black an·tique | ˈblak (ˌ)an-ˈtēk
adjective
A jewelry piece that has had a long-lasting black paint applied to it
The jewelry term “black antique” refers to a long-lasting black paint that is applied to some pieces of jewelry, typically gold, to provide a black finish to the piece. This makes even new jewelry pieces have an antique appearance, which is popular amongst many buyers and people who wear jewelry. Black antiquing is commonly performed on new metal jewelry pieces that have raised metal elements to them, with the black antique paint being applied to the recessed elements of the metal. This allows for the raised metal elements to more distinctly stand out against the contrast of the black finish on the recessed elements of the piece of jewelry, as well as make the overall piece look aged. The process of black antiquing gold jewelry can be applied to a variety of different jewelry pieces. Today, black antiquing is most commonly performed on new pendants and rings, in particular men’s wedding bands and women’s and men’s high school and college class rings.
