Revive Faded Ring Engravings: A Simple Guide

Question
Hi, I have this ring that I got made by a jeweler a few months ago. It's just a simple metal ring with some engravings on it that have been blackened to show better.  Not long after I got the ring, the black inside the engravings faded out and I was wondering if there was an easy way to re-black it I guess? Please Let me know. thanks

Answer
Hello, Cole.

The depth of the engraving and where and how you wear the ring has a lot to do with how long the black will last. There are three suggestions offered here, two which might be considered do-it-yourself an one a jeweler will need to do.

The jeweler method involves an electroplate called black rhodium. This black metal layer is applied with a small pen-like tip using electricity to plate a black layer on the ring engraving. Sure, some is going to go outside the engraving. The jeweler will need to very gently buff off the area around the recessed engraved cuts with a hard and flat buff (to keep the buff on the surface and not into the cuts very much).  Most jewelers will not have black rhodium in stock. This is one to call around about and have seen and estimated first. Keep in mind, shallow engraving will be very difficult to do and clean up and may not come out perfect.

The at home methods involve first flat black paint, like a model airplane paint.  Clean the ring thoroughly, then dip in alcohol an pat dry.  Apply the paint thinly on the engraving.  When almost dry, take a flat stick with a wrap of a paper like jewelry is wrapped in or even thin letter paper. You want a surface which is flat without any fuzzies.

Wipe the paper across the engraving, removing the paint on the surface and hopefully leaving the rest in the recesses. You may have to do it more than once.

The second at home method is black shoe polish. This stuff stays a surprisingly long time. Apply it, let it almost dry and wipe off the surface as with the paint. This time you might be able to get away with a cloth with a non-fuzzy surface like slick bed sheet material.


Cole, one of these should work for you.  Success depends on how well you get it done and it may take more than once. Also, if the engraving is shallow, it will be more difficult to redo the black and to keep it in the ring when worn over time.

Best wishes with all. : )

God Bless and Peace.  Thomas.    

Rate the answer if you want. That lets me know how I did on this end explaining things.