Lovers of silver jewelry quite often encounter the problem of darkening of products made from this metal. Moreover, some products can turn black in two to three months, while others do not lose their original shine for several years.
So why does it turn black silver chain on your neck? What are the reasons? The answer is quite simple: to make jewelry from this metal, it is not silver in its pure form that is taken, but an alloy that includes silver and copper.
Sulfur, in fairly significant quantities, which is part of human sweat, leads to the oxidation of copper. This is what is associated with the process of tarnishing and blackening of silver.
There are several reasons that answer the question why the silver chain on the neck turned black. One, as noted above, is associated with copper, which is part of the alloy of silver jewelry.
In addition, the higher the quality of the metal from which the product is made, the later it will begin to lose its luster and darken. Darkening on the chain occurs to a greater extent in those places where the metal comes into contact with human skin.
Another effect on silver on the neck is caused by excessively rough clothing, hydrogen sulfide in large quantities in the air and high humidity.
That is why it is necessary to ventilate the rooms in which silver is stored as often as possible, since stale air leads to the formation of hydrogen sulfide in it, which directly affects the oxidation processes of the metal.
People living in areas where there is a large concentration of various industrial facilities - heavy industry enterprises - should not wear silver items to work, since gases in the air and various harmful fumes from production can lead to darkening of the silver.
It is important for motorists to avoid contact of silver products with fuel oil and diesel fuel. In addition, when there is a large concentration of cars, particularly in densely populated cities and areas, they emit a lot of gases into the air resulting from the combustion of fuel, which contains sulfur, which oxidizes silver.
When asked why, medical workers answer with their point of view, namely the possibility that a person may have certain diseases. In particular, disruptions in the endocrine system, liver and kidney problems.
The functioning of the thyroid gland is directly related to the hormonal processes occurring in the body.
This especially applies to pregnant women. Changes in hormonal levels during pregnancy lead to the fact that almost all expectant mothers notice darkening of the silver on their necks.
A sudden darkening of a silver chain may be a consequence of the gradual destruction of the rhodium film if the product was covered with it. In the case when the product turns black very quickly, we can talk about low quality silver used for its manufacture.
Superstitious people associate blackened metal with damage to a person. Witches and healers were convinced that silver took the entire blow, thereby protecting its owner. Therefore, as soon as a person noticed the darkening of silver, he had to turn to magicians to remove the damage.
Today we can say with 100% certainty that the mystical darkening of silver is just a figment of fantasy and great imagination.
Important! The higher and better the quality of the metal, the greater its anti-corrosion properties. For example, metal will not turn black under any circumstances. While 875 silver loses its shine under the slightest unfavorable conditions.
Prevention of darkening
In order to avoid having to persistently search for an answer to the question: “Why does silver darken?”, it is important to observe some recommendations:
- Put the chain on a clean body without applying it to it. cosmetics . They can provoke and activate the occurrence of oxidation processes. We are talking not only about foundation correctors, but also regular moisturizing creams or products intended for everyday skin care.
- The same applies to various medicinal powders, ointments, creams, lotions, etc..
- Remove jewelry during sports training, heavy loads, in extreme heat, since in such conditions sweating increases.
- Avoid contact with water chains(take pictures when swimming in the shower, pool, sea or river).
- Preferably don't wear a silver chain in places located near heavy industrial facilities.
- Protect metal from contact with fuel oil, gasoline, diesel fuel.
Darkening of a silver chain should not be a reason to get rid of the jewelry. Exists .
Silver jewelry is a great way to gracefully and elegantly complement any outfit, be it 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 leather. 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 a person's body, why a favorite piece of jewelry can turn black or oxidize - both from a scientific and a layman's point of view.
Why does silver on the body turn black: the main reasons
As a rule, silver turns black from sweat. But in order to understand why patina appears on silver, you will have to delve a little deeper into chemistry.
Blackened silver rings Silver in pure form– the metal is soft, malleable and practically unsuitable for making jewelry. Therefore, in the process of creating a new product, silver is mixed with harder metals - for example, copper. And copper reacts strongly with sulfur, which is contained in human sweat, and over time becomes covered with a patina.
If you see that someone's silver rings on their fingers have turned black, or the pendant on their neck has darkened, it is most likely due to the fact that the person often sweats and wears the jewelry without taking it off.
Why does silver turn yellow on the body?
