On The Dark Side

A question we get a lot is what is the black metal? So we thought we might lift the curtain on our edgy black metal collections. On our website you will come across a variety of descriptions including oxidised silver or black rhodonised silver. So what does it all mean?

Oxidised silver

As you may be well aware silver naturally has a tendency to turn black (tarnish) over time. The silver reacts with sulphur naturally occurring in the air around us and over time creates discolouration - starting from brownish patches through to an even dull black coating as often seen in antiques. In fact in antique silver we would call that a natural patina and removing it from antique objects can be seen to devalue the item.

In oxidised silver jewellery, designers have used this characteristic to their advantage - they apply a sulphur solution to the metal to push the natural tarnishing or oxidising process and turn the metal an even charcoal grey-black.

Oxidising silver is considered a surface treatment and tends to wear away where it comes in contact with other objects during your normal daily activities. The finish will settle in a lovely antique patina, but if you prefer we can reapply the finish to bring it back to its black state at any time - just drop your piece into us for service.

Where we can oxidise most silver jewellery the process is not reversible without heavy polishing, potentially weakening the piece.

Rhodonized jewellery

Rhodonized jewellery requires a different process altogether. It is actually a plating of a metal called black rhodium, a member of the platinum family. The black rhodium is dissolved into a solution and fused to the silver jewellery under an electric current. It results in a deep black surface colour.

Rhodium plating is a more permanent treatment than oxidized silver and can also be applied to gold and platinum. Bear in mind that it is a surface treatment and just as with oxidized silver the high edges will wear away over time, exposing the metal underneath. However, the plating can be reapplied with the right equipment - simply drop your rhodonized jewellery into us and we will get the artist to refinish your piece.

Anodized aluminium

Aluminium is a versatile metal that is widely used to make lightweight structures in a variety of industries. Its lightweight, malleable characteristics and accessible price point make it an attractive material for contemporary jewellery design. Aluminium is anodised to create a protective barrier to maintain the look of the metal.

Anodised aluminium is another surface treatment where the surface of the metal is changed under electrical current, forming a clear protective layer over the entire piece. Unlike the oxidising and rhodium plating, anodized aluminium can be dyed in a wide ranges of colours, including black. This method is unique to aluminium.

Much like oxidising and rhodium plating it is a surface treatment and just as with oxidized silver the high edges will wear away over time, exposing the metal underneath.

Alternatives

Another way to add black elements to your jewellery is to use materials that are naturally black. From alternative materials like wood and rubber, to vitreous enamels and black gems. Here are a few examples:

Natural rubber

Ebony