Silver jewelry is a great way to complement any outfit with grace and elegance, be it an evening dress or a formal pantsuit. But, unfortunately, over time, silver jewelry can lose its shine and iridescent color and become covered with the so-called patina (dark coating).
Why does silver on the human body darken? This happens due to chemical reactions between silver and skin. However, in addition to the strictly scientific explanation of this phenomenon, there are many signs indicating the reasons for the darkening of the metal.
Why does silver on the human body darken?
If your silver has turned black, yellowed or oxidized, it means it's time to have your jewelry cleaned. Additionally, a silver product can be plated with rhodium – it prevents the metal from blackening. So, let's figure out why silver turns green on the human body, why a favorite piece of jewelry can turn black or oxidize - both from a scientific and a layman's point of view.
Folk signs
Since ancient times, people have associated the blackening of metal with the influence of evil forces. It was believed that Argentum took away negative energy, protecting the owner. Thus, a darkened cross was associated with damage or a curse. A blackened ring on a lady’s finger meant problems in matters of the heart, and sometimes the crown of celibacy.
For a man, a ring that changed color was associated with a love spell. A silver chain and earrings that had lost their shine indicated a meeting with an energy vampire or the evil eye. And darkened cutlery meant the presence of evil spirits or lining.
In ancient legends, this metal was used against evil spirits. And today people believe that it protects against negativity and envious people. And babies, after cutting their first tooth, are given silver spoons according to tradition.
Signs about darkened silver
In folk legends, silver has a special place - it protects against evil spirits, protects against the evil eye and plays a large role in magical rituals. Blackening of silver signs are explained in different ways. Everything is important here - the part of the body on which the jewelry was worn, the gender and age of the owner, and even the type of item.
So, if a silver chain with a pectoral cross turns black on your neck, signs will say that you have been damaged, or have been very strongly jinxed. If the silver chain on a child’s neck becomes dark, you should go to the priest as soon as possible and once again consecrate both the cross and the chain in order to protect the child from evil spirits.
A chain with a pectoral cross turned black on the neck
If silver turns black on a man’s body, it means that someone’s evil intent condemns him to the life of a bachelor. It’s the same with a young girl - if her silver jewelry suddenly turns black, it means she’s wearing the crown of celibacy.
Not only jewelry, but also household products can turn black. So, if the silverware turns black, then according to signs, evil spirits have appeared in the house. To get rid of uninvited neighbors, sprinkle the house with holy water and read a prayer.
Health
Excessive exercise leads to increased sweating, which affects the color of jewelry. The released hydrogen sulfide, entering into a chemical reaction with silver, leads to gradual oxidation. The cloudiness of the metal also causes a change in the acidity of the skin.
The nitric acid contained in sweat can lighten the product. It reacts with sulfide crystals, destroys it and changes the color of the metal to a light shade.
Disorders in the endocrine system and hormonal disruptions lead to increased sweat. A sharp darkening of the metal may indicate diseases of the liver, kidneys and gall bladder. The chain on a woman's neck may change color during pregnancy due to hormonal changes.
As a result of the disease, sweat becomes acidic and caustic. The fact that the disease affects the color of the jewelry has not yet been confirmed by science, but it is better to turn to medicine if the silver rapidly darkens after cleaning.
Why does silver darken on the body?
Internal factors of silver blackening are associated with human health and activity. So, when playing sports, both men and women produce a large amount of sweat, which, when in contact with metal, leads to the formation of a dark coating.
And some internal health problems can also affect the appearance of a dark coating on the noble metal. Especially, you should pay attention to your health if the silver chain darkens very quickly. This is due to the fact that in some diseases sweating increases and the composition of sweat changes, which causes the metal to oxidize faster when it comes into contact with the skin and, accordingly, develop an unpleasant yellowish-gray coating.
Sample and impurities
Pure argentum is a very soft metal; impurities, most often copper, are added to it for strength and shine. In addition, there are compounds with gold and platinum, which rarely darken. If you go too far with the proportions, the alloy will not be of the best quality and, accordingly, will quickly darken. Products with a lower purity are subject to changes first. Although copper is less susceptible to oxidation, when it interacts with sulfur, a layer of silver sulfide is formed, which gives it a black tint.
Jewelry may darken even when not worn. This can happen due to a lack of air elements. Silver also turns black due to humidity, climate change and the amount of water a person drinks. The ions in the metal have antibacterial properties. Protecting against viruses in the air, these elements change the color of silver.
Why does silver on the body turn black: the main reasons
There are several very real reasons why silver on your body can turn black. This can be either the impact of external or internal factors.
The unpleasant grayish-black tint on silver jewelry occurs due to high environmental humidity. Therefore, it is not recommended to wear silver in the sauna or swimming pool. Air can also cause blackening on silver earrings, rings or chains. This is especially true for megacities. In large cities, the air is more polluted by exhaust gases, industrial emissions, etc. Over the years, all this leads to metal corrosion and the formation of patina.
We looked at the external reasons why silver on the human body turns black, but there are also internal ones.
