Sealing silver oxidation?

[yssie]

I bought a beautiful ring from MC2's closing sale. Silver atop 18k YG.
(For which both my wallet and I hold @mrs-b responsible, just so everyone's clear on accountability).

The ring arived with a mild patina that was really lovely.
After a few weeks of semi-regular wear the silver outer has been completely stripped of oxidation in all but the deepest crevices around the prongs.
It looks ridiculous.

I'll leave it alone to re-oxidize a bit, which hopefully shouldn't take long - goodness knows my flatware can oxidize in heartbeats Once it's returned to decency, does anyone have suggestions for keeping it that way? Google is suggesting clear nail polish... I'm hoping for something a little more... organic, I suppose...

Vendor photos of the "before". I'll spare myself the embarrassment of posting its current state.

 

[JPie]

I don’t know how to keep it oxidized, but you can speed up the process by sealing it in a Ziploc bag with a smashed, hard boiled egg. The ring doesn’t need to touch the egg; the sulfur is what oxidizes it.

Be sure to hard boil two eggs - one for the ring, and one to eat!

 

[yssie]

@JPie I'm seeing this egg method recommended nearly everywhere! But not too much on sealants... Maybe the real solution is a nightly egg

 

[foxinsox]

@JPie I'm seeing this egg method recommended nearly everywhere! But not too much on sealants... Maybe the real solution is a nightly egg

Eggs are basically a superfood in so many ways and now for jewellery too..

 

[distracts]

I use Renaissance Wax (available on Amazon) to seal silver and copper items.

Amazon.com: Renaissance Wax Polish 65ml: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Buy Renaissance Wax Polish 65ml: Home & Kitchen - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

smile.amazon.com

 

[Rfisher]

Beautiful ring.
As much as I love eggs
I’d try storing the ring with a sulfur crystal in its specimen display box first.

 

[yssie]

I use Renaissance Wax (available on Amazon) to seal silver and copper items.

Amazon.com: Renaissance Wax Polish 65ml: Arts, Crafts & Sewing

Buy Renaissance Wax Polish 65ml: Home & Kitchen - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases

smile.amazon.com

I’m reading the reviews. This looks fantastic - exactly what I want! A thin, somewhat-durable coating that doesn’t interfere with the finish of the piece itself... And it sounds like it’s easy to remove with spirits if desired...

Thank you for the recommendation @distracts! I’m buying a pot now.

 

[denverappraiser]

This is what most of my jeweler friends use to oxidize silver. It's extremely effective. Be warned, it's highly acidic. Don't drink it, get it on your clothes, breathe the fumes, etc. It deserves your respect. A one-ounce bottle will last your whole life if you're not a manufacturer.

Griffith Silver Black 1 oz.: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

Griffith Silver Black 1 oz.: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[yssie]

I ordered a bottle of Griffith Silver Black as well

Thank you, everyone, for your recommendations!!

 

[kenny]

Be sure to hard boil two eggs - one for the ring, and one to eat!

But won't the egg oxide you?

 

[PintoBean]

Eggs are basically a superfood in so many ways and now for jewellery too..

 

[mrs-b]

Ohhhh - it's BEAUTIFUL!

I'm kinda surprised about the oxidation issue, tho. This can't be the first time MC2 have made an oxidized ring, and with their prices, I would have thought they'd have gone to the effort of sealing it properly. To me, that falls into the category of after-service care. So I'm a little disappointed.

Love the design tho - absolutely love it! Have you been able to fix it, @yssie? And - when you have, could we have some hand shots pls? I didn't see this one in their emails; did you end up making your way down there? Was it a bun fight??

All things considered - and oxidization issues aside - I think this new piece is awesome.

 

[the_mother_thing]

@yssie I’m reviving your thread to see if you had success with either of the products recommended, and how you went about applying it to your pieces (e.g., how you kept it off the diamonds, or if it got on the diamonds, how you cleaned them without removing the product you just applied). Or if you went a different route …

I have two pieces forthcoming (both rings) with oxidized silver applied/created over 18k gold vs. natural/aged, so I’m researching how to best preserve the effect so I may wear both without constant worry of removing the finish when handwashing, etc. I understand I’ll have to remember to take them off before swimming (our pool is saltwater), but if you have any other recommendations from your experience, I’d greatly appreciate your sharing them. Thank you, in advance!

As an aside, I would love to see an in-depth PS article about this type of finish & how to care for it.