
6. Rinse the silver with water, starting with hot water and gradually reducing its temperature to cold. Pour the remaining sulfur solution down the drain.

Subsequent polishing will add shine to the silver jewelry and help highlight the color of the oxidized silver.

Preparation of sulfur liver

To prepare sulfur liver, we need potassium carbonate (aka potassium carbonate, washing soda, potash) or potassium alkali (caustic potassium) and sulfur.

Sulfur powder can be purchased at any garden fertilizer store.

Mix sulfur and potash (or alkali) in an iron vessel in a volume ratio of 1 to 2. For these purposes, it is better to take the one you don’t mind.

Then carefully heat the resulting mixture over low heat, stirring with a glass or metal rod until completely melted.

Then remove from heat and let set. Break the resulting alloy into pieces and place in a tightly closed container with a ground-in lid.

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Source: http://electro-shema.ru/dragocennye-metally/oksidirovanie-serebra.html

What is a mob? Blackening silver at home

Niello is one of the ancient techniques of decorating various silver and gold objects by painting them black. The consequence of using this technique is the contrast of colors on the surface of objects, and it does not matter whether it is an ornamental design or a relief detail. Thus, silver blackening is also used to hide minor flaws on a product, such as small scratches or connecting seams.

Blackened silver can easily be called a classic of the genre for making items in an antique style or with “traditional” notes. Blackening is a kind of “black” alloy of copper, silver, sulfur and lead fused into the base metal. The alloy is fused into a 0.3 mm depression, which is applied in several ways:

1. minting;
2. engraving;
3. gouging;
4. etching.

When heated, at high temperatures, a chemical reaction occurs between the melted mixture (black) and silver. Thus, in addition to new decorative properties, the blackened product also gains practical properties. Now it will not fade so quickly and will not require additional care. The color range of niello is quite wide: from light, silver-gray shades to noble velvet, black tones.

Silver blackened pendants with amber insert

The niello alloy also looks very beautiful on high-grade gold and silver items.

However, it is quite difficult to cast a high-quality niello composition that will not peel off gold, which is why niello coating on precious metals is used extremely rarely.

From time immemorial, blackening of silver has been considered exquisite and the most durable. Well, if you really want gold jewelry, then you can, for example, gild the silver, protecting the areas with the finished niello with a special varnish. Why not?!

Silver blackening techniques

We can say that the techniques of blackening metals are similar to the champlevé enamel technique. What distinguishes purchased enamel compositions from blackened ones is that the latter must be prepared independently, immediately applied to the product and fired.

Modern technology uses factory galvanization of blackening, but until quite recently, blackening methods were completely different. Let's look at the most famous three methods.

• German;
• Modern Moscow;
• Pre-revolutionary Russian.

The first German recipe involves slowly pouring lead into a copper-silver alloy, constantly stirring the mixture. Continuing to stir the ternary alloy, it is poured into the heated sulfur powder. Constant stirring is recommended for better interaction of substances. After that, the mixture is poured into water. Pieces of niello that have frozen are finely ground in the required dose in a porcelain mortar. It is necessary to apply only a fresh and wet mass of black material to the product.

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According to the old recipe, the ternary alloy is not poured into sulfur powder, but is added to the alloy in portions. After this, the finished mobile is poured not into water, but into a cast-iron frying pan. The resulting “hard pancake” is crushed into pieces and then melted again with the addition of flux and sulfur. If you need to get top-class mobile, you need to repeat this procedure three times. The finished mobile is crushed in mortars and sifted through a fine sieve.

The third recipe is the author’s, developed by Professor A. G. Spassky at the Moscow Institute of Non-Ferrous Metals. Silver, lead sulfide and copper sulfide are prepared separately. They are fused together in the required proportion. Afterwards, they melt and cool in a certain way.

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.

Silver blackened pendants with amber insert

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”.

Blackening silver at home

There are many simple home methods for blackening. It happens that you just urgently need to blacken a chain, ring, saucer or vase. As always, the Internet can help us.

It is replete with all sorts of recipes: from boiled eggs, which are gentle on the product and do not harm the product, to pharmaceutical sulfur ointment and fixative for attaching photographs.

If you choose sulfur ointment, you will need to thoroughly coat the surface with it, then dry it with a hot hairdryer until it drips. When the product turns dark purple, you need to rinse and dry the item.

To blacken silver at home, it is recommended to use iodine. In this case, you won't need a hairdryer. Simply coat the product with iodine, leave it to dry with iodine impregnation, and polish it thoroughly when dry. If you find it difficult to do this yourself, refer to the videos. Keep in mind that blackening is not that easy. Just the preparation of “sulfur liver,” as jewelers call it, is worth a lot. It is very harmful and smelly.

Black on silver: styles and techniques

Blackened jewelry can be purchased in almost all jewelry stores. The main thing is to pay attention and check with the sellers whether this technique was used in the product you are trying on. After all, it may turn out to be a fake.

