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Antique silver look

2003

Hi,

Can anyone help about antique silver. We use a lot of chain for our jewelry. We use brass chains silver plated then oxidized then rubbed down to give an antique look. Unfortunately, the plating always comes off to the brass. Is there such thing as an antique silver plate. We do not like the finish the barrel polisher gives as it is too shiny. Is there a process during plating which can give a more antique look? Or is there another process which will give same result without wearing away the plate Any help, advice or discussion appreciated.

Regards,

Tim Awan
Fashion Jewellery - London, UK

I would suggest that you look at moving over to a "proper" lacquer-based antique finish rather than an oxidised one. I personally think that the visual appearance of the lacquer-based antique finishes is far superior to the oxidised ones. Although it tends to be a much dearer finish to apply. Because silver is relatively soft it tends to get rubbed off during the antique burnishing process, so I would suggest either a thicker deposit of silver or possibly a palladium topcoat over the silver.

Joseph Garner
trade platers - Corby, Northamptonshire, England, U.K.
2003