If your favorite silver chain suddenly turns yellow, the sulfur is to blame. However, do not rush to get upset - yes, your jewelry has faded, but you were able to notice it in time!
Silver becomes black only as a result of long-term exposure to sulfur - at the very beginning of the reaction it turns yellow. Therefore, if the silver has turned yellow, hurry up and clean it to avoid unpleasant consequences.
Signs about darkened silver
In folk legends, silver has a special place - it protects from evil spirits, protects against 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 malice condemns him to the life of a bachelor. It’s the same with a young girl - if she suddenly turns black silver jewelry, which means she is 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.
What to do if the silver has turned black
Do not despair if the silver has become tarnished or darkened. Unfortunately, a similar fate awaits many jewelry made from this metal - especially those that we wear without taking them off. Even if your favorite piece of jewelry has become covered with patina, it will not be difficult to clean silver from blackness at home. Choose any convenient method:
Using lipstick
Oddly enough, ordinary lipstick is one of the best silver cleaners. It contains a lot of fat and titanium dioxide, which not only help clean silver from plaque, but also give the jewelry a beautiful shine.
Cleaning silver with lipstick Apply lipstick to the jewelry, take a brush and rub the product until it squeaks. The decoration will brighten before your eyes! However, it is worth keeping in mind that this method is only good for smooth jewelry without precious stones.
Using soda
Every housewife has baking soda in her kitchen. So why not use it to save your favorite pendant or ring?
How to clean silver with baking soda Boil water and add soda to it at the rate of 50 grams per liter. Wrap the decoration in foil and lower it into the boiling solution for 10-15 seconds. Then rinse and dry the product.
Using toothpaste
Toothpaste contains polishing (abrasive) microparticles that will help you remove the patina from silver.
Clean silver jewelry with paste Apply the paste to a soft-bristle toothbrush to avoid damaging your jewelry when brushing. Polish the item, rinse it in cold water, and then dry it with a microfiber cloth.
Using egg yolk
Our ancestors used egg yolk long before there were lipsticks or toothpastes. The yolk will not only help clean the silver, but will also protect it from new plaque for a long time.
To clean your jewelry, soak a cotton pad in yolk and rub the surface of the jewelry. Let the yolk dry and then rinse it off with cold water.
With the help of ammonia
The most reliable way to clean jewelry is to treat silver with ammonia solution or ammonia.
How to use ammonia to clean silver Pour a little ammonia into a jar and place the blackened product there. Leave for 10-15 minutes. After the procedure, rinse the jewelry with water and dry thoroughly.
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 Moreover, in order to protect 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 engage in 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.
Women love silver jewelry and often face the problem - why does silver turn black? It is a noble metal with a soft shine. Silver has many healing properties which have been used since ancient times. For example, thin silver plates were applied to the wounds of Egyptian soldiers and they healed quickly.
The first Indian jewelry began to be made from silver. However, over time it was discovered that it can turn black. As a result, methods for cleaning metal were invented.
Superstitions why silver turns black
People believe that silver warns the owner of evil spirits, damage or the evil eye. Moreover, the stronger they are, the darker the metal. When damage, evil spirits or the evil eye lose their power, the silver brightens on its own. The type of negative impact is determined by the decorations:
- if the ring turns black, its owner is marked with a crown of celibacy;
- the cross turns black from a strong curse;
- the chain or earrings change color after the evil eye.
If silver dishes turn black, then there is evil spirits in the house. Signs also say that they also absorb negativity and save from evil spirits and dark forces. Moreover, blackness indicates that the owner of the silver has avoided some danger.
Real Reason
The metal contains a small percentage of impurities that react to hydrogen sulfide. As a result, silver oxidation begins. A dark layer of sulfides appears on the surface of the metal and its color changes. The rate of blackening of silver depends on climate, air, and humidity. The simplest reasons for blackening metal:
- The more sulfide crystals there are on its surface, the darker the silver will be. Moreover, plaque also appears when ozone dissolves on the metal.
- Silver contains ions that destroy bacteria. If there are a lot of them in the air, the metal will begin to turn black, even if it is not worn.
- Silver mostly turns black due to sweat. It contains not only salts, but also amino acids containing sulfur. Upon contact with it, the metal begins to turn black. The more you sweat, the darker the silver will be.
