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What is a Japanned Finish?

Japanning

A japanned finish in jewelry is one in which the metal is coated in a shiny black coating, normally this is finished with a lustrous, black lacquer. The technique in Europe uses varnish with a resin base, which is applied in heat dried layers and then polished to give a glossy finish. Japanning can also come in red, green, blue and other colors, but the main color used is black.

The technique originated in Japan, India and China. It was used as a decorative coating for pottery. Much later, it became used for jewelry manufacture to give a unique look to the finish of the metal.

Many pieces from the Victorian era use this technique when mourning jewelry was very popular as Queen Victoria went into mourning after Prince Albert's death.

Examples of Japanning:

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