Color Applications for Jewelry that Are Out of the Box

I have been working with metal clay (PMC = precious metal clay) to make jewelry pieces. The end result is silver jewelry. Desiring to add color to my work, I have considered a few non-traditional options to add color to the finished silver pieces. While artists have discussed this topic, many of the ideas were more traditional means. Here are my ideas that seem to be a bit out of the creative box.

Permanent marker
The marker is alcohol based and just need to dry before buffing or adjusting the surface. This technique is similar to using liver of sulfur however you can control the application's location as well as adding additional colors. I draw on the area desiring the color, let it dry for a minute or two and then wipe with tissue to remove any wet markings. I then buff the surface to shine the top surfaces back to silver.

Nail polish
While nail polish has been used on jewelry before to protect the surface from dulling, I am using it to add color. Many polishes are clear and will show the metallic shine through the color application. Since nail polish comes with a brush applicator, you can control the location of application. If you are unhappy with the application you can always remove it and attempt to place it again.

Glitter glue
My kids love glitter glue. I thought, why not try it on silver jewelry? Many of the colors are clear when dry and include glitter pieces that would work well with silver jewelry. This will need a protective layer over the top like clear polish or resin because if the glue gets wet, it will return to a white base but will dry clear again. To make it permanent, you should protect it.

Micro beads
Many crafters have tried micro beads on craft projects so I thought why not try it on silver jewelry? The materials needed are very minimal, the professional adhesive tape cut to the size needed (this is double sided tape) and the micro beads in the color desired. Apply the tape to the area of application, peel off the top protective layer and apply the micro beads by pouring them over the tape or submersing the piece into a container of micro beads.

All of these ideas are removable. That might not be what you are looking for but if you think about adding color to a piece for a specific limited reason, these would work nicely and if you want it to be more permanent, you can add a protective layer to those applications that might need it.