Several thousand years ago, a new metal was discovered - silver. And since then, the era of silver jewelry, cutlery and decorative items began. To this day, silver products do not lose their relevance and are as in demand on the market as they were many, many years ago. Even more.
Over time, craftsmen began to discover new facets of metal processing: mixing it with other metals to improve its properties, decorating it with gold and rhodium plating, and using a black alloy to give a black color to the product. This is exactly the method of blackening silver that we will talk about in our article. Let's figure out what blackened silver is, how it is made and why it is valued more than ordinary silver.
What it is
Blackened silver is black-colored silver made using special technology. During the Renaissance, this technique was at the peak of its popularity. Liturgical objects were made from blackened silver and decorated bowls, caskets, knife handles and cutlery handles.
Nowadays, blackened silver has not lost its attractiveness. Small silver items with niello in combination with complex ornaments look interesting in the contrast of colors. There are many different “recipes for preparing” blackened silver, but the meaning of all is the same - to obtain a shade of black, from grayish to deep black.
What is the story about?
The technique of blackening silver has a long tradition. Historical facts confirm that this method of processing was known to the masters of the ancient world. During numerous excavations, scientists have repeatedly found blackened earrings, bracelets, weapons, and household items on which blackened patterns were applied.
On the territory of the Russian state, the use of this technique dates back to the 10th century, and artifacts found in the territories of the Black Sea region and the Caucasus region indicate that it was familiar to craftsmen who lived in these inaccessible places much earlier. It reached its highest popularity in Russia by the 17th century.
Today you can admire the art of blackening silver items by masters of the past by visiting the Kremlin Armory.
In the Caucasus, the center for the production of various products using niello became the Dagestan village of Kubachi, whose craftsmen became famous throughout the world for the uniqueness and filigree of their work. It also has its own museum, where the history of the development of the fishery can be traced using the example of the original samples presented.
Varieties of silver
Pure silver has a white color with a silvery tint. But pure silver is too malleable; it cannot be used to make filigree jewelry or a sophisticated box. Therefore, alloys of various metals are added to silver, and depending on the percentage of silver and alloy, the color of the product and its characteristics change. So, today there are several types of silver:
- Matte. They are obtained in different ways: by etching a special emulsion, using a sandblasting machine or a vibroengraver. The product is obtained with a fine-grained rough surface without gloss. Matte silver items look very elegant and unusual. Often such items are chosen as an exclusive decorative gift.
- Coin. Surprisingly, coins were not made from this type of silver, as it might mistakenly seem. Coin silver contains a large percentage of silver (90%) and only 10% copper (rarely nickel or zinc). This alloy composition provides strength and wear resistance to the products. And the name most likely came from ancient times, when people brought silver coins to the master to be melted down. Nowadays coin silver is 900 silver.
- Filigree. This is silver of the highest 960 standard, that is, it consists of 96% silver and 4% alloys of other metals. A thin silver thread is forged from this type of silver and then we form openwork patterns and complex ornaments. Making jewelry from filigree silver is considered a very difficult task, which only true masters can do.
- Blackened. That same silver with the contrast of white and black. Jewelry made from niello looks authentic and sophisticated, and serving items add luxury to any interior. Blackened silver is produced by applying black to pure metal. Next we will look in detail at the methods of blackening silver.
The beginning of blacksmithing in Rus'
Experts believe that the technique of blackening for decorating products appeared precisely in Rus', and from here blackening technologies began to spread throughout Europe. The chronological framework for the appearance of jewelry with niello in Rus' is considered to be the period of the 9th-10th centuries. – nothing is known about earlier distribution. The oldest finds decorated with niello include Chernigov artifacts, which were discovered at the end of the 19th century in a mound called the “Black Grave.” According to legend, this was the burial place of the founder of Chernigov, Prince Cherny. Among the impressive finds in the mound were two turk horns, used as ritual drinking vessels.
The turk's horns were given special beauty by silver frames with plot drawings and floral designs made with niello. The niello was laid along specially made recesses using the niello technique. According to the characteristic features of the ornament and the subjects depicted on the vessels, B.A. Rybakov came to the conclusion that the decorations on the Turya horns were applied by local craftsmen.
During other archaeological surveys, plaques with inlays using the niello technique were discovered, where the background of the items was filled with niello. Somewhat later, the original technology of blackening on copper appeared, which became an independent direction: it was used to make encolpions (small reliquaries), which appeared during the spread of Christianity.
Basically, items made from niello were made in workshops where women's silver jewelry was produced, which made Russian craftsmen famous. A varied assortment of products included colts, bracelets, medallions, and rings. For example, kolta decorated with niello, made from embossed blocks, were intended to be hung on temple pendants (ryasny). Wide bracelets or hoops were richly decorated with niello. Sometimes researchers call hoops “bracers,” but not all experts agree with this terminology: many believe that bracers are elements of armor worn on the hands. Blackening was also used for breast decorations, which were round medallions in the form of a barm or monist. Theophilus noted the variety of ornaments and the complexity of the technology for making ancient Russian jewelry with niello. Thanks to the detailed description compiled by Theophilus, it is possible to imagine the sequence of operations of the technological process.
Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages can be found in everything, but let's first look at the advantages of blackened silver.
- It may not be as carefully maintained as regular silver. On blackened silver, the dark coating will be completely invisible due to the contrast of colors and complexity of shapes.
