Why do jewelry darken?

Surely everyone who wears silver jewelry has noticed that over time it becomes so darker and covered with something resembling a black coating. Many people then suspect that they have become a victim of scammers and the jewelry they bought is not made of this precious metal. As it turned out, this is not true, and the darkening of silver natural process. Why is this happening? Can this be fixed? How to clean such jewelry?

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Why do jewelry darken?

Darkening of silver jewelry is a natural and completely normal process. It also does not mean that we were sold a fake.

Dark coating is an effect oxidation silver reacts with sulfur oxidewhich is one of the components of air.

Contrary to popular myth, silver jewelry darkens not from oxygen, but from sulfur compounds. The more Zanieczyszczone air, the faster this process will occur, therefore, depending on our geographical location, decorations in different over time, it will lose its luster.

Summing up, the darkening of the jewelry does not prove that we were deceived, but on the contrary, it proves that it is made of silver.

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How to prevent darkening of jewelry?

While wearing silver jewelry, we cannot completely protect it from tarnishing, but a few steps can help. to limit at the court.

When we don't wear chains, rings or earrings, let's keep them in a closed box or box so that air access is as limited as possible.

It's also a great idea to hide unworn jewelry in string bagand then into the coffin. Jewelry stored in this way will retain its original color and luster longer.

Of course, storing jewelry will not be a very good solution. wholesale on the shelf in the bathroomwhere it will be exposed to air and moisture.

Silver and water is not the best combination, so it's worth it. download decorations before visiting the pool or swimming in the sea. also a good habit Deleting wedding rings and rings before washing hands or washing dishes.

Let's also not forget avoid contact cosmetics jewelry. Apply it only after body lotions and hand creams are completely absorbed.

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Can I protect my jewelry from tarnishing?

Jewelry manufacturers and jewelers often try to safe their products until dark. For this purpose, the process is usually rhodium plated - that is, coating a silver object with a thin layer of an element called rhodium.

Sometimes jewelry is also coated with a special colorless polishthe purpose of which is to delay the oxidation process. Unfortunately, this procedure helps only for a while, because the protective layer is exposed simultaneously with wearing jewelry. abrasion and after a while, the silver will still begin to darken.

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How to clean such jewelry?

If our jewelry has become very dark, the best solution is to give it to the cleaning. professional.

However, there are several domesticated ways to restore our silver jewelry to its original color and shine. We can rub them with material from flannel, wash in decision water and detergent as well as buy specialist jewelry cleaning liquid or wipes. Better avoid cleaning silver with toothpaste, as it may contain granules that will scratch the surface of the item.

A simple home remedy is also to clean the jewelry with Accommodation in a non-metallic vessel, such as a lined cup foil aluminum filled with boiling water and a spoon baking soda. After a few moments, it is enough to rinse the cleaned item with warm water and wipe with a cotton cloth.