Introducing the Patina cufflinks collection
This week we wanted to give you more of an insight into the process behind our new Patina cufflink collection. Combining art, expert craftsmanship and chemistry, this engineered collection is artistically finished with London based patina artist Derek Bayley and celebrates both creative experimentation and science.
Informed by ancient patina techniques, combinations of metals and chemicals are oxidised through atmospheric exposure and layered to create cufflinks with deep colours and refined finishes. This precision turned, solid brass collection features five different patina surfaces and forms the newest addition to our full collection of timeless men’s accessories. Featuring Hickory brown, Luna silver, Salmon, Prussian blue and Quink coloured patina surfaces, each pair of artisan cufflinks is formed from a precise chemical recipe and expertly finished by hand.
The process
The Patina Collection sees us working with London based patina specialist Derek Bayley, who is dedicated to the individual quality and refinement of each piece. We begin preparing our pieces by sand blasting or cleaning it with a fine abrasive. Each piece is precisely heated with a blow torch and the specific chemicals are dissolved in water before being expertly applied by hand.
The patinas embody a true meeting point of art and science, adding propane heat to recipes containing silver nitrate, titanium oxide, ferric nitrate, potassium sulphide and copper nitrate to achieve a visually complex and beautifully durable surface.
A deep coloured patina finish is the result of layering and mixing the chemicals and oxidising them in the immediate atmosphere.
Once our patina cufflinks are cooled, we apply multiple layers of micro-crystalline and carnauba wax to preserve the complex face, then buff and polish back the exposed brass areas for a contemporary finish.
A word from Alice
“Our Patina collection has been a joy to develop. Collaborating with the immensely skilled Derek Bayley, we have experimented like young chemists to create a palette of patina’s that are durable, exciting, beautiful and refined. The combination of art and science in the patina process really struck a chord. The result is a timeless collection with a contemporary aesthetic developed using a traditional, artistic and experimental process.”
Our Patina cufflinks are now available here and you can follow us on Instagram @alicemadethis to see how we’re wearing ours. We hope you enjoy the pieces and their unique finishes.
Photos by Jamie Ferguson @jfk_man.
