Types of silverware coatings
Plating silver items is done in order to increase the service life and improve the appearance. To add style to the jewelry, the master chooses one of the types of silver plating. Let’s take a closer look at modern processing methods – which of them should be preferred when choosing jewelry for a gift or collection.
Silver products without spraying
Keep in mind that silver plating is not always used. Chains, cufflinks and brooches are often found at auctions, which are made by craftsmen from 925 sterling silver. There is no external dusting on them. How can you tell them apart? The external feature is natural shine. It can be enhanced by polishing a bracelet or ring. Or, conversely, make the surface of the decoration look more matte.
Silver items without coating can be recommended for people with too sensitive skin. In addition, scientists have proven that objects made of this metal have antibacterial properties.
There are nations that endow silver with special magical powers. For it to be transmitted to humans, direct skin contact is required. It is for this reason that spraying is not used in the collections created by Yakut masters.
Uncoated jewelry has only one conditional drawback – over time, they can fade and darken. But it is easy to clean souvenirs made of this metal at home. It is better to entrust the cleaning of rare things to specialists in the salons.
silverware coatings: Rhodium plated
Rhodium plating is a technology by which the thinnest layer of rhodium is applied at jewelry factories (only a few microns thick). The chemical properties are similar to platinum. This type of silver coating protects the garment from darkening.
The advantages of this method:
- the decoration does not darken;
- hardness is provided (protects from damage when used carelessly);
- gives the designer jewelry a special shine.
Disadvantage: Some natural silver collectors are not impressed by the sheen of rhodium plating. He is perceived by them as unnatural.
Blackening technique
Technologists call blackening the process of processing with a special composition, which includes sulfides of sulfur, silver and copper. Russian jewelers have known this technique since the 17th century. The master applies a layer of powder to the decoration. Then it is sent to a special kiln for firing. When the desired temperature regime is created, the black melts and is absorbed into the surface of the base. This treatment is characterized by increased abrasion resistance.
Disadvantage: Some natural silver collectors are not impressed by the sheen of rhodium plating.
He is perceived by them as unnatural.
Oxidation
Products are processed with a special composition, in which the main ingredient is sulfur. Thanks to this treatment, unusual color transitions appear on the refined surface. The shade that silver will acquire depends on the intensity of the polishing process.
The decoration on which the thinnest film is applied is polished. As a result, the convex parts become lighter, and the concave ones are visually perceived as dark. Oxidized silver is easy to maintain. It is enough to moisten a cotton cloth with soapy water and wipe the product, and then dry it with a dry cloth.
Gilding
A thin layer of gilding is applied to the item. Basically, 750 gold is used for this technology. But there are exceptions when the manufacturer uses higher quality metal.
Spraying with precious metal does not affect the declared fineness in any way. The cost of silver items increases during gilding. With constant contact with an aggressive alkaline environment, the gilding layer can quickly decrease. Therefore, it is recommended to take care of things that have such a coating (remove before taking water procedures, do not swim with them in the pool).
If you adhere to these simple recommendations, then the gilded silver jewelry will look great and may well go into the category of heirlooms.