Other reasons
Cosmetics, shampoos, soaps, and household chemicals accelerate the process of darkening of argentum. Some of them contain sulfur and other oxidizing agents that affect the color of the metal. You should not wear jewelry in the bathhouse, during physical activity or water procedures.
Stressful situations increase sweating, which is considered the main cause of discoloration. It happens that the chain darkens, but the bracelet remains light. This is due to different amounts of sweat produced.
Taking medications causes changes in blood composition, which is one possibility of darkening. Therefore, during illness, it is recommended to remove jewelry. With constant contact with clothing, argentum also turns black.
Reasons why a silver chain turns black
A silver chain is a popular accessory that is constantly in contact with the skin when worn. That’s why silver chains become covered with a black coating faster than other jewelry.
We have looked at the general reasons why silver turns black when worn. Now I would like to dwell in more detail on why a silver chain on a person’s skin turns black so quickly.
Low quality decoration
The quality of decoration is perhaps one of the most important factors in this matter. Silver jewelry is never made from pure metal, only from alloys. Since it is physically impossible to make jewelry from silver alone, it is very malleable. To give shape and hardness, various metals, most often copper, are added to silver.
So, if there is too much copper in the composition of silver, then such a product will turn black very quickly, and it will hardly be possible to return the original shine. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the sample of jewelry, and choose chains, earrings or rings only of the best samples - 925 or 960.
Such jewelry does not darken longer, and if a black coating appears, it can be removed with home remedies.
Change in health status
Silver turns black on the body not only for external reasons, as we have already said, but also for internal ones. There is a theory that health problems can affect the color of silver, making it darker. So, if the chain suddenly becomes covered with patina, this may be evidence of some internal diseases:
- Hormonal imbalances. First of all, hormonal imbalance affects the intensity of sweating, which, in turn, leads to rapid blackening of the chain. If you notice this, check your endocrine system. But we would like to remind you that hormonal levels also change during pregnancy. Therefore, a dark coating on a chain can become a signal to a woman about her “new position.”
- Disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys, liver, gall bladder. If there are any “inaccuracies” in the work of these organs, this affects the entire body. If there are malfunctions in the functioning of the internal organs, the chain can suddenly darken; literally it was shining in the morning, and by the evening it was already covered with blackness. If you notice this, there is only one piece of advice - take care of your health.
Environmental influence
Constantly wearing silver on the street, in the gym, or at home will affect its appearance. So, if you are going to the pool or lake, it is better to leave silver jewelry at home. As a last resort, remove before swimming. High temperatures, a humid environment, and even chlorine and other substances in pools will negatively affect the metallic luster of silver.
Air pollution also affects how quickly silver blackens. The dirtier the environment, the faster the oxidation process will occur, and vice versa.
Unfortunately, this is a natural process, and we cannot prevent it in any way. But if you properly care for your silver, clean it on time and store it properly, you can maintain its radiant appearance for many years.
How to prevent darkening
- Boiling in hydrochloric or sulfuric acid will reduce the copper content in the surface layer. As a result, the product receives a matte finish.
- Cutlery, like jewelry, can be coated with pure argentum (electroplating). A product made of 100% silver, although it does not turn yellow, is very fragile and breaks quickly.
- For antiques, varnishing is suitable, which protects it from external factors. If you cover jewelry or cutlery in this way, you should not use them.
- A thin layer of wax will help protect against exposure to air. This method is called passivation and is used primarily for storage.
- It is better to keep jewelry in a closed box, on a piece of cotton or linen. After removing the product, it must be washed with soap and warm water and rubbed dry. It is recommended to periodically wipe the silver with a soft cloth.
- Today, most jewelry items in jewelry stores are plated with rhodium. It protects the surface and makes the products wear-resistant. However, during soldering, the sputtering takes on a bluish-black tint. To return to its original appearance, you will need to remove the layer and, if desired, cover it with a new one.
Ways to clean a silver chain when it has turned black
There are many reasons why silver on the human body turns black. And, unfortunately, no one can avoid darkening of the metal. But you can prevent too severe tarnishing simply by regularly cleaning your silver with available products.
Pomade
Lipstick is a gentle remedy for removing yellowish, recently appeared plaque. Coat the product with lipstick and scrub thoroughly with a sponge or soft brush. And then wash off the remaining lipstick. The result is a clean, shiny piece of jewelry.
Toothpaste
The classic way to clean silver. Effectively cleans tarnished silver, gives it shine and does not require much effort. The procedure is the same as with lipstick: rub, rinse, dry.
Egg yolk
Not the most standard method for cleaning tarnished silver, but it works. It was used even before the advent of lipsticks and toothpastes.
So:
- Separate the yolk from the white;
- Soak a cotton pad or napkin in egg yolk;
- Apply a thick layer to the decoration and leave until completely dry;
- Then rinse under high pressure water and polish until shiny.
Soda
Let's start right away with a warning: do not use dry soda! Baking soda is an abrasive agent, and in the form of a dry powder it can damage the entire surface of silver jewelry. Therefore, for cleaning we use only either in the form of a slurry (soda + water), or dissolve it in water in advance.
