Patina / oxidising silver question

[adrianykw]

Hi everyone,

I'd like to add some patina to a silver chain in a way that replicates the photos below (textured, grey, darker/lighter areas).

Click to make bigger ...



I've never done this before, so some newbie questions:

1. How should I prepare the metal? (e.g. brass brush / emery paper?)
2. What oxidising agent should I use, and how long for? (e.g. Platinol, liver of sulphur?)
3. How should I finish the metal to achieve the lighter / darker effect? (e.g. gently with polishing cloth?)

Thanks so much in advance!

Adrian