How to oxidize your wire and jewelry without liver of sulfur

by delilah

When it comes to oxidizing jewelry and wire, liver of sulfur is a commonly used product-but it has its limitations. Due to its classification as a hazardous material, it can't be shipped internationally, and even within the U.S., some people prefer to avoid using it. Whether you're looking for a safer, more accessible method or simply want to explore alternative techniques, there's an easy solution right in your kitchen.

By using a simple trick with hard-boiled eggs, you can achieve a beautiful, antiqued look for your metalwork without the hassle of liver of sulfur.

Here's how:

Hard boil 2-3 eggs, about 8-9 minutes.

Put them into a plastic container for which you have a tightly fitting lid.

Smash the eggs and add the jewelry or wire into that container. Close the lid.

Wait for about 20-30 minutes; or until the eggs get cold.

If you see uneven oxidization, repeat the procedure, placing the jewelry or wire in a different position.

After hard boiling, smash the eggs into the plastic container.

delilah's How to oxidize your wire and jewelry without liver of sulfur - , General Education, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, mashed hard-boiled eggs placed inside a plastic container.

Then place the wire directly on top of the broken eggs.

delilah's How to oxidize your wire and jewelry without liver of sulfur - , General Education, Wire Wrapping, Wrapping, Wire Wrapping Jewelry, Wire resting on smashed eggs inside a plastic container after cooling.

Seal the lid tightly on the container to trap the sulfur gases from the eggs inside. Let the eggs cool, allowing the wire to sit within the mixture as it begins to oxidize.