Why is the silver on the neck darkening - a chain and a cross, as well as other decorations

Those who regularly wear ornaments from silver, sooner or later come across the fact that jewelry begins to darken. So why the silver chain, for example, or the earring, has blackened, and how to deal with it?

Reasons for the darkening of the silver

• Mysticism.

Some mistakenly attribute the discoloration of silver products to the manifestation of specific diseases. Those who have a propensity for mysticism, and do assume that this signals a maleficent or corruption on a man. And if the decoration darkened, it means that it took a blow at itself.

In general, silver has long been given an occult meaning - protection from all kinds of impure spirits and creatures. Suffice it to recall silver bullets against werewolves. The material was used to create amulets for the house and people - crosses on the neck, anchors for travelers on the sea, a month to prevent nightmares and problems with sleep, bells to clean rooms from evil forces, etc.

Although this action of silver is not proven by science,this metal does play a role in maintaining health. Preparations from silver have antibacterial and wound-healing effect. The latter is easy to check if, with a small wound, glue it with an adhesive plaster with silver ions. Intravenously containing this metal drugs are used for joint diseases, inflammation of the respiratory system. With some problems with digestion, medicines with silver as one of the components are taken orally.

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

• Sweating.

Silver is a metal that, like other substances, is susceptible to chemical reactions. And the human skin on the neck and in other places where jewelry is worn, regularly releases more or less sweat, in which sulfur-containing chemicals are present. And when sulfur and silver are combined, a silver sulphide is formed, which is dark gray or black. The sulphide layer is initially invisible, then it thickens and thickens, turning into a visible raid visible to the naked eye.

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

Council

To then clean the jewelry less, do not wear them in very high humidity conditions - for example, when going to the beach, sauna or bath. Moreover, in such conditions, your favorite jewelry is very easy to break or lose.

• Impurities.

Silver itself is a very soft metal, therefore, to keep its products in use during operation, pure silver is not used. Although an alloy is used, where about 5-8% are other metals that impart strength to the decoration, even a fairly massive silver product can be bent or broken by hand. Among the metals for the alloy may be copper, and its property - oxidized by contact with air.

Sometimes the decoration for a long time pleases with its brilliance, and then suddenly begins to blacken. This can happen if it was covered with a protective rhodium film, which eventually collapsed. But when the purchased chain darkens very much and too quickly after purchase, it can be concluded that its low quality, low silver content and a large number of impurities.

• Other reasons.

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

Unexpectedly strong brightening of silver jewelry can talk about problems with the kidneys or liver, since in this case nitrogen is then released, giving silver shine.

In general, you should not attach a change in color to the silver jewelry is too big, and even more so some magical value, but it can still be an occasion to look more closely at the overall physical condition and health.

If the decoration was not worn, but lay in the bedside table or casket, then the reason for it to darken may be dampness or contact with sulfur-containing objects or substances. Of course, silver can change color and when in contact with various chemicals and some food.

How and what to clean?

For a refined decoration with a large number of stones and delicate fragile elements, it is not worth cleaning yourself, it is better to entrust it to a jeweler who has professional tools and tools.

Tip

To make the decoration less black, it can be covered 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 on its surface from contact with air will have time to form a protective oxide film.

Tools for cleaning

Jewelry stores always have in the range of products for cleaning precious metals, including silver. And what exactly is to be cleaned only by professional means or by contacting a jeweler, it's blackened silver. From aggressive preparations or abrasive powders the coating can unevenly crawl, spoiling the whole appearance of the decoration. Use only soft methods of cleaning is recommended for matt silver.

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

Popular recipes

1. Since the Soviet times, tooth powder has been used to purify silver. It is poured on a wet brush or rag and thoroughly rubbed the product. No less effective and any toothpaste. And due to its uncomplete structure, it will be much easier to clean.
2. For removal of a dark plaque, the product can be lowered into ammonia for a while, then rubbed with a cloth or sponge and rinsed with water. For better effect, the liquid can be preheated and, after lowering the product, a little chat it. Instead of ammonia, citric acid, which has been thoroughly 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. Even in place of ammonia, you can dissolve a few teaspoons of soda or salt in the water.
3. If desired, for a stronger effect, salt, soda and ammonia can be used together all at once, thoroughly mixing them. However, this composition will be quite aggressive.
4. You can clean silver by cutting or grinding a bit of toilet or laundry soap and adding a few drops of ammonia. The mixture must be heated to a high temperature, but do not bring it to a boil. Wet the brush or hard brush in the liquid and gently rub the ornaments. And on the sites near the stones it is better to use a cotton swab so as not to damage and not break them.
5. A normal soap or dish soap will help from a small layer of black, but the product will not shine.
6. A well-known way of cleaning silver jewelry from time immemorial is ash. For greater effect, it can be mixed with soapy water and add a little ammonia.
7. An interesting folk remedy is the usual potato. It should be finely grated or cut, and in the resulting gruel leave the decoration for 15-20 minutes, then rub it to shine with a soft cloth. The main thing - then carefully rinse the jewelry in the water. If this is not done, then upon drying, the starch forms a whitish coating on the surface, especially in the notches and on contact with the stones.

In general, a dark plaque on the decoration is not a reason to get upset, that it has lost its attractive appearance, and stop wearing it. Returning your precious jewelry is easy due to the abundance of various cleaning products.