Why does silver turn black on the human body: reasons for the darkening of silver products

Silver jewelry remains in demand regardless of the season and fashion trends. This metal is great for both everyday wear and evening outings. That's why they love him. But silver has one drawback - over time, jewelry turns yellow and darkens.

There are several different explanations for why silver develops a dark patina. Superstitious people believe that black spots on silver are a manifestation of damage or the evil eye. Some rely on medical knowledge and explain this by the consequences of human internal diseases. Others believe that the answer lies in a chemical reaction that occurs when silver comes into contact with the skin.

Which explanation to follow is up to everyone to choose for themselves. We decided to understand in more detail why silver darkens on the human body, and to consider in more detail the popular reasons for the appearance of patina on silver objects.

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.

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 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.

Silver oxidation

It is not for nothing that the strongest amulets for health and active talismans for good luck in business are made from silver, because unlike gold, silver does not take away, but absorbs a person’s energy.

Oxidation of silver is the first “bell” that not all is well with a person’s physical and mental health. If someone from the outside unexpectedly asks you a question why a silver chain, cross or bracelet has turned black, then you need to quickly check your health: first of all, the liver, kidneys, as well as hormonal balance and metabolism.

In all magical practices, it is silver objects that are a mandatory attribute of powerful rituals on the Full Moon and New Moon, since they are able to “remember” a spell or conspiracy cast over them.

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.

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.

Signs about darkened silver

Since ancient times, silver has been considered a magical metal. It has always been credited with miraculous and healing properties, endowed with magic and believed that silver can predict and treat diseases, relieve evil spirits and other misfortunes. And, of course, if the silver changed its color, it was immediately given its own explanation, which depended on everything - the gender of the person, where the jewelry was worn and what kind of jewelry it was.

On the limbs

In ancient times, rings were not just symbolic, but were amulets. They were given great importance. So, for example, if a girl’s silver ring turns black, it means she has troubles in matters of the heart or even the crown of celibacy. If a man’s ring turned black, it meant that he was under the power of a love spell, or someone wanted him to be a bachelor forever.

On the neck

A blackened silver chain around the neck foreshadowed the evil eye or damage for its owner. If a silver chain with a cross on it has darkened around the child’s neck, this is a sign of evil spirits. It is urgent to go to church and consecrate the chain in order to protect the child from evil forces.

On the chest

Silver, as the ancients believed, could “absorb” everything bad, thereby protecting its owner. Therefore, if a silver cross darkened on the chest, it was believed that the evil eye or damage was cast on its owner. In such cases, they also went to church to bless the cross and pray.

In addition, people used to believe that if silver or cutlery turned black in the house, it meant that there were unclean spirits that needed to be driven out. To do this, you need to go to church and sprinkle the rooms with holy water.

Nowadays, few people believe in these signs, preferring to deal with tarnished silver objects on their own using practical methods.

What do the signs say?

Previously, it was believed that silver protects against dark forces and the evil eye. It was applied to the wound to provide an antibacterial effect. It was assumed that the products had energetic properties.

Accordingly, if the metal darkens, they look for hidden reasons:

1. Wearing jewelry on the chest. If pendants or chains change color, this is a sign of decreased energy. Blackening of a cross or a body icon is considered more dangerous. This means a strong energetic impact on a person.
2. On the neck. Shorter chains can leave dark marks above the solar plexus and décolleté. In this case, an energetic impact is also assumed, but of lesser force.
3. On fingers. Wearing silver jewelry without negative consequences symbolizes good luck in your personal life. If the metal darkens, it means that the girl has been crowned with celibacy, and the guy will have a bachelor life.
4. On the wrist. The protection power of only the bracelets worn on the hands is assessed. By comparison, jewelry has long been worn on ankles to demonstrate wealth. If the bracelet on the wrist darkens or changes color, this means that magical power has taken place. But such decoration is a talisman. Accordingly, when silver turns black, it symbolizes a successfully repelled attack by a black magician.

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

Sooner or later, a dark coating will appear on silver; this cannot be avoided. But in order for silver to please you longer with its shine and silvery color, you need to properly care for it.

• Clean. Regularly. By soft means. Use the methods listed above to cleanse blackheads and clean at least once a month.
• Do not wear silver jewelry if you go to the sauna, pool or go to the sea.
• Store silver separately from other jewelry and metals, and away from food, household chemicals and cosmetics.
• Use a separate box or casket with soft upholstery to store silver items. Place them so that the decorations do not touch each other as much as possible. This will protect them from accidental scratches or even chips.

Where to buy silver products in Moscow

You can find a wide range of silver products in different price categories in the jewelry stores of the Golden Gross shopping center, the number of which currently exceeds a hundred. Among the jewelry presented in their showcases you will find rings and earrings with and without inserts, necklaces, bracelets, chains, pendants and much more. We approach the selection of each partner with special care and therefore we give our own guarantee for each product that you buy in the showrooms of the jewelry center.

You can try on any accessories that you spot in the YuC stores right on the spot. This way you can immediately understand how suitable this or that model is for you. If necessary, contact the salon managers for help. These are polite and responsive employees who will answer your questions, advise and select products taking into account your requests. In addition, sales and promotions are regularly held in the jewelry stores of our shopping center, during which discounts can reach 40-50%.

Simple rules for maintaining shine

But you shouldn’t immediately get rid of jewelry that has lost its elegant appearance. It can be easily cleaned of plaque using special means even at home. Only complex jewelry containing gemstones, enamel or large impurities in the sample requires professional cleaning.

Despite the fact that blackening and tarnishing of the metal cannot be avoided, there are simple ways to preserve the original shine of silver longer.

1. Before water procedures (swimming in a pond, taking a bath or shower, washing dishes), silver jewelry must be removed. Cosmetics and perfume should be used without contact with silver: first use creams and perfumes, then put on jewelry and never vice versa.
2. From time to time, silver jewelry should be cleaned with special means - liquids with special additives (polishing foam), into which the silver jewelry is immersed. Or use special cleaning and polishing wipes.
3. Storage. The ideal place to store silver items is a closed box or drawer, without access to air.

Often, owners leave their jewelry anywhere, not caring about the presence of harmful hydrogen sulfide particles.

By storing it carefully, putting the product in a dark place protected from moisture and air, you can be sure that the silver will not tarnish too quickly and will delight the eye with its silver shine for quite a long time.