Why does the chain and cross made of silver on the body blacken?

Those who regularly wear silver jewelry sooner or later face the fact that jewelry begins to darken. So why did the silver chain, for example, or earrings turn black? And how to deal with it?

Reasons Silver Is Darkening

• Mystic.

Some mistakenly associate the color change of silver jewelry with the manifestation of specific diseases. People with a tendency to mysticism even suggest that this signals an evil eye or damage to a person. And if the decoration darkened, it means that it took a hit on itself.

In general, silver has long been given an occult significance - protection from all kinds of unclean spirits and creatures. Suffice it to recall the silver bullets against werewolves. The material was used to create charms for home and people - crosses on the neck, anchors for traveling by sea, a month to prevent nightmares and sleep problems, bells to clean the premises of evil forces, etc.

Although the similar effects of silver have not been proven by science, this metal does play a role in maintaining health. Silver preparations have antibacterial and wound healing effects. The latter is easy to verify if, with a small wound, glue it with a band-aid with silver ions. Intravenous preparations containing this metal are used for joint diseases, inflammation of the respiratory system. For some digestive problems, medications with silver as one of the components are taken orally.

But in this case, it is important that all the mystical theories about the darkening of silver are actually just a figment of fantasy. The reasons for black plaque on metal are completely different.

• Sweating.

Silver is a metal that, like other substances, is subject to chemical reactions. And the skin of a person on the neck and in other places where jewelry is worn regularly releases sweat in greater or lesser amounts, which also contain sulfur-containing chemicals. And when sulfur and silver are combined, silver sulfide is formed, which has a dark gray or black color. The sulfide layer is initially invisible, then it thickens and thickens, turning into a plaque visible to the naked eye.

Sweating is a natural process in the human body. But if at some point the jewelry darkens especially actively throughout the body or in a certain area, this can be not only the result of increased physical exertion or heat in the street, but also one of the symptoms of health problems that should not be ignored.

Tip

To sweat less jewelry later, don’t wear them in conditions of very high humidity - for example, when going to the beach, sauna or bath. Moreover, under such conditions, your favorite jewelry is very easy to break or lose.

• Impurities.

In itself, silver - the metal is very soft, therefore, in order for the products from it to remain in shape during operation, pure silver is not used. Although an alloy is used, where about 5-8% are other metals that give the jewelry strength, even a fairly massive silver product can be bent or broken by the hand. Among the metals for the alloy may be copper, and its property is to oxidize upon contact with air.

Sometimes a jewelry pleases with its brilliance for a very long time, and then suddenly starts to turn black. This can happen if it was covered with a protective rhodium-plated film, which collapsed over time.But when the purchased chain darkens very much and too quickly after purchase, we can conclude about its low quality, low silver content and a large amount of impurities.

• Other reasons.

Of the places where jewelry is worn, the largest number of sebaceous glands is in the neck and chest. That is why it is most chains and crosses that darken most often. The composition of skin secretions can change with hormonal disruptions or rearrangements (for example, during pregnancy). In such cases, jewelry sometimes darkens in just a few days. The color of silver is also affected by changes in the acid-base balance of the skin.

An unexpectedly strong brightening of silver jewelry can indicate problems with the kidneys or liver, because in this case, nitrogen is released later, which gives the silver a shine.

In general, you should not give the color change in the silver jewelry too large, and even more so some magical significance, but this can still be an occasion to take a closer look at the general physical condition and health.

If the jewelry was not worn, but lay in a bedside table or casket, then the reason that it is getting dark may be damp or contact with sulfur-containing objects or substances. Of course, silver can change color when in contact with various chemicals and certain foods.

How and with what to clean?

For exquisite jewelry with a large number of stones and delicate fragile elements, you should not do the cleaning yourself, it is better to entrust it to a jeweler who has professional means and tools.

Tip

To make the jewelry blacker less, it can be coated with a protective varnish. If the product has been cleaned, it is recommended not to wear it for at least a day. During this time, a protective oxide film will form on its surface from contact with air.

Cleaning products

Jewelry stores always have a range of products for cleaning precious metals, including silver. And what exactly should be cleaned only by professional means or by contacting a jeweler is blackened silver. From aggressive preparations or abrasive powders, the coating can peel unevenly, spoiling the entire appearance of the decoration. Only mild cleaning methods are recommended for brushed silver.

But it is not necessary to spend money on expensive liquid in all other cases, it will be replaced by no less effective and much simpler home remedies.

Folk recipes

1. Since Soviet times, toothpowder has been used to clean silver. It is poured onto a wet brush or rag and the product is rubbed thoroughly. Any toothpaste is no less effective. And due to its loose structure, it will be much more convenient to clean.
2. To remove dark plaque, the product can be dipped in liquid ammonia for a while, then rubbed with a cloth or sponge and rinsed with water. For the best effect, the liquid can be preheated and, having lowered the product, a little chat. Instead of ammonia, citric acid, carefully dissolved in water, is also used. But this option is not recommended if the product is decorated with stones. Most of them, especially pearls, amber and coral, are very sensitive to potent chemicals. Instead of ammonia, you can dissolve several teaspoons of soda or salt in water.
3. If desired, for a stronger effect, salt, soda and ammonia can be used all at once together, thoroughly mixing them. However, this composition will turn out quite aggressive.
4. You can clean silver by finely chopping or rubbing a little toilet soap or laundry soap on the water and adding a few drops of ammonia. The mixture must be heated to a high temperature, but do not bring it to a boil. Soak a brush or a hard brush in the liquid and gently rub the jewelry. And in areas near the stones it is better to use a cotton swab so as not to damage or break them.
5. Conventional soap or dishwashing detergent will help with a small layer of blackness, but it will not give shine to the product.
6. Known since ancient times, the method of cleaning silver jewelry is ash. For greater effect, you can mix it with soapy water and add a little ammonia.
7. An interesting folk remedy is ordinary potatoes. It should be finely rubbed or cut, and in the resulting slurry leave the jewelry for 15-20 minutes, then rub it to a shine with a soft cloth. The main thing is then to carefully rinse the decoration in water. If this is not done, then upon drying, the starch forms a whitish coating on the surface, especially in the recesses and in contact with the stones.

In general, the dark coating on the jewelry is not a reason to be upset that it has lost its attractive appearance and stop wearing it. It is not difficult to restore purity to your favorite jewelry thanks to the abundance of a variety of cleaning products.