Israeli ethnic style jewelry deserves a separate topic. Israeli craftsmen use embossing, blackening and many other techniques in their works with their own stories. The decorations look like ancient ones, which we can only find in ancient human burials. In the cities of Ukraine and Russia today you can find many products from Israel.

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".

We wear jewelry made of blackened silver

Blackened silver with patterns is in great demand today and has many fans around the world. On sale you can find rings made of blackened silver, earrings, bracelets, pendants, made in different styles and manners.

Quite often, these jewelry are complemented with precious and semi-precious stones: amber, garnet, pearls, diamond, emerald, ruby, etc. The cost of products with stones increases several times.

As a rule, they are made of 925-grade metal, which means that they are very durable and do not require a lot of constant cleaning.

Silver blackened earrings with amber inserts

Stylish silver jewelry with blackening is an ideal decoration for both special occasions and everyday wear. Blackened silver will suit any style of clothing, perhaps except sportswear and those that are overloaded with additional decorative elements.

It will look great with an evening dress, a business suit and a light summer sundress. Blackened silver is not recommended to be worn to work or at home. Remove jewelry while cleaning and other household chores.

Silver with stones requires careful treatment; it is worthy of the admiration of others.

When choosing blackened silver jewelry, pay attention to your skin color. If you have dark skin, try to choose light silver with dark patterns. If you have fair skin, it is better for you to wear silver-icy patterns on a dark background.

In completely different styles: “office”, “elven”, and “casual”, blackened jewelry will work “perfectly”. In addition, niello, unlike oxidized silver, is not at all afraid of chipping. But if the jewelry is too expensive for you, try to handle it very carefully if you want your favorite item to serve you for many years and please the eye at any moment.

Our online store “Yantar Polesie” will help you choose and buy earrings made of blackened silver or other silver jewelry!

Source: https://ukrburshtyn.com/blog/chernenie-serebra-izyskanno-i-dolgovechno.html

What is silver oxidation?

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» Miscellaneous » Silver oxidation what is it

Silver is a noble metal that goes with any stone, skin color and even clothing. Silver jewelry is also popular because the cost of this metal is not so high. In order to change silver jewelry and affect its color and shade, the oxidation process is used.

Articles

What kind of jewelry should you pamper yourself with if you simultaneously want to become the owner of an exquisite piece of jewelry, but don’t want to spend a large sum?

The solution is simple - prefer more affordable silver to expensive gold. And if you think that silver (silver rings, silver pendants, other silver items) cannot look as bright, stylish and presentable as gold, then you are very mistaken. Why? Let's try to prove it to you.

Traditional “pure” silver – easy to care for and practical to wear!

If you value naturalness in the things around you, be it furniture, jewelry or clothing, oxide-free (or sterling) silver is just for you.

The percentage of pure silver in it is the maximum possible (92%), another 8% is an admixture of copper, which increases the ductility of the material.

Sterling silver (jewelry or other items) is currently the most popular in the world - and this is not only due to the fact that “pure” silver (without sputtering, fashionable processing) is inexpensive. In combination with natural stones, such silver looks no worse than gold!

Silver rings

Oxide-free silver (925 sterling silver) is, first of all, a characteristic silver shine that cannot be confused with anything else, as well as a piece of jewelry that will serve you for many years without losing its presentability! The natural strength of silver often allowed it to become a family heirloom, and its ease of cleaning allowed it to maintain its original appearance - as if the silver ring or other jewelry had just come out of a jeweler’s tool. How to care for sterling silver? If the jewelry does not have coral or pearl inlays, just immerse the silver jewelry for a few minutes in a special solution and then rub it with a brush. Regular soap will also work. After this operation, you can rinse the jewelry.

Oxidized silver – original and bright!

Unlike oxide-free silver, oxidized silver has undergone special treatment with sulfur. Thanks to sulfur, silver visually “ages”, which allows it to look brighter. Color accents appear on the surface of silver products - since after treatment with sulfur, the silver is covered with a film of silver oxide. The product is polished, due to which its convex parts “lighten”, their natural silver tint returns to them, while the concave parts remain dark.

In addition, depending on the intensity of polishing, the shade of silver varies (light gray, gray, black). Oddly enough, jewelry (silver) treated in this way requires virtually no maintenance. After all, if you start rubbing them with a hard brush, you risk erasing the silver oxide film altogether.

Therefore, experts recommend two options - either take the silver item to a workshop for cleaning, or, armed with two napkins (dry and soaked in soapy water), gently rub the jewelry.

Silver earrings

Silver that looks like platinum

Rhodium-plated silver is a material from which jewelry looks incredibly attractive, all thanks to its unusual processing. After production, silver jewelry is coated with a layer of rhodium (platinum group metal), which gives the product a specific shine, as well as additional protection.

