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Chemically removing the liver of sulfur from silver jewelry

I am looking for a solution that will aid me in chemically removing the liver of sulfur from the entire jewellery piece. I have a sterling silver chain mail necklace, I made two a while ago. One I left as it was, the other I oxidized with liver of sulfur ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] . Shortly after I sold the chain mail necklace with the silver finish, but the oxidized piece I still have. I'd like to know what kind of acid bath I could dip the piece to completely get rid of oxidization, if that's the way to do it. The chain mail links are small and very tight, tripoli polishing, brushing, etc. simply does not work, it only removes the patina from the surface of my design, while the interlinking areas remain oxidized. As you wear the chain mail necklace, the links move exposing the darkened areas again, making me repeat the oxidization removal processes known to me, which never bring the desired uniform result I look for. I would really appreciate any help and technical advice. Sincerely, Elena.

Elena Berg
designer-maker - France
August 12, 2009

A. Silver sulfide is extremely insoluble. My chemistry book says that it is soluble in potassium cyanide solution. It also says that it is somewhat soluble in sulfuric and nitric acid. All of these are hazardous to your health and will attack the silver to some extent. I would take it to a good plater that has these chemicals and hire them to clean it. James Watts - Navarre, Florida August 13, 2009 A. The liver of sulfur has etched the surface so even if you are able to remove the black you will still need to polish you necklace to have a nice uniform finish. Neil Bell Red Sky Plating Albuquerque, New Mexico August 13, 2009 A. Try 300 gm sodium thiosulphate ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] /1 lit water solution-your object must be grease free(or 80 gr Thiourea ⇦this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] / 1 lit water/30 ml hydrochloric acid-try to avoid any contact with solution-thiourea is cancerogene compound!).Hope it helps and good luck! Goran Budija - Cerovski vrh Croatia August 14, 2009