Patinas - Delicious but Delicate

 

 

 

 

 

A patina is the chemical coloration of the surface of a metal.  It can be natural, like the green on an old copper roof or it can be purposely applied as you see on bronze statues and art objects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Patina work is an an art in itself and there are hundreds of patina formulas for use on scores of metals.  Special metal alloys like shakudo, shibuichi and kuromido were developed in Japan over the centuries especially for their beautiful colors when patinated. 

 

Patinas can bring a metal surface to life in a way that puts the raw color of a metal to shame.  The 24k gold moon on this brooch hangs in a purple-black patinated shakudo sky.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I use patinas on the top surfaces of art objects and some jewelry pieces, like brooches, that will not be exposed to constant contact with the skin, abrasion or heavy wear. 

 

Patinas are not appropriate for all rings. 

They are only applied to deeply etched or protected areas of rings to prevent damage from daily abrasion and skin contact.