What is silver emulsification? (Oxidized Silver Jewelry – What Is It and How to Care for It)

This is one of the techniques used to create a more luxurious and vintage feel to silver jewelry. It is also commonly called 'antique silver' or 'vintage silver', and is a technique that causes a specific chemical reaction on the surface of silver to blacken it and emphasize depth and three-dimensionality.

✅ Why is oil treatment necessary?

1. Emphasize the three-dimensionality and details of the design.

• Silver jewelry often features a variety of designs and carvings.

• When oil-treated, the sunken areas remain black and the convex areas remain bright, making the sculpture stand out more.

• This process brings out the delicate patterns and adds an antique and elegant feel to the jewelry.

2. Create an antique and vintage feel

• It can be produced in a softer and more calm tone than modern silver, so it goes well with classic designs.

3. Easy to manage by utilizing natural discoloration

• Sterling silver (Silver 925) has the characteristic of discoloring by reacting with sulfur in the air. However, silver that has been treated with oil has been intentionally discolored, so it ages naturally and maintains a stylish feel.

• It naturally darkens over time, making it easier to care for than sterling silver jewelry, which is more difficult to maintain.

✅ How does the emulsification process work?

Silver oxidization is a process that intentionally causes a specific chemical reaction on the silver surface to oxidize it.

1️⃣ Sulfur Solution Treatment

• During this process, the silver surface turns black, giving it a deep color.

• The intensity of the emulsification treatment can be adjusted from light gray to deep black.

2️⃣ Polishing & Finishing

• If you leave the blackened silver as is, it will become too dark, so polish the surface to bring out the bright parts.

• The fine parts remain dark, and the convex parts come to life brightly, emphasizing the three-dimensional effect.

• As a finishing touch, gently wipe with a silver polishing cloth to add shine.

3️⃣ Protective Coating (Optional)

• Some emulsified jewelry may have a protective coating to help control the rate of tarnishing.

✅ How do I care for silver that has been oil-treated?

Silver jewelry that has been treated with oil requires slightly different care than regular silver.

Basically, since “natural discoloration is cool,” proper care is more important than excessive washing.

1. Avoid water and chemicals.

• Since emulsification is a chemical oxidation reaction, the color may fade if exposed to water, detergent, perfume, lotion, sweat, etc. for a long time.

• Be careful when using **silver-specific cleaners (liquid cleaners)** as this may cause the emulsification to come off.

2. After use, wipe with a soft cloth and store.

• Polishing cloths act to polish the surface, so using them may remove the oil finish.

3. Store with minimal contact with air.

• Oil-treated items will naturally change color over time, but if you want to maintain their original condition, we recommend storing them in an airtight ziploc bag or storage container.

• If you store it together with a desiccant (silica gel), you can prevent discoloration due to moisture.

4. If the discoloration is too severe, leave it to a professional for care.

• If the oil treatment has worn off significantly over a long period of time, it can be re-oiled (re-oxidized).

• Professional silversmithing can restore the original color and atmosphere.

✅ What style would silver with oil painting go well with?

Silver jewelry treated with oil has a classic and antique feel that goes well with a variety of styles.

💎 Antique & Vintage Style → Create a vintage mood with deep colors

💎 Design with traditional patterns & carvings → Emphasizes three-dimensional effect with oil painting

💎 Minimal design → Simple design also transforms into a deeper and calmer feeling

✅ Feel the special charm of silver with oil treatment

Oil painting is not simply a discoloration, but a technique that has the beauty of adding depth over time. You can experience jewelry that becomes more beautiful over time, just like an old relic.

Nawol's jewelry captures both traditional beauty and sophisticated sensibility through oil painting. The more time and stories of the wearer are added, the more meaningful the jewelry becomes. Enjoy the changes in silver and preserve your own special beauty.