- If it turns black in a certain area (for example, only in the area of the thyroid gland), then this may indicate endocrine pathologies. Or, for example, the chain comes into contact with the body on the chest, where there are many sebaceous glands. Their work intensifies in certain diseases, and silver begins to intensively turn black.
- After experiences and emotional stress, the acidity of the skin changes, which also causes darkening of the metal.
- Silver can turn black due to constant contact with creams and water.
- Sometimes the metal darkens after taking certain medications that cause changes in the blood. This also happens due to various diseases.
- Metal can also turn black in places of constant contact with clothing.
Also, the blackening of silver depends on the amount of impurities and their type. This is indicated by the breakdown. The higher it is, the less likely it is for the metal to blacken. Silver jewelry almost always contains various impurities - for strength and shine. More often it is copper, which oxidizes in the fresh air.
Methods for cleaning silver
If it is assumed that the cause of the blackening of silver is a disease, it must be treated so that the metal does not darken even more. People who believe in damage, the evil eye, etc. I can advise you to go to church more often. But even in these cases, the silver will have to be cleaned. This can be done in many ways:
- Tooth powder or paste. They are applied to a brush or napkin. The silver is then washed with warm water.
- Make a mixture of rubbing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide. Dip the silver into this liquid and keep it in it for 30 minutes. Then the decoration is wiped with a cloth.
- Make a mixture of ammonia, toothpaste, and soda. They are mixed in equal quantities. Cleaning silver items - as in the second option.
- Coca-Cola. You need to pour it into a glass and put the decoration in there. Leave to stand overnight. In the morning the decoration will shine like new.
- Boil silver items in water with lemon juice for half an hour.
- Wrap the decoration in foil. Then place it in a container of water and bring to a boil. Add . Boil for 5 minutes.
- Mix ashes (or ash) with soapy water and ammonia. Throw the decoration into the liquid for half an hour.
- Keep the silverware in water after boiling the potatoes.
- Take 9% vinegar, heat it up and drop the decoration into the warm liquid. After 15-20 minutes, it is taken out and wiped with suede or cotton cloth.
When the decoration contains stones, then folk methods It is not recommended to resort to this; special means will be required. They are sold in all jewelry boutiques. The most you can do at home is to dip the jewelry briefly in soapy water and then wipe it with a soft cloth.
Sometimes a slight blackening of silver is created on purpose to make jewelry more attractive. Many people prefer to listen to superstitions, but most are happy with a scientific explanation. In any case, you can restore the shine of silver quickly and in different ways.
Reasons why silver quickly turns black:
Firstly, it is worth dispelling It's a myth that high-quality silver never tarnishes. This is a natural process unless your jewelry is kept in sterile conditions. When you wear a product or it just sits in your box, over time a coating appears on the surface. But it’s one thing if a product darkens a little in a couple of months or years, and quite another if it radically changes color in a couple of days. So Why does silver turn black?
Silver with oxidation
If the decoration becomes dark too quickly– it can be made of an alloy with a low silver content, from a low-quality alloy. Also, darkening is caused by aggressive environmental action - contact with household chemicals, high air pollution, changes in the body when substances that promote rapid oxidation come to the surface of the skin with sweat. In particular, contact with sulfur leads to a change in color.
Poor quality product
On products made of gold, as well as on jewelry made of silver, an assay mark (sample) is placed. The purity of the alloy is also indicated on the tag. Most often on the jewelry market you can find jewelry made from 925 sterling silver. This suggests that the composition contains 92.5% pure noble metal, the remaining components are additives. This ratio is optimal, because 100% silver without additives is too soft and such products are impractical. There are other ratios: there are quite high-quality products of 960, 875 and 830 samples. This ratio is also quite acceptable if ligature(other components) are of high quality and precise proportions of pure silver and additives are observed.
In the event that the silver is of low quality or a low-quality ligature is used, jewel darkens very quickly, even without aggressive environmental influences
But let us remember that even quality products darken over time! To slow down this process, jewelers coat jewelry with a layer of rhodium. This way, the products remain shiny longer and rival white gold in beauty. Even a professional often fails to visually distinguish such jewelry.
Changes in the health status of the owner of the jewelry
Health problems are another possible reason why silver on the body darkens. Substances that react with metal are released on the surface of the skin. These processes can be affected by:
- hormonal changes in the body;
- reception medicines;
- stress;
- failure of the endocrine system;
- problems with the liver, kidneys;
- excessive consumption of canned foods.
