Is it Dangerous to Wear Silver Jewelry Treated with Liver of Sulfur?
When it comes to using liver of sulfur (also known as 'Liver of Sulfur' or 'LOS') to treat silver jewelry, a common concern arises about its safety. This article aims to address those concerns, providing a thorough explanation of the process, materials involved, and any potential risks.
The Use of Baking Soda with Liver of Sulfur
Anyone using Liver of Sulfur should be careful to neutralize it with baking soda after treatment. When the piece is done soaking in the solution, one should leave the item in the solution and pour baking soda in. This neutralizes the LOS, making it safe to rinse off. After rinsing, the item can be safely handled and any remaining LOS can be disposed of.
Natural Compound and Historical Use
Liver of sulfur is a natural chemical compound of sulfurated potash. Its pure chemical form is known to be toxic. However, it has been widely used for hundreds of years as a patina to accelerate the surface oxidation of copper and silver metal jewelry. This practice is used for both decorative purposes and as a way to protect the metal from tarnishing.
No Known Health Issues
Research indicates that there are no known health issues associated with wearing silver jewelry that has been treated with liver of sulfur. The resulting patina is typically safe for wear, though additional steps such as sealing with Renaissance Wax can help protect the piece from wear and tear.
Stability and Sealing
Liver of sulfur is unstable and breaks down readily in sunlight, for which reason, the treated material is normally sealed by a product like Renaissance Wax. Commercially available formulations of liver of sulfur pose no known risks to people. However, as with any jewelry, individuals with known skin sensitivity should be cautious. It is always advisable to stop wearing the piece if it causes a skin reaction.
Patination Process and Risks
Liver of sulfur is used to add a dark patina to copper and silver surfaces. The resulting patina is an inert compound similar to the natural tarnish that occurs on silver over time. Similarly, unless the silver is coated with some form of protectant, it will continue to slowly tarnish due to sulfides in the atmosphere and on the skin. Unless you have some rare form of allergy to sulfur compounds, wearing jewelry treated with liver of sulfur is generally considered safe.
Protective Layers and Solubility
The resulting patina from liver of sulfur, primarily composed of silver sulfide, is not soluble in most situations and cannot be absorbed through the skin. However, the patina can be worn off or rubbed away. Most pieces that are patinated are usually coated with a protective layer of wax or lacquer to prevent wear.
Conclusion
In summary, while liver of sulfur is a potent chemical with some drawbacks, the resulting patina on silver jewelry is generally safe to wear. Proper neutralization, sealing, and handling with care can ensure that the piece is both beautiful and safe for daily wear. If you have any concerns about skin sensitivity or unusual reactions, it is always best to consult a professional or avoid the piece altogether.