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Silver jewelry is quite popular among both women and men of any age.
Silver is a fairly democratic metal, it is relevant for any occasion, suitable for any wardrobe. However, this metal has one huge disadvantage: it darkens. Why does silver turn black?
Due to the content of a significant amount of the copper molecule in silver jewelry, the very darkening of silver occurs. It is oxidized due to the release of sweat by a person. Also, these jewels contain amino acids that contain sulfur. Sulfur is the reason why silver darkens. If a person sweats heavily, the silver chain will darken very quickly. Therefore, it is recommended to remove it during physical exertion. However, if the sweating is low, but the product is still blackened from silver, then something is wrong in the body. You should consult a doctor.
There are a lot of reasons why this metal darkens:
For in jewelry stores there are special tools. But this noble metal can be cleaned at home. What you need to do for this:
If we consider why silver darkens from a superstitious point of view, then damage or the evil eye can be called the cause. There is wisdom among the people that if the ring darkens, you will not marry, earrings - the evil eye. The strongest curse is on the one who has blackened such a product as a cross.
The reason that the product has darkened from silver can be severe stress, some kind of experience, emotional mood swings. All this increases sweating in the body, as a result of which the chain darkens. Doctors say that if the kidneys or liver function poorly, the silver will definitely darken. It also darkens if there are problems with the nervous or endocrine systems.
The people believe that silver protects against evil spirits, so protective amulets were made from it.
Silver things are a symbol of the purity of the soul. No wonder church utensils are made of this metal. Silver bells scare away evil spirits. An alloy of this metal can be used to make magic weapons, as it is a conductor between our world and the other world. Created in Rus'. They kept healing elixirs and potions, which were then used to heal people.
Our ancestors knew how to quickly clean and restore the original appearance of silver. They rubbed it with salt, kept it in a solution of ash, slandered it so that it would quickly recover. Whether a person’s silver darkened or not, it was regularly cleaned and spoken. If a person’s chain has never darkened, then he is pure and honest.
The 999 proof chain is the least susceptible to browning. That is, the greater the metal content in the product, the longer this product will not need to be cleaned.
Why does silver turn black in water? Because it contains metals, coming into contact with which, it darkens.
Read more about how to clean noble metal from blackness:
Whichever tool you choose, remember that silver can always be cleaned if you know the ways. But if you are afraid of ruining it, take your jewelry to the cleaning experts. It is important to remember that silver needs constant care. It must be carried out in advance, until the silver product has darkened. Try to take it off before training, before water procedures, in hot weather, rain, etc. If you treat your jewelry properly, it will last you a long time.
The silver chain has turned black... you seem to have been warned that this would happen, even the jewelry store consultants. But you hoped to the end that it would be different with you, and even the decoration was chosen light, without any signs of blackening on the inside or at the links.
Alas, even pure silver oxidizes. The good news is that any silver can be cleaned, and it will take 10-60 minutes, so if the silver chain has turned black, it’s time not to despair, but rather read the advice of site experts and restore her youth.
If a silver chain or other jewelry made of this metal has darkened, it means that the surface has reacted with sulfur or nitrogen. With silver and copper (as part of a jewelry silver alloy), this inevitably happens. Although copper is a more active metal, so oxidation occurs faster. That's why…
Silver alloys 720 And 830 , in which there is more copper - darken quickly; Silver alloys 925 (sterling), 960 And 999 - darken slowly, and subject to the rules of protecting them from sulfur, they retain a fresh look over the years of active wear.
Having found out why the silver chain darkens, it is difficult to resist a remark: it is almost impossible to avoid darkening. But learn how to quickly and painlessly clean products and make it even more attractive than it was in the window or the store catalog - please. We propose to determine the most successful answer to the question of how to clean a silver chain from blackness:
Ammonia
In 10% ammonia, the chain is soaked for 15 minutes. For this, it is better to use a glass. After that, just remove the product and dry for a couple of minutes. If there is little alcohol, use a cotton swab moistened with alcohol. This silver chain cleaning is quick and easy.
Lemon acid
Pour about 0.5 liters of water into an enamel bowl and dissolve 100 grams of citric acid in it. Place the container in a water bath, put the jewelry strung on copper wire into it and boil for up to 30 minutes. Then you need to rinse the chain in clean cool water. Depending on how blackened the silver chain is, you can boil it for 15, 20 or 30 minutes.
Potato broth
How to clean a silver chain, on which blackness is barely noticeable. Drain the potato broth after cooking dinner into a separate container, throw a palm-sized sheet of foil into it and leave the chain in the bowl for 5 minutes. Take out and dry the jewelry.
Toothpaste
If the silver chain has darkened, the reason for this may be both chapping and prolonged wear on the skin. In any of the options, an old brush and toothpaste will help to update the jewelry, with which they rub the jewelry to a shine. This is the answer to the question of how to clean a silver chain and a cross only if they do not have thin elements or mirror surfaces. In addition, silver tends to wear off. If you clean it mechanically, you will speed up this process.
Heat 9% table vinegar in a glass in a water bath and put a chain into it. After 20 minutes, remove the chain and rub it with a cotton handkerchief under warm water. This method answers the question of how to clean a silver chain with small dark spots. In other cases, it is better to use soda or citric acid.
