Square-ish Oxidised Reticulate Drop Earrings
Square-ish Oxidised Reticulate Drop Earrings
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Unusual reticulated sterling silver square-ish drop earrings with a 24ct gold stripe.
Handmade with sterling silver sheet that has been reticulated to give it this unusual stone-like texture on the surface. 24ct gold foil is applied in the ancient Korean technique of Keum-Boo, where the 'attached gold' is fused to the surface of the silver with pressure and heat. The earrings are then submerged in an oxidising solution which darkens the silver, (these earrings have taken on a lovely graphite/ slate colour) but leaves the gold untouched, to increase the contrast between the two. The oxidising will very slowly reduce with wear to give a lovely antique look. The silver can be treated again if a darker colour is desired.
DETAILS
Total length 21mm (from top of ear wire loop to bottom of drop)
Actual Drop is 10mm long
Width 10mm
0.9mm sterling silver ear wire
24ct gold foil stripes
DETAILS
Total length 21mm (from top of ear wire loop to bottom of drop)
Drop is approx 10mm square
Sterling silver ear wire
24ct gold stripes
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.