Here is a tip for getting a nice white look to your silver from
@susanmcginnessjewellery - “The uneven coloring called firescale caused by metal alloys separating are always disappointing to see in the final stages of jewellery making. Here is the process I use to remove firescale: Step 1: Heat up a clean batch of pickle. Ensure you have good ventilation, eye protection and a face mask. Step 2: With a light fluffy flame evenly heat the jewelry piece until the color of the metal starts to change and follows the flame. Step 3: Put the jewelry piece immediately in a hot pickle. Don’t forget your safety protection for this step. Step 4: Repeat step 2 and 3 until the surface is an even color. In sterling silver the white color is created from the pure silver rising to the surface of the metal. Step 5: The final desired polish or matte finish can now be applied to your jewellery piece. This process is a great finish for jewelry pieces that can not be cleaned after soldering or textured surfaces. The same technique can also be used on lower carat gold to remove any discoloring on the metal surface. It’s important to note you must use pickle with sodium bisulfate.The temperature you heat the metal to is also important as this step separates the two alloys so that once the piece sits in the acid the silver is left on the surface. I love to do this to all my silver pieces because it also slows the oxidizing process. “ Over the years I’ve had a few people reach out about this technique and I’m grateful to Susan for reaching out with this terrific description of this process of “Depletion Gilding”. Thank you so much for sharing!!
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