QuestionHi,
I dont know if this is possible or if you know the answer, but I have a
9carat yellow gold ring that I never use because its simply looks too new.
Ive always loved antique jewellery. I really love the ring otherwise so I
dont want to sell it, but was wondering if there is any method that could
make the gold appear 'older'?
any suggestions or ideas who I could ask would be very much
appreciated.
Thank you,
Sandra
AnswerSandra, this is the very first time I have been asked this question. And, yes, there are some ways to help age a ring even if not so effective as the actual passing of time and wearing the ring often during that time.
Interesting that you should ask. Once while doing a replacement of the round top of a quite old cluster ring, I replaced the top plate of white gold and reset the gemstones. The top looked brand new because it WAS brand new! The ring came back in a week from the fine store who had sent me the job: "We see you did fine work on the ladies cluster ring. Now, after the owner saw the ring, we ask you a strange favor. Can you take many years of wear off the ring so it looks more like the worn out one we sent originally but leave just enough metal to keep the stones secure?" I did that. The woman who owned the ring was then happy because her repaired ring looked like she was used to seeing it, after a few decades of wear.
So, there are essentially two items to adding age. One is wear of the metal and loss of factory shine. Another is perhaps a slight tarnish in recesses of designs. I will talk about tarnish first.
Sandra, I don't really know if your ring has designs on it or not, stones or not, or perhaps is a plain band. A ring with recessed designs can have a patina added to simulate the light tarnish some jewelry will attain after time. Much gold when worn regularly will not show much tarnish but will be a darker yellowish color. A jeweler can apply chemicals to add patina to recesses and gently buff away the excess. For an old look, perhaps buffing is not the answer and a mild abrasive should be used. That is up to the jeweler. Another trick is to heat the ring just enough to cause the metal to oxidize slightly and darken. Then, a wipe with a polishing cloth can blend the discoloration. If the effect is not what you want, it can be buffed away.
Wear is the most noticed effect of age. This means loss of factory shine and a few nicks or light dings and scratches here and there. Replicating natural dings is more difficult. A jeweler can do this for you. If the heat patina is tried, do this after dings, etc. are added. With some time being worn on the finger, hopefully the added age will blend neatly to create an authentic aged appearance.
Sandra, best wishes with the project and adding a bit of age to your ring.
God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
