What's oxidized silver?

[Daniel.]

I bought an "oxidized silver" 2mm 26" rolo chain from China.

I mean it was bought from a Chinese company in China.

I like it a lot and wear it but it isn't marked.

I think it's fake. What do you think?

[AndyD]

Silver-coloured metal that has been chemically darkened?

[Daniel.]

Hmm. Could be.

It doesn't look like silver.

[Daniel.]

It's toxic metals! I watched a 60 Minutes exposé on this topic.

This isn't as dumb as the lack of research I did on my phone before I bought it but it comes close.

[Piano*Dad]

I can't say anything about this Chinese stuff (except that I wouldn't trust that it's silver without external verification). But "oxidized silver" is a common technique of Navajo and Hopi silver artists here. You expose silver to sulfides and it darkens deeper than the usual "tarnish" of silver. It blackens. Mixing polished and darkened silver creates a visual pop. The term "oxidized" doesn't tell me much all by itself.

[Steve Miller]

@Daniel. Toxic if you eat it or toxic if you touch it?

[Daniel.]

@Steve-Miller My guess is the worst thing it could do is give you an allergic reaction.

I'm sending it back.

I'm glad to know oxidized silver is
real.