Rhodium-plated silver is suitable for those who value originality - after all, with such a coating, silver bracelets, rings or earrings actually begin to “shine”. The natural strength of rhodium is the reason why world-famous brands such as Tiffany, Gucci or Christian Dior chose it to coat their products.

There will be practically no scratches on rhodium-plated silver, and its shine will be noble, like white gold. Silver rhodium-plated jewelry is winning more and more women's hearts, thanks to its chic appearance and affordable price. The 14 KARAT silver online store will help you with your choice! Rhodium-plated silver jewelry is often made with inlay.

Rhodium-plated silver jewelry with natural stones - amethysts, sapphires, garnets, quartz, peridots or topaz - has been a fashion trend of the last decade. Precious stones combined with zircons look truly gorgeous.

So isn't it worth buying this type of silver? What about maternity care? Rhodium-plated silver products are indeed incredibly durable, but rhodium can “peel off” from contact with the glands (sebaceous and sweat). An excellent solution is to remove jewelry at night, in the sauna and during sports.

Household chemicals can also damage the rhodium layer, so you should not wash dishes if you have such a ring on your finger. If you use alcohol-based creams or lotions, make sure the substance is absorbed into the skin after application, before putting on jewelry. You should also be aware that products containing ammonia should not be used if you want to clean such jewelry (silver with rhodium). To clean, simply use hot water and a dry cloth.

Why is wearing silver jewelry beneficial?

Firstly, silver kills pathogenic microbes (more than 650 species); Secondly, silver can protect wounds from infections, strengthen the heart, and also prevent lung diseases. Silver products can also become a kind of indicator of your health.

For example, if the ring you are wearing suddenly becomes lighter, run to the doctor, because this may be evidence of kidney disease (nitrogen is released through sweat). Buying silver means transforming your image, adding a subtle and elegant detail to your image. So, you can buy silver jewelry by choosing a model in our catalog.

In this case, our online store will deliver silver to you in a way convenient for you, and also very quickly. So hurry up to buy silver jewelry!

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Types of silver jewelry coatings

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Source: https://yznai-ka.ru/raznoe/oksidirovanie-serebra-chto-eto-takoe.html

Oxidation of jewelry

Oxidation is a process in which a metal product is coated with a dense film that is highly resistant to chemicals. Thanks to this oxide film, it is possible to preserve the attractive appearance of metal jewelry for a long time. This is just a fantasy that is being developed in the modern market.

Features of metal oxidation

Oxidation of jewelry is involved in the process of manufacturing and repairing jewelry (polishing, cleaning, restoration, etc.). As a rule, silver and base metals (iron, aluminum, steel, etc.) require such processing.

The protective film obtained as a result of metal processing can be colorless or colored - it depends on the base metal and the final purpose.

For example, passivation is mainly used to process silver jewelry. Thanks to this technology, it is possible to obtain a colorless film that preserves the purest color of silver. When creating an oxide film on dark gray or black jewelry accessories, it turns out colored, preserving the original color of the jewelry.

What are the oxidation methods?

Oxidation is carried out in 2 ways:

1. Chemical oxidation of jewelry is carried out in an electrolyte solution (potassium dichromate and chromium oxide). The duration of the procedure is no more than 2 seconds, and the temperature is 18-25 °C. After the accessory has been processed, it is thoroughly washed with water and dried.
2. Electrochemical oxidation of jewelry is carried out using a galvanic cell. For these purposes, an electrolyte solution is used, which includes sodium carbonate and potassium chromate. The treatment, carried out at a temperature of 18-22 °C, takes about half an hour.

Based on what color you want to get, the decoration must be kept in the prepared solution for a certain time.

It is not at all necessary to completely immerse it in a solution of electrolytes - if necessary, applying the oxide composition is possible only to some areas.

Upon completion of the procedure, thoroughly wash and dry the accessory, after which it will need to be cleaned using cloth and chalk. In principle, by following simple rules you can get an unsurpassed result that cannot be compared with anything in the world.

Source: https://parure-at.ru/oksidirovanie-yuvelirnyih-izdeliy/

Pros and cons of silver

Silver is a noble metal that has served humans for many thousands of years. The age of the first silver products is about 6000 years. They were found in the Middle East, where this precious metal was considered sacred and revered as a symbol of the Moon. Silver, together with gold, was included in the alloy of the first coins. Starting from the second half of the 13th century, dishes began to be made from it. But silver jewelry has been most valued throughout the centuries.

Properties of silver

Silver is a metal that occurs naturally in nuggets. Sometimes they reach gigantic sizes. A striking example is a natural silver “ingot”, 30 meters long. It was found in the 20th century in Canada. After melting down, 20 tons of pure silver came out of it.

Silver does not oxidize under the influence of oxygen. Thanks to this property, the metal was considered noble. But silver items can darken and become covered with a thin iridescent shell under the influence of humid air, which contains a lot of iodine and hydrogen sulfide.

