Silver oxidizing - the hard boiled egg method

There are several ways  how to oxidize sterling silver. 

The chemical methods using black silver or liver of sulfur and the natural method using hard boiled egg. I like to think "green" and  always prefer the natural way as much as possible. 

So today I am sharing with you the method of oxidizing sterling silver with hard boiled egg. 

As an example I use one of my latest jewelry designs.  The pendant features green amethyst and fine wire wrapping. The shiny silver version doesn't show the wire wrapping and all it's details. The darker version will also highlight the beautiful stone. 

So here is how you do it!

The finished piece needs to be polished before oxidation.  

Boil an egg. Once done take out from water and cut it  (still in the shell) in 4 pieces. Put each piece to one corner of a clean plastic container. 

Place the jewelry piece  in the middle, be carful that it doesn't touch the egg. Close the lid immediately and leave it closed for at least 30 minutes. 

After 30 minutes check the color. If you need it darker, place it back in the container. You can also take the jewelry out, polish it lightly and put it back in the container. To receive the best result, the egg must be very hot to produce an amount of steam, which oxidize the silver. The egg may be rewarmed in the microwave for the second oxidation. 

Once you are satisfied with the color (darknes),  remove the jewelry piece from the container. Polish the oxidized piece as needed to add accents and highlights.