- Dissolve baking soda in hot water (50 g / 1 l) and dip the silver in it, after wrapping it in foil. Leave for 10 minutes. Then rinse and dry.
- Prepare a paste (soda + water). Spread the resulting mixture onto the product and massage gently. Rinse everything off with water and wipe with a napkin.
Ammonia
A good way to get rid of blackness and restore the long-awaited shine to jewelry.
Pour water into a small container and add a little ammonia. Soak silverware and jewelry in the solution for 10-20 minutes. And then rinse and dry.
How to clean
Sulfide and copper crystals do not react with acid at room temperature. In this case, vinegar or lemon do not give the desired effect without heating. But the alloy reacts to alkaline agents. There are two options - at home or in a jewelry workshop.
Jewelry with precious and semi-precious stones reacts differently to alkali, so not all cleaning methods will work.
Handy methods:
- Tooth powder or toothpaste containing a fine abrasive will work great. A small amount applied to a rag should be used to wipe the product. Then, rinse in cold water. Do not overdo it to avoid micro-scratches.
- You can use a combination of hydrogen peroxide and alcohol in a 1:1 ratio. It is necessary to immerse the metal in this mixture for 30 minutes, and then rub it until it shines.
- Ordinary ash removes various contaminants. The ashes are mixed with soapy water and ammonia, leaving the decoration in the solution for half an hour.
- Baking soda and salt will do, but be careful to avoid cracks. A small amount of loose powder should be used to lightly wipe the surface. To thoroughly clean wicker or hard-to-reach areas, an old soft toothbrush will come in handy.
- Coca-Cola can also cope with pollution. The silver is placed in a glass of drink overnight and wiped dry in the morning.
- The boiling method will help restore the product to its lost appearance. To do this, the decoration is wrapped in foil and dipped in a container of water. You need to boil for at least five minutes. An added spoon of baking soda will improve the cleaning process.
- You can purchase special cleaning products in jewelry stores. The more common “Aladdin” and “Flyurin” are available in the form of a cream.
Jewelry plated with rhodium and precious stones should be cleaned carefully. Yellowed argentum should be washed with water at room temperature and then wiped with a soft cloth. It is recommended to first place heavily darkened items with stones in a solution of soapy water (household soap will do) for 30-40 minutes.
After yellowness appears on silver, the metal begins to turn black. Therefore, it is important to clean the jewelry immediately so as not to subject it to harsh cleaning methods later. In order for the jewelry to retain its shine for as long as possible after bleaching, it is recommended not to wear it for two days to form a layer of oxide-protective coating.
How to care for silver
To prevent silver from turning black, jewelers coat the product with rhodium. This material protects silver, which is susceptible to sulfur compounds, and helps it remain shiny.
Caring for silver jewelry
In addition, in order to protect the precious metal from patina, you should properly care for your silver jewelry - clean and polish it regularly, remove it when taking a shower or washing dishes, and do not play sports while wearing your jewelry.
Silver should be stored in a special box or case with soft upholstery. It is best to fold jewelry so that they do not touch each other - this way you will avoid scratches and chips.
Text author: Alexandra Tsiklauri
Characteristics of blackened silver
Blackening is done using a special technology. Creation methods have been known since ancient times. Blackening gave the metal strength and decorated it with patterns of incredible beauty.
It is made by coating the metal on top with niello, consisting of alloys of lead, copper and silver sulfur oxides. The blackening solution is applied to clean metal. It is heated at high temperature to melt the niello.
Snuff boxes, dishes, and cutlery are made from blackened silver. The products depict cities and ancient hunting. And today you can find amazing masterpieces.
These works are highly valued. Blackened silver is as popular today as it was in ancient times. It adds extraordinary beauty and sophistication to any product. Jewelry made from it is durable and strong. They do not need to be cleaned often, and the jewelry retains its original appearance for years.
Use of silver in the jewelry industry
The advantage of silver is its ease of processing. It is distinguished by plasticity and softness. Thanks to this, it becomes possible to produce a variety of products and create coatings. Features of the use of precious metal:
- a wide range of silver jewelry: they create rings, bracelets, earrings, chains, church and decorative crosses, the variety of jewelry models is due to the fact that this metal is easy to work with, you can give it a variety of shapes to improve the properties of pure Ag, alloys are added to the composition - additives, increasing hardness, thereby increasing the service life of jewelry;
- impurities and samples: silver is part of many alloys; it is used for various purposes, for example, to change the properties of platinum group metals, gold, to modify the composition to obtain a material of a lighter shade;
- popular standard: jewelry of several groups is most often produced (875, 925 and 960 samples), this means that 1000 g of the alloy contains a significant proportion of Ag (87.5%, 92.5% or 96%), the rest of the volume is the alloy, The fewer additives, the higher the value of jewelry; among the existing ones, 925 sterling items are especially in demand.
Silver popular standard 925
Wedding rings are most often made from the popular standard metal (925), it is distinguished by moderate hardness, but with frequent wear it is necessary to periodically restore the product, since the surface is damaged (an alloy with a low content of ligatures), it is necessary to ensure regular care of the jewelry.
