Natural and Artificial Aging Methods For Silver Mock-ups In Recent Conservation And Heritage Studies: A Short Review

Silver has been widely used for art and heritage objects throughout history, due to its excellent ductility, malleability and brilliant metallic lustre. However, silver objects tarnish over time and must be regularly treated to maintain their appearance. In conservation and heritage studies, naturally or artificially aged silver mock-ups are often used to simulate the tarnishing conditions of valuable historical silver objects. Over the last few decades, many research groups have proposed different aging protocols. In this paper, we reviewed the silver aging protocols employed in recent studies in the field. Although the chemistry-based aging methods are most widely used, issues regarding alterations of the tarnish stratigraphy and negative influences on environment and operator safety should not be neglected. This review aims to provide important references for conservators, scientists and researchers to select safe and suitable aging methods for building their own mock-up systems, and to encourage the development of more sustainable aging protocols for future conservation of historical silver objects.