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Comments

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  Preethi June 20, 2015 at 1:23pm

  Other views of the same.
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  Betty June 20, 2015 at 4:30pm

  Beautiful bracelets, Preethi. Congrats! I saw a similar one for sale some time ago and always wondered where it might be from...I also have a piece of jewellery that had to be cleaned in order to do a repair, and like you, I wonder how the process of "ageing" could be speeded up...
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  Joost Daalder June 20, 2015 at 6:30pm

  Jewellers often use "lampblack" or a similar paste for the crevices, and something of that kind would be (a) innocuous because removable if you don't like it, and (b) probably would actually reasonably satisfy, as you would re-create the contrast between highlights and crevices that is now missing. Be sure to keep the highlights shiny, while you somehow - as subtly as you can - darken the crevices. I mention lampblack because that is an acknowledged traditional substance. But I would apply it in a differentiated way, so as to make it similar-looking to the black on the other bracelet - don't go for a very "heavy" application. Be a bit of a faker! Good luck whatever you do!
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  Lynn Ardent June 20, 2015 at 11:43pm

  I love these bracelets and I have never seen them before.  Congratulations!!  They are so your style.  I think the suggestion of lamp black is great. 

  The two methods I have heard of to accelerate conventional tarnish on silver are 1) sealing inside a plastic back with a crushed boiled egg (hence exposing to Sulphur in the air, but not touching) and 2) leaving inside a shower or other very damp place, but not in a position to touch the water.
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  Joost Daalder June 21, 2015 at 3:31am

  Perhaps, Preethi, it would be shrewd to use the egg treatment which Lynn mentions first, as that should tarnish the piece "all over", so that you don't have any really bland and "soulless" area left. I would then go to work with the lampblack in the crevices. And then I'd polish up the highlights.
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  Thelma June 21, 2015 at 3:28pm

  Preethi, Just to add to the list of agents causing tarnish...in addition to eggs, try onions, garlic, strong perfume. You can also buy an antiquing agent based on sulphur which many jewellery makers use to make their creations look older. But I'm not sure if it can be polished off afterwards.
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  Preethi June 21, 2015 at 3:33pm

  Thank you everyone!

  Betty, the bracelet you saw could very well have been the same one here. I bought both on ebay, from separate sellers but in the same week! Couldn't believe my eyes.

  Here's a link to an article in the Islamic Arts magazine, where a similar bracelet is featured. The bracelet with some patina was tagged as an antique Romanian bracelet by the seller, who was selling his mother's collection - stock from the bead and jewellery shop in the States that she had owned. As previous examples I had seen were described as Bosnian, I thought this might be too.

  Does anyone have information on Romanian bracelets?
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  Preethi June 21, 2015 at 3:35pm

  Lynn and Joost, thanks for the great tips. I have to admit I have no idea how to source lampblack, but I'm sure google will throw up plenty of advice. However, I will start with the more manageable boiled egg idea.

  Lynn, how long do you keep the crushed egg in the bag with the bracelet? Would I have to replace the egg every few days or so? How long does it take for the bracelet to start to darken? Thanks a bunch!
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  Preethi June 21, 2015 at 3:36pm

  Thelma, just saw your comment. Thanks so much! Yes, I'll raid my kitchen first before seeking chemical help online :)
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  Peter Hoesli June 21, 2015 at 5:28pm

  Dear Preethi; WOW, all these suggestions on making silver jewelry black and then there are some like me who struggle to keep their pieces shiny... I would just keep it as it is. You will see, it will get quickly back to its original state. Anyhow, they are really beautiful. The shape reminds me of the Yemeni bracelets. Congratulations on this great buy Preethi. With kind regards. Peter