The metal, although refractory, is malleable. Its malleability to mechanical processing is a real paradise for a jeweler. You can create miracles of jewelry from this noble silver-colored metal. It easily responds to various processing techniques:

Polishing. Twisting. Pulling. Cutting. Rolling into plates.

But this softness also plays a cruel joke on the metal - products made from pure silver do not last long. That's why copper is added to silver. It makes the alloy stronger and more wear-resistant.

Types of silver

The noble metal 925 is considered the best silver. It is often referred to as sterling. It is a durable alloy of silver and copper. It is used for the manufacture of diverse products - jewelry, dishes, coins, awards. Attempts to add other metals to this alloy failed.

But various methods of finishing such metal gave excellent results - many different types of sterling silver appeared in jewelry.

Rhodinated

It is silver with a bright white sheen on the surface. This effect is achieved thanks to the thinnest layer of white rhodium that coats the precious metal. Rhodium plated silver will last a long time, will not darken, become dull or scratched.

In addition, jewelry made from it looks fresh and stylish. Such accessories are liked by many fashionistas all over the world. Their durability, attractive appearance and bright white shine are appreciated by world-class stylists such as Gucci and Christian Dior.

They included beautiful rhodium-plated silver jewelry in their collections.

Oxidized

In contrast to rhodium plated silver, jewelry designers use oxidized silver. Relief jewelry is treated with sulfur and then polished. As a result, light zones intertwine with dark ones. Creates a beautiful vintage effect. Rings, bracelets and other items made of oxidized silver look as if they came to us from past centuries.

Blackened

In some ways it is similar to oxidized. But the processing technology is completely different. Beautiful black patterns on a silver surface are achieved using a special solution and heating. To do this, silver items are engraved. Then the relief parts are filled with a mixture of silver, sulfur, copper and lead and the metal is heated until the solution darkens. Next, the blackened silver is polished and polished. The result is a beautiful and noble antique effect.

Oxidized silver properties

Matte

Matting is a modern decorative treatment of silver. The shine is removed from the surface and roughness is added. This is done in several ways: stamping, processing with quartz sand, engraving, chemical solutions. The result is an exquisite, precious metal with a matte surface. It is used to make various souvenirs, jewelry, and dishes.

Gold plated

Gold plating protects silver from tarnishing and corrosion. It is applied in an ultra-thin layer, just a few microns, but it gives silver products a more noble appearance - gold-plated silver looks more expensive and more solid. The strength of the metal, electrical and thermal conductivity characteristics are improved. Therefore, it is used in electronics and for making watches.

Silver with gold tips

Stylish and modern design - silver with gold overlays. It looks expensive because it looks like a combination of two types of gold - yellow and white. To make such jewelry, silver (925 sterling) and decor in the form of gold soldering (375 sterling) are used. Their advantage is that they go well with other gold or silver jewelry. They look original and give a lot of positive emotions.

Original and trendy silver jewelry can be purchased in our online store Silvermag. We can offer an elegant and sophisticated collection of 925 sterling silver items with gold tipped designs. Such accessories are suitable for any occasion - a special event or a daily trip to work. With them you will always remain stylish and irresistible.

Positive qualities of silver

Not everyone loves expensive jewelry made from luxury metals such as gold and platinum. Some people prefer products made from refined and aristocratic silver. Such people like his discreet nobility, sophistication and modesty. But “lunar metal” has many other admirable advantages.

925 silver and pros and cons

10 advantages of silver:

Suitable for any color type. Silver jewelry matches any skin tone. The same cannot be said about gold. It can highlight imperfections in appearance and even overshadow the entire image. Silver will never draw too much attention to itself. It will modestly remain on the side, highlighting the beauty of its owner. It will give it mystery and draw attention to the depth and sophistication of the bow.

Restraint and versatility. Gold is a metal for special occasions, expensive clothing and luxury perfumes. Silver is an element of everyday chic. Even the most massive silver ring will not look flashy and defiant. It is suitable for an everyday look and will adequately decorate an evening outfit.

Diversity. Silver jewelry surprises with its diversity. Blown, flat, engraved, with openwork inserts, thin and rough - all this splendor allows every silver lover to choose jewelry to suit his individual style.

Price. The noble modesty of silver is also reflected in its price. Even without too much financial resources, any girl can replenish her precious box with several rings or earrings made of silver.

Style. Silver fashion may change every season, but the metal itself never ceases to be stylish. Even if this is a retro option - a great-grandmother's ring - it will perfectly complement vintage-style clothing and look very impressive.

Gender equality. Silver jewelry looks great on both women and men. Not all precious metals can boast such enviable versatility.

Medicinal properties. Silver is used in official and alternative medicine. Since ancient times, humanity has noticed the disinfecting properties of metal. The antibacterial qualities of Argentum are so high that they are second only to the most powerful antibiotics.