If silver turned black– pay attention to your health. And analyze, maybe you just started using a new cream, which, when reacting with metal, leads to rapid oxidation. Or the air you breathe is too polluted and leaves a mark not only on your lungs but also on your silver.
875 sterling gold plated jewelry without oxidation
Environmental exposure
Remove your favorite jewelry when preparing food, cleaning, coming into contact with chemicals such as powder or dishwashing detergent, or applying skin care cosmetics. Silver darkens upon contact with certain foods, including eggs and onions. Even on a high-quality product, a dark coating appears over time. This is a natural and long-term process. You should worry if the decoration becomes dark within a few days!
Volatile sulfur compounds that lead to oxidation are also present in the air. The concentration can be increased in enterprises, during the combustion of coal, oil products, during the evaporation of sea water spray, etc.
High-quality 925 sterling jewelry
How to clean silver?
It is easiest to remove darkening from products without inserts, because... What silver can “tolerate” can be disastrous for stones, gilding, jewelry enamel and other decorative elements. Some people rub silver items without inserts with toothpaste and then rinse them in water, while others use a weak soda solution for cleaning. Special wipes and other professional care products perfectly clean jewelry. It is important during cleaning not to scratch the product with abrasive particles and rough brushes.
So oh silver acidification- a natural process that does not deny the authenticity of the metal. But you should be alerted by the fact that the decoration suddenly darkened in a short period. Your silver items can be a signal - pay attention to things that you do not attach importance to.
Why does the silver chain on my neck turn black? There are a huge number of options for why silver darkens on a person’s neck. Superstitious people consider this a manifestation of damage, the evil eye and many other witchcraft phenomena. Those who understand medicine associate this with the consequences of human internal diseases. Chemists have their own version - they believe that the answer lies in the chemical interactions of silver elements with the skin. Everyone decides for themselves which version they like best. To understand in more detail, we will look at the most popular ones. Option for the superstitious Previously, before the advent of the sciences of chemistry and medicine, people explained everything that happened around them in terms known to them. They could not give any other explanation for the unexpected darkening of silver on a person’s body other than damage. Various witches and healers warned people that if the silver jewelry on them suddenly darkened or began to leave marks, then they should urgently contact them and remove the damage from themselves. They believed that silver jewelry protects a person from negative influences and, if anything happens, they take the first blow. After witchcraft rituals to remove damage, the jewelry itself should restore its color without outside help. Chemical explanation for the darkening of a silver chain A silver chain is a mixture that contains a small amount of copper. And human sweat contains sulfur. She is the reason unpleasant odor sweat. According to the laws of chemical reactions, copper in contact with sulfur is oxidized. But in fact, silver is a noble metal, it has anti-corrosion properties, which means it does not oxidize. But a black crystalline coating appears on it in the form of silver sulfide. The thicker the plaque accumulates, the darker the chain looks. This theory is confirmed by the fact that the chain darkens precisely in those areas with which it constantly comes into contact with the human body, especially if the surface of the product is smooth and adheres to the skin as much as possible. If you wear rough and hard clothes, their mechanical impact on the silver can also cause it to turn black. Hydrogen sulfide, which is in sufficient quantities in the air, enhances the ongoing oxidative processes. It has been proven that high air humidity also greatly contributes to this. Pay attention to the silver standard, the higher it is, the better. A product with 925 hallmark will not darken even under the most unfavorable conditions, unlike 875 silver. It is noteworthy that it is simply impossible to make anything from pure 999 silver, since it is the impurities that make fragile silver a strong metal. Options of specialists in the field of medicine Doctors also have several options for answering the question of why the silver chain on the neck darkens, but they all indicate the presence of certain diseases in a person. Some believe that this is due to disruption of the liver and kidneys. Others say that the endocrine system is not functioning well. Hormonal changes in the body due to malfunction of the thyroid gland are manifested in changes in the composition of sweat. This is why almost all pregnant and nursing women experience blackening of their silver body jewelry. Sometimes a sharp darkening of silver is observed after starting to take certain types of medications, because they can also change the composition of sweat, increasing the sulfur content. Silver products are famous for their antiseptic properties. Therefore, their sudden blackening may indicate a new disease that has settled in the body. The most likely causes are stress, anxiety, excessive physical and intellectual stress, and excessive sweating. Jewelers advise removing all jewelry from yourself before exercising. gym, swimming in the pool, visiting a bathhouse or sauna.
