What is vintage finish?
Vintage finish is also called antique finish or black finish in jewellery design. It refers to a surface treatment applied to give new pieces an aged, antique look. This finish replicates the appearance of jewellery that has been worn and cherished over many years, imbuing it with a sense of history and timeless appeal.
One of the most popular methods to create a vintage finish is oxidation. This involves treating silver with chemicals like liver or sulphur to darken its surface. The resultant patina provides depth and contrast. Jewellers often polish the raised areas, leaving recesses dark, highlighting the detailing and giving the piece an antique look.
This method is particularly favoured in regions with rich jewellery-making traditions, such as Thailand, India and southwest China, where artisans have perfected the technique over centuries.
In contemporary jewellery design, creating a vintage finish that ages naturally without additional plating involves carefully considering how the piece will wear over time.
The exposure to air, moisture, and natural oils from the skin causes silver to develop a darkened patina. This natural ageing process results in a more genuine vintage look, as the areas of the jewellery that are frequently touched become shiny and polished, while the recesses and less accessible parts darken.
