Keum Boo Oxidised Bar Necklace
Keum Boo Oxidised Bar Necklace
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Made from solid sterling silver, this simple bar, pendant necklace is textured to give a dimpled finish, with a block of pure 24ct gold wrapped around the base.
The ancient technique of Keum Boo (meaning 'applied gold') is used to permanently apply & bond the fine layer of pure gold to the fine silver surface of the pendant by hand, using only heat & pressure.
The whole necklace is then oxidised to an almost charcoal/ gunmetal grey, to increase the contrast between the 2 precious metals & texture. The dark oxidised colouring will eventually wear back to silver, where it gets rubbed, with the deeper sections staying dark, which will give the piece a gorgeous antique look. If you really love the overall darkness though, it can be re-oxidised back to the darkest tone whenever you like!
DETAILS
Made from recycled sterling silver
Necklace overall length: 45cm/ 18 inches
Pendant: 28mm x 3mm
24ct Gold Highlight
A polished silver version is also available.
Oxidised Silver - What To Know
Oxidised silver jewellery is created using a chemical process to darken the surface of the sterling silver it's made from. If it's something you're not familiar with, it's important to be aware that oxidising creates a surface patina; it will wear back to a natural silver colour eventually. Deep textures tend to hang onto the darkness, while highlights burnish back to silver, creating a lovely, lived in look.
When finishing my oxidised pieces, I always apply a layer of conservator's wax to it, which helps to extend the oxidised look a little bit longer. Any type of sterling silver jewellery can be oxidised, but pieces that get a lot of friction or daily wear and tear (like rings or chains with pendants on them) will lose that darkness pretty quickly, whereas earrings, and pendants, will stay darker for longer.
If you really love the overall darkness of your jewellery, it can always be re-oxidised back to the darkest tone as often as you like!
The main thing to remember when caring for your oxidised jewellery is...don't put it in silver dip or rub with a silver polishing cloth! This will remove your oxidised colour.
See more Jewellery Care tips here.