Doctors have recognized the unique ability of metal to rejuvenate the body. Moreover, it is not only the internal effect that produces a healing effect.

Wearing silver jewelry every day can prevent some human ailments, calm you down and put you in a positive mood.

Compatibility. Silver is distinguished by its “flexible character” and is able to “be friends” with many other noble metals and stones. It goes well with gold jewelry or precious stones. Pairs well with items made of coral, enamel, ivory, pearls and semi-precious stones.

Variety of designs. The high plastic properties of silver make it possible to create jewelry of the most unimaginable configurations. It has been proven that from 1 gram of silver metal you can make a wire 2 kilometers long. That's why designers surprise us every year with new, unusual and stylish silver jewelry.

Durability and easy care. Sterling silver is highly wear-resistant, does not require complex care and is easy to clean. There are many ways to clean silver. Purchased cleaning products or folk recipes will help with this.

Negative qualities of silver

In fact there are not many of them. Silver cannot be called a capricious metal. But still, some of its properties may cause difficulties for its owner. The most important of them is the tendency to darken. But given that caring for it is very simple, this drawback is easy to deal with.

Another disadvantage of “lunar metal” is that it does not go well with precious, elite stones such as diamonds. It can get lost against the background of such decor and is not able to fully highlight its luxury. Gold is better suited for these purposes.

Rhodium-plated silver also causes a lot of trouble - if a product made from such a metal fails, then after repair the rhodium plating will have to be restored. This will significantly increase the cost of repairing a rhodium-plated ring or earrings.

Silver has become a favorite precious metal for many generations. It decorates, heals, refreshes and ennobles life. But most importantly, it gives positive emotions and pleases the soul with its silvery shine and moderate beauty.

(3 5,00 out of 5)

Source: https://silvermag.org/plyusy-i-minusy-serebra/

Articles

What kind of jewelry should you pamper yourself with if you simultaneously want to become the owner of an exquisite piece of jewelry, but don’t want to spend a large sum?

The solution is simple - prefer more affordable silver to expensive gold. And if you think that silver (silver rings, silver pendants, other silver items) cannot look as bright, stylish and presentable as gold, then you are very mistaken. Why? Let's try to prove it to you.

Artistic etching, gilding, rhodium plating and other chemical techniques for decorating the surface of jewelry

In jewelry, many techniques are used to decorate the surface of jewelry, used at the final stage of their production. Using these techniques, they improve the appearance of jewelry, give them the desired effects (shine, color, texture, etc.), and also increase wearability.

In general, technologies for artistic final processing of products can be divided into methods of “mechanical” influence (stamping on metal, engraving on metal, etc.), and “chemical” - applying various coatings or, conversely, removing part of the existing coating layer. You can read about one of these techniques – blackening of metals – in our separate article. And now we will talk about other chemical methods of decoration - which, as will become clear below, have been modified on an industrial scale to “galvanic”.

Artistic etching of metal jewelry

Chemical etching is a spectacular ancient technique for decorating metals.

Essentially, this is a sum of techniques for “controlled removal of the surface layer of material from a workpiece, under the influence of specially selected chemical reagents” (as the network and Wikipedia “teach”). The gunsmiths of the Middle Ages were the very first “etchers.”

They famously “threw the glove” (chain mail) in the face of the jewelers. By etching, gunsmiths replaced one of the labor-intensive processes - hand engraving - without lowering the quality bar.

Etching is used to apply a relief or in-depth ornament, text or plot on any metal. Today, etching is carried out both chemically and galvanically. Galvanic is simpler: the electrolyte solution does not emit harmful gases, unlike the chemical method.

And the clarity of the pattern with galvanic etching is higher. Although, perhaps, when the process is not poisonous, the master’s hands do not tremble. But in the Middle Ages (before Mendeleev and in the absence of most modern reagents), etching was a very labor-intensive task.

In those days, as a rule, metals were etched with acids such as acetic acid, wine vinegar, and things moved extremely slowly.

How can you identify etched jewelry?

In jewelry, the etched areas are spongy in appearance and rough to the touch. Background texture, patterns, symbols and even texts are applied by etching. This is a durable type of metal surface decoration: etching cannot be chipped, like enamel, or erased, like a silver oxide film.

Examples of etching designs and ornaments on silver items:

Gilding of jewelry

In the old days, craftsmen carried out gilding of metals using cold, hot (on fire) and liquid methods. The oldest technique is cold gilding, in which a silver or bronze base was covered with a thin gold sheet.

Fire gilding is an Attic technique (used in antiquity). Mercury and gold were applied to the product in a thin layer and fired. The mercury evaporated, and the gold was firmly connected to the base. The “death of specialists” gradually led to the idea that mercury vapors are unsafe.

