In the world of silver jewelry, tarnishing is a common yet troubling issue. Why do silver accessories inevitably turn black? This is not just a matter of external aesthetics, but also a matter of caring for precious ornaments. However, keeping silver jewelry always shiny is not impossible. In this article, we will share 5 highly effective techniques to maintain the sparkling beauty of your silver jewelry forever.
I. Choosing Cleaning Methods
Scope of application: Silver jewelry with severe blackening and oxidation, presenting a thick black oxide layer on the surface.
Advantages: ① Easy to clean, effectively removes dirt on silver jewelry, and can clean multiple silver jewelry at once. ② The required materials are usually easy to obtain and the cost is relatively low. Disadvantages: Only applicable to pure silver jewelry, not applicable to silver jewelry with special processes such as enamel and antiquing. Click to view the operation video? Restoration effect index Why does silver jewelry turn black? How should it be maintained? 1. Air Silver will oxidize when exposed to air for a long time, forming silver oxide on the surface, presenting brown or grayish-black. Reduce the contact of silver jewelry with air, which can be achieved by using special storage containers, such as storage bags or boxes. You can put a small packet of desiccant in the storage bag or box. 2. Sweat and oil The sweat and oil on human skin contain components such as chlorine and sulfur. These components react chemically with silver, causing the surface to turn black. This reaction is usually normal and a natural result of the contact between silver jewelry and the body. It doesn’t mean there is a problem with the body. After daily use of silver jewelry, use a silver polishing cloth or cotton cloth to remove impurities on the surface of the silver jewelry and then store it dry. 3. Cosmetics and detergents Cosmetics, shampoos, shower gels and other chemicals contain elements such as sulfur, chlorine and phosphorus, which react chemically with silver and make silver jewelry turn black. Try to avoid contact with cosmetics and detergents during the use of silver jewelry. 4. Other environmental factors Such as humidity, pollutants, chemicals, ultraviolet rays and chlorine in the air. These external factors cause silver jewelry to react with chemicals in the air, forming silver oxide, making it turn black and lose its luster. So don’t wear silver jewelry when swimming or soaking in hot springs, especially not in the sea. Choose pure silver materials High-purity silver – 999 silver contains almost no other metals, has good anti-oxidation performance, and the blackening speed is relatively slow. Go and browse Low-purity silver – 925 silver contains 7.5% of other metals, usually copper, with general anti-oxidation performance and is relatively easy to oxidize. Go and browse Related questions 1. Can I wear a necklace to take a shower? To protect silver jewelry, it is best to remove them when taking a shower, swimming or coming into contact with chemicals. In addition, silver jewelry should be regularly cleaned and maintained to extend its lifespan and keep its beauty. 2. Do I need to take off my ring when washing my hands? Whether you need to take off your ring when washing your hands depends on the material of the ring, the gemstone and personal habits. If you are worried about damage to the ring, it is best to take it off when washing your hands, or choose a more water-resistant ring material. 3. Can I still wear blackened earrings? Blackened earrings can still be worn. Generally, blackened earrings can be continued to be worn.If you are sensitive or uncomfortable with oxidized silver, it is best to avoid using them.
Is it poisonous when silver jewelry turns black? Silver jewelry turning black is non-toxic. The blackening of silver jewelry is usually due to the reaction between silver and sulfur compounds in the air, forming silver sulfide (silver’s sulfide), which is a natural phenomenon and does not cause harm to the human body. Can pure silver rust? Pure silver does not rust. Pure silver may form silver sulfide due to its reaction with hydrogen sulfide gases in the air, causing the surface to appear black or gray, which is not rusting. [Author’s Brief]