- It retains its excellent appearance longer and is highly durable.
- Well, the third advantage is the bactericidal properties of the metal. We have already written about the benefits of silver before. Silver helps destroy pathogenic bacteria and microbes on the surface of the skin.
Blackened silver has no disadvantages, except for one thing - silver with blackened silver cannot be washed in boiled soda solution. To wash the product, you can use any other method of cleaning silver, or simply rinse in soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Sulfuric ointment
You can quickly and effectively darken silver using sulfur ointment. This is a medicine that is mainly used to combat scabies pathogens in both humans and animals. Therefore, it is sold both in veterinary and regular pharmacies.
Sulfur ointment is thick, yellow in color and has a rather unpleasant odor. It must be applied to the product, and then heated to a fluid state using a hairdryer. After the ointment has transformed into a more liquid state, it can be more carefully distributed on the surface of the silver. When heated, you will see how the metal acquires a rich black-blue or purple color. Afterwards, the product can be wiped dry; if necessary, the procedure can be repeated.
Also at home, in order to darken silver, they use “sulfur liver” - a sintered mixture of sulfur and soda, which is thrown into water with silver. But it is not recommended to use this blackening technique at home, since the process will release hydrogen sulfide, a dangerous gas with an unpleasant odor.
Blackening methods
As we have already said, there are several methods for producing niello on silver. Since ancient times, craftsmen have come up with and improved ways of applying blackness to silver. In Russia, the peak of popularity of blackened silver occurred in the 17th century, and the city of Veliky Ustyug became its “homeland”. At that time, etching technologies, engraving, etc. were used to apply blackish patterns to silver products. Now the methods remain the same, only the application technique has been improved. Blackening methods can be divided into mechanical and chemical.
Mechanical
The mechanical method involves applying black patterns by hand. For this, a special paste is made from graphite with iron oxide and with the addition of a small proportion of turpentine. Afterwards, the resulting mixture is used to cover the silver object in those places where it is necessary to give a touch of niello. Then let the mixture dry and remove the residue using a suede cloth, after moistening it in alcohol.
In large industries, another method of producing mobile is used - electroplating. Using the galvanic method, a thin surface layer of grayish to black color is obtained. This method is suitable for blackening simple, inexpensive items. Firstly, the black layer will be erased over time, and secondly, this method can only cover the product completely with black and cannot be applied to individual patterns or places.
Chemical
The chemical method of applying black is the most durable and effective and consists of several stages.
- First, the product is prepared. By engraving, chasing or etching, the desired relief pattern is drawn.
- The silver is then sprinkled with a powder of copper, lead, sulfur and manganese or zinc. It is sulfur that gives the black color to the product, therefore the amount of sulfur added to the mixture determines the depth of the color tone of the niello.
- Then they are placed in the oven and heated to the desired temperature. As a result, the powder is fused into the relief of the product and a contrasting silver-black color is obtained.
Reviews
I purchased women's stud earrings made of blackened metal. The earrings have a simple flower shape, but they attract the eye thanks to the “antique” material. Previously, I was skeptical about blackening, I thought that it was an analogue of gilding. Now I’m thinking of completely switching to black silver products.
Maria L., Kostroma
Svetlana K., Moscow
I order silver jewelry through Avito from private craftsmen. The product is always high quality and exclusive. The last time I ordered a man's amulet for the neck. I was very pleased, amazing work, decent quality of material.
I never thought that fine jewelry could be called “rabble.” I purchased several rings made of blackened precious metal to complement my daily look. Even my husband didn’t stand aside; he bought himself a gray and black chain; it looks much more brutal than classic chains.
Zhanna R. g, Stavropol
Metal oxidation
Now you can find oxidized silver in stores, which is passed off as blackened. They may be visually similar, but they differ in quality.
Oxidized silver has the same blackish color, but with uneven filling and is slightly darker than real blackened silver should be.
Metal oxidation is a cheaper way to apply niello to a patterned surface. The product is coated with a thin oxide film, which creates blackness. The thicker the layer, the blacker the pattern will be.
But this method of blackening metal is short-lived. Over time, the film wears off and the item loses its original attractive appearance.
Usage
Blackened silver has never left the fashion pedestal. Years give way to centuries, but the trend for blackened silver remains. This is because, whether it is a sophisticated pendant or a relief bowl, blackened silver gives the products an original, sophisticated appearance.
In addition, such items do not require constant care and cleaning. They are durable and resistant to mechanical damage, do not darken over the years and retain their attractive appearance for a long time.
Now famous designers around the world have blackened silver jewelry, cutlery, home decor items, and even clothing items in their collections. After all, blackened silver is a style and sophistication that will highlight any look.
Product care
Although items made of blackened silver do not tarnish, dirt may well accumulate on them. Therefore, it is recommended to care for it regularly, wash, wipe and dry well.
- A regular soap solution is perfect for removing light dirt and dust from the recesses of the product.
- You can use potato infusion for cleaning. Pour water over the peeled potatoes and let it brew. Then place the blackened silver there and leave it for several hours (up to 4). Afterwards, as always, rinse and wipe.
- Never use harsh or abrasive products, such as ammonia, dry baking soda powder, etc., to clean blackened silver.
- Plus, blackened silver does not tolerate hot temperatures, which means that all methods involving boiling will not work.
- Such items can only be wiped with a soft cloth and stored in a dry, dark place.
