![]() ![]() Turn the tap on lukewarm and rinse your jewelry or metal items. At this point, they are safe to handle without gloves or spoon. Remove your jewelry or metal items from the neutralizing bath. Drop the jewelry or metal items gently into the neutralizing bath, and let sit for a few minutes. Once your jewelry or metal items have reached the desired color, use the previously mentioned spoon to remove the item from the solution. The metals may be removed at any time during this process if it has reached the desired color, though I recommend black for optimal results. The metal will oxidize in stages, often presenting themselves in colors: usually green, brown, blue then black. ![]() If the water is hot enough, the metal should immediately begin to turn dark. Using the spoon with which the solution was stirred, add the jewelry items. Since the Liver of Sulfur solution works best in hot water, do not wait once the solution is prepared. Stir the gel into the water until it turns a vibrant yellow, but still transparent. If your gel comes in a container that administers the product in drops, use two or three drops to start. It has a thick consistency and a sufficient amount of gel will stick to the spoon tip without the need to scoop. Dip the tip of a disposable plastic spoon into your Liver of Sulfur gel to collect a few drops. In lieu of a coffee pot, microwave the water for one minute. I find water through a clean coffee pot is the perfect temperature for oxidizing. This water should be steaming, but pre-boil. Now it’s time to oxidize! In the primary glass bowl, pour one cup of hot water. However, with that said, I caution against using hot water on very delicate stones such as opals. Note: Using hot tap water during this process helps warm delicate stones gradually, which are otherwise susceptible to sudden temperature changes. Wearing gloves during this process will help prevent new prints from marking the jewelry once clean. Rinse beneath a tap as the water turns from lukewarm to hot. To prevent this, add a few drops of dish-washing liquid to a third bowl, fill with hot water and swish the jewelry many times. Oils from the skin can lay a film over metal to which the Liver of Sulfur solution cannot adhere, causing uneven discoloration. Next, it is important to clean your jewelry items before oxidizing. Into the water, stir two tablespoons of baking soda, until dissolved, and set aside. In the second bowl, pour a cup of lukewarm water. This will prevent the oxidizing process from continuing once the piece has reached the desired color. This bowl doesn’t have to be glass, however, due to the toxic nature of Liver of Sulfur, should still be designated for use with this product or process only.įirst begin by preparing a neutralizing bath for pieces dipped in the Liver of Sulfur solution. A second bowl for a neutralizing bath.Since I am a creature of convenience and am apt to chose the product both easy and effective, the gel wins hands down. Though Liver of Sulfur is also available in rock form, the gel is easier to use, longer lasting and with a smell slightly less odious. Items should be placed into, and taken from, the Liver of Sulfur solution only with designated tools, such as tongs or disposable plastic spoons. Leaning directly over a steaming bowl of Liver of Sulfur: bad. For most small projects, a fan or open window with good airflow is perfectly fine, as long as you avoid direct exposure to fumes. ![]() The fumes are considered toxic so wear a disposable mask or use in a well-ventilated work space. Liver of Sulfur is a skin irritant and can burn, so care should be taken to protect exposed areas of the body. Designate this dish for use with Liver of Sulfur only. A container with the ability to hold at least one cup of water is more than sufficient for most jewelry projects. ![]() Though plastic containers, such as Tupperware, are widely considered acceptable, I find glass a little more resilient. I recommend a good Pyrex dish with a corresponding lid. Oxidization is a science experiment for metal addicts and can prove entertaining, challenging and inspiring all wrapped up in the guise of jewelry fun, creating an antique look to modern art jewelry.Īnd you know what? It’s easy to fix if you don’t like it, so the only thing left to do is enjoy yourself and prepare to take your jewelry or metal work to a defining new level with a product both easy to master and essential for the antique look popular in the metal work and jewelry worlds. I repeat: do not fear the Liver of Sulfur! ![]()
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