| Name: 22K/Sterling Silver Mokume Rod.
Composition: 42% 22K rose gold, 58% sterling silver.
Layer structure: 15 layers total. Seven(7) 22K gold layers.
Eight(8) sterling silver layers. The sterling layers are twice as thick
as the gold.
Approx melting point: Starts to melt at 1475°F or the same
as sterling silver.
Annealing temp:1150°-1325° F. Anneal like sterling silver,
either with a torch and flux coating or in an inert atmosphere furnace.
Do not heat above 1325°.
Density: Noticeably more dense than sterling silver. Average
empirical density of 7tr oz/cubic inch or 13.2 grams/cubic centemeter.
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Working with Mokume
Characteristics:
Sterling silver based mokume-gane works very much like sterling silver.
When forging or rolling do not reduce the cross section by more than 50%
without annealing. Cold twist and forge only. Anneal when the rod starts
to feel hard. Avoid excessive annealing. Hot working should only be attempted
by the very experienced.
Soldering:
Use the same considerations as if soldering sterling silver. Gold or silver
solders may be used.
Etching:
Use all chemical solutions with proper ventilation, saftey
equipment and supervision.
Etching the final piece is desirable because it lowers the sterling,
creating a topography. The lower levels of the sterling will than take
patina and remain dark. This emphasizes the pattern.
Prior to etching remove any smearing of the surface metals. Mask with
etching ground or fingernail polish in selected areas if desired. Use a
35% Nitric Acid solution in water. Watch this process carefully to avoid
over-etching. Use fresh acid solutions only. Old acid may deposit silver
on the gold, dulling the color. Rinse well in a baking soda solution and
running water.
Finishing:
Finishes may be developed with the same polishing products as used on sterling
and karat golds. A bristle brush with rouge followed by a light buff with
a soft wheel is recommended as a final finish. |
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