Galvanization is a modern method of coating metals

Now about the relatively modern, galvanic method of decorating metals and alloys, discovered in 1865.
Galvanization is the application of one metal to another in a galvanic bath, using its precipitation from aqueous solutions of salts - under the influence of electric current or without it. The notorious silvering and gilding are proven galvanic methods. Silvering and gilding are carried out in cyanide-free baths, before covering the products with a layer of copper.

Gold-plated jewelry versus solid gold: which one to choose?

Let's think soberly: what is less disastrous for the budget, a voluminous gold bracelet or gilded silver? There is also a richness of color (a combination of gold electroplating with base silver, sometimes with niello), and quite affordable costs, in contrast to the “cosmic” prices in the case of a solid gold bracelet.

As for silver plating , it must help out manufacturers of ethnic-style jewelry - and “cosplay” costume jewelry (by the way, like brass plating with copper plating). Silver plating also helps to “fluff the tail” of the thrifty housewife, who serves tea with spectacular, but not critically valuable spoons.

Copper plating, nickel plating, chrome plating of jewelry

plating is rarely used in electroplating, usually in the form of a sublayer for nickel, chrome, silver and gold plating (for better adhesion of the coating to the product). Brass can serve as a sublayer instead of copper, but is also used as an independent coating. Observing metal jewelry in brown, olive, and reddish shades, one can “suspect” copper or brass galvanization. This is prefabricated jewelry, since alluvial elements are galvanized “in bulk.”

Nickel plating is used much more often - as a result of which the product has durable protection and a decent appearance. Nickel plating holds best on copper or brass.

Precipitated nickel does not adhere well to steel, so multilayer coatings are used, that is, the surface of the steel product is first copper-plated, and then polished and nickel-plated. Nickel coatings are very decorative - this coating gives a silver color with a warm yellowish tint.

Cutlery manufacturers believe that by selling nickel-plated or silver-plated knives and forks, they are selling “worthy traditions.”

Chrome plating: durable and beautiful, but complex (very poor dissipation ability of the electrolyte, that is, does not cover the recess well) type of electroplating. It gives a cool bluish-grayish tint. It is usually used in technology.

Rhodium plating of jewelry and ruthenium plating

Rhodium plated and ruthenium plated are the latest in electroplating.
Rhodium and ruthenium are members of the platinum group of metals.

Rhodium is a silver-gray metal; its surface has a very high reflectivity (more than 80% for the visible part of the spectrum). Rhodium retains its shine for quite a long time. Due to its high hardness, it wears out more slowly than platinum and gold. The main thing is that the coating layer is dense enough.

Rhodium plating is available in white, black and colored. Platinum and silver coated with white rhodium are extremely impressive - they glow like a fluorescent lamp.

Examples of rhodium-plated jewelry:

Ruthenium often acts as an alloy in jewelry alloys, including costume jewelry (for example, the Czech brand Yablonex once claimed the special quality of jewelry alloys with the addition of ruthenium). Ruthenium gives the product shine and an unusual graphite tint (like unfinished bluing). There is something infernal about jewelry coated with ruthenium.

Examples of jewelry coated with ruthenium:

Ruthenium and rhodium plating are said to “keep the item looking like new.” However, many jewelers (as opposed to sellers) perceive this thesis with skepticism. On the one hand, men's jewelry is often coated with ruthenium, and the stronger sex likes to “take advantage of the weak”, letting the product go to all the trouble.

On the other hand, the manufacturer, “optimizing the process,” strives to turn a layer of rhodium or other micro coating into “ultra-micro” - that is, purely symbolic.

With jewelry made of platinum, perhaps, this is not done, but with silver - perhaps quite so. Therefore, you should not be surprised if your rhodium-plated white gold wedding ring suddenly became yellowish a year after the wedding, no longer matching your favorite silver rings on others fingers.

Oxidation of silver and other metals

Increasingly, jewelers are using the technique of oxidation - coating a product with an oxide film (according to Wikipedia, “the creation of an oxide film on the surface of a product as a result of an oxidation-reduction reaction”). Oxidized jewelry resembles blackened jewelry in appearance, which is sometimes used by sellers who are in no hurry to “disappoint” customers. We have already written about how to distinguish blackening from oxidation in the article about blackening of jewelry.

How long will plating with gold, silver, rhodium and other metals last?

The thickness of the extended metal layer depends on the purpose of the product. The idea of ​​“rational” manufacturers that “a bracelet is not near-Earth equipment” leads to savings and prematurely “fading” jewelry.

However, parts in space microcircuits coated with these super durable metals work peacefully in orbit (if the launch is successful), without being exposed to household chemicals, cosmetics and caustic sweat. And the owners actively use the jewelry, which, by the way, was paid for with a lot of money, in a variety of conditions.

That is, necklaces and chains around your neck enter into a chemical reaction with your skin, especially in hot weather. You can accidentally swim or wash dishes in the ring. Etc.

