A digital archive showcasing the extensive collection of jewellery and adornment images shared on the former Ethnic Jewels Ning site over the years. These images have significantly enriched discussions on cultural adornment and its global dispersion.
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Other views of the same.
Beautiful bracelets, Preethi. Congrats! I saw a similar one for sale some time ago and always wondered where it might be from...I also have a piece of jewellery that had to be cleaned in order to do a repair, and like you, I wonder how the process of "ageing" could be speeded up...
Jewellers often use "lampblack" or a similar paste for the crevices, and something of that kind would be (a) innocuous because removable if you don't like it, and (b) probably would actually reasonably satisfy, as you would re-create the contrast between highlights and crevices that is now missing. Be sure to keep the highlights shiny, while you somehow - as subtly as you can - darken the crevices. I mention lampblack because that is an acknowledged traditional substance. But I would apply it in a differentiated way, so as to make it similar-looking to the black on the other bracelet - don't go for a very "heavy" application. Be a bit of a faker! Good luck whatever you do!
I love these bracelets and I have never seen them before. Congratulations!! They are so your style. I think the suggestion of lamp black is great.
The two methods I have heard of to accelerate conventional tarnish on silver are 1) sealing inside a plastic back with a crushed boiled egg (hence exposing to Sulphur in the air, but not touching) and 2) leaving inside a shower or other very damp place, but not in a position to touch the water.
Perhaps, Preethi, it would be shrewd to use the egg treatment which Lynn mentions first, as that should tarnish the piece "all over", so that you don't have any really bland and "soulless" area left. I would then go to work with the lampblack in the crevices. And then I'd polish up the highlights.
Preethi, Just to add to the list of agents causing tarnish...in addition to eggs, try onions, garlic, strong perfume. You can also buy an antiquing agent based on sulphur which many jewellery makers use to make their creations look older. But I'm not sure if it can be polished off afterwards.
Thank you everyone!
Betty, the bracelet you saw could very well have been the same one here. I bought both on ebay, from separate sellers but in the same week! Couldn't believe my eyes.
Here's a link to an article in the Islamic Arts magazine, where a similar bracelet is featured. The bracelet with some patina was tagged as an antique Romanian bracelet by the seller, who was selling his mother's collection - stock from the bead and jewellery shop in the States that she had owned. As previous examples I had seen were described as Bosnian, I thought this might be too.
Does anyone have information on Romanian bracelets?
Lynn and Joost, thanks for the great tips. I have to admit I have no idea how to source lampblack, but I'm sure google will throw up plenty of advice. However, I will start with the more manageable boiled egg idea.
Lynn, how long do you keep the crushed egg in the bag with the bracelet? Would I have to replace the egg every few days or so? How long does it take for the bracelet to start to darken? Thanks a bunch!
Thelma, just saw your comment. Thanks so much! Yes, I'll raid my kitchen first before seeking chemical help online :)
Dear Preethi; WOW, all these suggestions on making silver jewelry black and then there are some like me who struggle to keep their pieces shiny... I would just keep it as it is. You will see, it will get quickly back to its original state. Anyhow, they are really beautiful. The shape reminds me of the Yemeni bracelets. Congratulations on this great buy Preethi. With kind regards. Peter
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