Words of the Week
What is a Metal Patina?
© 2007 Vintage Jewelry Lane
The term patina is used to describe jewelry which changes color after exposure to oxygen. This change is gradual with time, and can often be used to date items. People associate the term with sterling silver jewelry, but many other metals can be affected as well as silver. Many collectors like the aged look that patina gives a piece and like to have this patina intact. Others like to have that newly purchased, polished look, so they will remove the patina with various methods of cleaning.
It is often hard to remove the patina that has built up over time. Patina does not damage an item. It is a byproduct of time and exposure to the elements. It should not be confused with verdigris or green gunk, which is a more damaging condition.
Depending on the style of the design, the patina on a jewelry piece is easily removed, either with a soft cloth and a silver polish, or Sunshine polishing cloth, which will remove it quite easily. In the case of a piece which is ornate and filigreed, such as the one pictured here, cleaning can be a lengthy process because of all the crevices on the design.
To view other articles on other vintage words, please visit the word of the week archives.