Therefore, we inform you that, for example, repeated rhodium plating is carried out without problems in a number of jewelry workshops.

JEWELRY MAKING | Jewelry techniques - types | Niello on silver is one of the techniques for chemical processing of metals | Metal engraving technique. Artistic embossing and embossing on metal | Enamel jewelry | Hot and cold enamel technique | Cloisonné technique | Georgian cloisonne enamel | Rostov enamel | Filigree technique (filigree)

Source: http://juvelirum.ru/tehniki-obrabotki-yuvelirnyh-izdelij/hudozhestvennoe-travlenie-zolochenie-rodirovanie-i-drugie-himicheskie-tehniki-dekora-poverhnosti-yuvelirnyh-izdelij/

Silver oxidation. What it is? Why do they use it?

Friends, while looking through silver jewelry, you probably noticed that we cover most of them with oxidation . We have been interested in this coating more than once, because not everyone knows what it is and what it is used for. For this reason, we have created a blog post to expand your knowledge of jewelry making and answer frequently asked questions.

    Silver oxidation is a chemical coating that results in the formation of a black decorative film on the surface of the metal. The process occurs by immersing the jewelry in a sulfur-containing solution. It is worth noting that in jewelry, oxidation is used only to coat silver. After all, gold does not interact with sulfur. The only exception is products of low standard (less than 585), since they have a high copper content.

Why is oxidation used in jewelry?

     The reason for oxidizing jewelry is to better express the details and patterns on the piece. It is used exclusively for decorative purposes, since, unlike white rhodium, it does not perform any protective functions. Some of the best jewelry on which you can see the result of oxidation are: Twig, Notre Dame, Harmony of Nature, Childhood Memories.

How does the oxidation process occur in jewelry?

    Before covering the jewelry with a decorative coating, it is worth sanding and polishing it so that the applied layer adheres better. The models for the process were the “Eye of the Forest” wedding rings.

1. After grinding and polishing, it is necessary to clean the jewelry from polishing paste and dust. In this case, special professional equipment will help - an ultrasonic cleaner. Thanks to it, even the most difficult to reach places are cleaned.

2. After complete cleaning, rinse the jewelry under running water and place the jewelry in a sulfur-containing solution.

3. When a black film forms on the jewelry, rinse again to remove any remaining solution, and proceed to final grinding and polishing. The black film remains in the depression and is removed from the protruding surface.

4. We receive a finished product on which the relief of the decoration is perfectly highlighted.

Please note that there are no traces of sulfur on the gold 

Does oxidation cause an allergic reaction?

Oxidation coating is absolutely safe and will not cause any harm to the skin. After all, the black film is formed as a result of the natural reaction of silver to the sulfur contained in the solution. That is, silver is not coated with hazardous chemicals that can cause an allergic reaction.

What is blackening?

    Blackening is oxidation. However, this is an unprofessional name. It is worth noting that this process will occur even if the silver is not treated with a special solution at all. After all, as a result of exposure to the environment, silver items will still turn black.

However, if you still process the decoration, they will have a more attractive appearance that will last much longer.

    Perhaps some of you would like to know more about the reasons for blackening of jewelry, as well as methods for bleaching silver jewelry. In this case, we recommend reading the blog “How to clean silver?”. In it you will find detailed answers to the above questions.

Source: https://jewellery.kochut.org/ru/blog/oksyduvannya/

Silver: blackening, its main types, cost

Currently, jewelry making is very popular in the market. Every year in cities the number of salons and stores selling jewelry increases, despite the fact that production and extraction of raw materials is declining.

The most common and sought-after metals in this craft are gold and silver. The latter is more durable, inexpensive, and in addition, silver does not age a person, so it can be worn by both children and elderly people.

Today, pure silver is practically never used anywhere. Its alloys are mainly used.

Copper is most often added to them. This is necessary to give the product hardness, anti-corrosion resistance and the best appearance. In Russia, several samples of silver are officially permitted. A sample is a kind of mark, a passport of a particular product.

With its help, you can find out how much pure silver a product contains and how many impurities there are. For example, if it is 925, this means that there is 92.5% pure metal, and the rest is impurities. It is important to know that silver can be of several types.

Let's take a closer look at each of them, in particular blackened silver.

Types of silver and their uses

Unlike gold, the appearance of silver, that is, its color, does not have variety. It is always white and silver, while gold can be yellow, red, pink and so on.

There are several types of silver: matte, filigree, sterling, coin and blackened.

They all have their own characteristics and differ from each other. So, matte silver does not have bright patterns; it is obtained through the use of various emulsions that are applied to the raw material. These emulsions impart some roughness. It looks beautiful and original. The second type is filigree. Unlike the previous one, its main feature is that multiple openwork patterns are created.

