One of the wonderful things about metal is how it reacts when treated. Brass & copper in particular are known for their reactions to chemicals & heat, which creates a rainbow of iridescent colors & textures.
Heat-treated brass shows off it's iridescent rainbow properties.
These cactus earrings started out as raw brass; you can still see some of the original golden metal color at the very top. After cleaning the brass to rid it from oil & dirt (a very important step if you want drastic results!) I painted it with my torch flame, which creates the rainbow pattern shown here. Not quite satisfied with that, I treated these pieces by dipping them several times in a liver of sulfur bath. The result is incredible — a one of a kind finish, which fades from shiny gold at the top to matte charcoal grey at the bottom.
Of course, if you want the color to stay as vibrant as it is here, it’s important to seal the patina, so it doesn’t tarnish further.
Lately I have been in love with all things gold — brass included. It always amazes me how simply you can change the look of a ring with just a little bit of patina. Suddenly it becomes a completely new ring!
All of my patina’d metals are hand-oxidized with liver of sulfur & a lot of hot water. The liver of sulfur reacts with the raw brass & deepens the color the longer it sits in the water bath. Of course, this process is not permanent: oxidized brass can be cleaned & polished back up to a golden sheen with a little bit of work. Gently polishing the oxidized metal creates contrast in the raised areas & really makes the coloring pop!
Left unpolished, the oxidized brass takes on a deep matte gingerbread color, as seen above in my Fern Frond Wrap Ring. Polished brass shines much like gold. Which finish is your favorite?
the Art of Brilliance Found Jewelry 
Loving the cactus earrings.
Heat colouring is so much fun.
Thank you! I love torching metal.. the rainbows it causes are so pretty 🙂