This is achieved due to the fact that silver has high strength and malleability, which allows you to make thin threads, like wire, to give the product a pattern. This is the highest skill that requires a lot of time and skill. There are openwork filigree and background filigree. The first option is characterized by a through pattern, while the second does not have it; the lace pattern is added to the background made of moonstone.

Next on the list is sterling silver. It is the main material for jewelry. It has a smooth surface, white-silver color, high strength and lasts a very long time. It contains 92.5% pure silver and a copper additive.

Blackening. History and manufacturing techniques

Since ancient times, masters and craftsmen have decorated household items with various patterns, designs, and ornaments: dishes, weapons and much more. Technologies in this area have been constantly improved. Blackening is one of the processing methods in jewelry and applied arts.

In Rus', blackening began to develop around the 20th century. The products of the famous master from Veliky Ustyug, Mikhail Klimshin, were very popular and in demand.

A little earlier than this, in the 18th and 19th centuries, cigarette cases, dishes, trays, and snuff boxes were made using blackening elements made specifically from silver.

At first, such a craft developed only in private shops, and then factories and factories began to be built that were engaged in the manufacture of such products.

Such products have always been in great demand in Rus', but not everyone could afford them, as they were not cheap. Famous masters knew many of the intricacies of their craft and passed on the knowledge they acquired to future generations, which is how it has come down to us today.

Blackening is the coating of pure silver with niello to give it relief, beauty and sophistication.

Blackening technology and application

As mentioned above, this process aims to obtain a patterned product. For this, special technology is used.

In this case, first of all, the product is minted or engraved, and then a special solution consisting of oxides of copper, lead and silver is applied. It is very important that the surface is clean and free of grease particles.

In order for the solution to melt, the product is heated to a certain temperature. After that you're done. The result is a black pattern against a silver surface.

It has a number of advantages. The main thing is that it does not need to be constantly cleaned. But there are also limitations. For example, if you have dishes made of this material, then the blackening is removed by boiling with soda. Previously, it was very widely used due to its bactericidal properties. Amulets, valuables, and elixirs were often kept in containers made from it, which supposedly protected their owner from evil spirits and bad luck.

Silver oxidation

Nowadays, this kind of silver is quite difficult to find in the market or in stores. Basically, its analogue is sold there, that is, oxidized silver. This is a common fake, since, unlike the original, it can darken and wear out over time.

The technologies described above are not used in its manufacture. It is simply covered with a special film that protects the product from tarnishing. But it is not eternal, and after some time this film is erased. This requires re-oxidation.

This is of great importance because buyers can be deceived by criminals into purchasing the wrong product.

Blackened silver also costs more than regular silver. If the average cost is 1 g. Simple silver costs from 30 rubles, but when it is blackened it increases significantly. The reason for this is the great work of the craftsmen and individual, exclusive work. It should, of course, be more expensive. Therefore, when purchasing a product, you need, firstly, to carefully examine it for the presence of a mark (sample), determine whether it is blackened or not, and check the integrity and presence of documents.

Silver: making cutlery, combining with other jewelry

Previously, kitchen utensils were made from it: dishes, spoons, forks and the like. It was believed that silverware protected the family and its owner, and if for any reason it was lost, then it was a great misfortune and a bad sign. Some of the items, such as spoons, were made from silver coins. But they were not melted down or rolled out, but simply forged. In this case, one large coin served for the spatula, and the second for the handle.

Today, silver in the form of bracelets, pendants, and rings is best combined with precious or semi-precious stones. Rubies, garnets, emeralds, and pearls are very suitable for this. Silver, unlike gold, does not age a person, but makes him younger. Therefore, it is suitable for any person. You can wear silver every day or exclusively for special occasions; jewelry with precious stones is suitable for this; they will add importance and sophistication.

Conclusion, conclusions, recommendations

Based on all of the above, we can conclude that silver is one of the most common and favorite materials used in jewelry, along with gold. It is inexpensive, has good physical and chemical characteristics, and most importantly, is highly valued by customers.

In addition, there are several types of silver: filigree, sterling, blackened, coin. They are all good in one way or another. Blackened occupies a special place among them. Today, it is becoming less and less common in salons and increasingly so-called oxidized silver is being sold instead.

The latter may darken, requires cleaning, and the protective film is not permanent. The cost of silver depends on its type. For an ordinary one, it ranges from 30 rubles per year. It is important that the price does not decrease from year to year, this indicates that precious metals are an excellent investment. Many rich people keep their savings in them, and not in currency.

Blackening silver is a rather difficult and lengthy process. For this, a special mixture of oxides of various metals, including copper and tin, is used, which subsequently gives the jewelry strength and a beautiful pattern. This silver does not need to be cleaned; it has bactericidal properties, so it is safe to use.

Therefore, if you love jewelry, then silver will come in handy more than ever.

Source: https://oserebre.ru/izdeliya-iz-serebra/chernenoe.html