As you already know, it is impossible to prevent silver jewelry from oxidizing, but you can treat it in such a way that it retains its presentable appearance longer. Here are some tips on how to clean black from silver hedgehog:
… and, of course, in order not to puzzle over why the silver chain and cross have darkened, we recommend two exits. First, choose for permanent wear
Silver is very popular. Precious metal jewelry is beautiful and has antimicrobial properties. Since ancient times, metal has been used in religious ceremonies. But it happens that he turns black. Regardless of whether the products were cleaned or not. The reasons for the darkening of silver on the human body and the options for response are of interest to many.
Esotericists are sure that everything made of this metal cleanses the human aura of negativity. Therefore, when directing damage to the owner of the product, it sharply begins to turn black.
Darkening of the metal may be due to the fact that:
Elderly people claim that it is possible to determine the type of damage depending on the type of jewelry. If the ring turns black, a crown of celibacy is placed on the owner. Earrings darkened - the woman has a powerful evil eye. Many are interested in why the silver cross on the body turns black and what to do in this case. You can get rid of it in one way: by removing damage and the evil eye.
It is known that the cross turns black to trouble. To avoid it, it is necessary to perform a special ceremony. To get rid of the evil eye, three candles should be placed in three different churches, and the cross should be replaced.
Silver is a conductor between the world of living people and spirits. The metal begins to blacken if the owner of the jewelry has escaped a great misfortune.
But it is not always necessary to look for mysticism in an ordinary phenomenon.
Metal products, both silver and gold, have a hallmark. Silver is produced in 925 or 856 samples.
925 rings and chains contain 92.5% silver, everything else is impurities. The composition also includes copper. It reacts with sweat and air. From this, the metal begins to darken.
Accordingly, the lower the sample, the more impurities are contained in the product, and the probability of its darkening increases.
This phenomenon is observed quite often. The silver chain turns black on the neck, since there are many sweat glands in this place, and the darkening of the chain may indicate changes in the body at the hormonal level. The owner of the jewelry needs to be tested for hormones.
Products darken after using a new body care cream. Experts advise removing rings and chains when cosmetic procedures are carried out.
The reason can also be changes in the temperature regime in the room or humidity. Sometimes a product cleaner causes a reaction. Silver can turn black from contact with household chemicals, as well as products: onions, raw eggs, salt.
Do not worry if your favorite decoration has turned black. To get rid of plaque, there are many ways:
Jewelery that does not undergo oxidation is plated with rhodium. Ring, chain or bracelet will not darken. The disadvantage of the coating is that after a few years it breaks off, scratches or wears off with careless handling of the product.
Blackening is done using a special technology. Methods of creation have been known since antiquity. By blackening the metal was given strength and decorated with patterns of incredible beauty.
They make it by coating the metal on top with niello, consisting of alloys of lead, copper and sulfur oxides of silver. The blackening solution is applied to clean metal. It is heated at high temperature to melt the niello.
Blackened silver is used to make snuffboxes, crockery and cutlery. The products depict cities, ancient hunting. And today you can find amazing masterpieces.
These works are highly valued. Blackened silver is as popular today as it was in ancient times. It gives any product an extraordinary beauty and sophistication. Jewelry made from it is durable and strong. They do not need to be cleaned often, and their original appearance of jewelry is retained for years.
Subject to simple rules, silver items will last for many years and remain in excellent condition.
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Almost every person has items made of silver. It can be both jewelry - earrings, chains, pendants - and just decorative items. In addition, many families have a set of silver cutlery. Over time, silver begins to blacken, but why does this happen and how to prevent it from darkening?
What draws us to silver? Its unique brilliance and radiance. The polished surface of the new silver products reflects 95% of light waves (nickel reflects 69% of the visible spectrum, and steel only 58%). Over time, this figure decreases and silver tarnishes.
Probably, you have noticed more than once that after prolonged wear, silver items lose their original luster, become dull, darken. Under the influence of water, acids, sulfur, silver is covered with a coating consisting of salts of silver itself and its impurities. The sources of pollution are the human body and the external environment. Silver products darken both with active use and during storage. However, it is possible to stop the darkening without much difficulty. To do this, you just need to remove jewelry before contact with water, store it in a box, and clean it from time to time.
Numerous means allow you to remove an unpleasant plaque, for example, Talisman, Flat, HG, Sano Multi Metal, Flurin, Aladdin. Many resort to the help of homemade mixtures based on alkalis contained in laundry soap, ash, soda, and ammonia.
In this article we will try to understand what it means if silver turns black and how you can deal with it.
To choose the right way to clean silver, you need to pay attention to its sample. Home cleaning will cause irreparable damage to jewelry made from low-quality raw materials. Such products are best taken for professional cleaning in a jewelry workshop. Home cleaning is also contraindicated for silver jewelry with inserts made of enamel, rhinestones, gold, rhodium and other metals.
To clean jewelry with amber, turquoise, corals, pearls, you can use ammonia or medical alcohol. Products with stones or any other inserts require very gentle cleaning.
Folk signs, legends, beliefs often speak of the powerful energy power of silver. Destroy a werewolf, protect from evil forces, strengthen a magical rite - everything is within the power of silver. In the Christian tradition, silver is used to bless water.
All of the above helps to understand why people who believe or are prone to mysticism are anxious about the darkening of silver, finding various explanations.
Traditionally, we wear silver rings and bracelets on our hands. The ring on the finger is traditionally considered as a special amulet. Since ancient times, it has been believed that a blackened ring on a girl's finger signals a crown of celibacy. A darkened ring on a man's finger reads a bachelor's life. Only turning to a very strong healer or medium for help will help to ward off misfortune and restore the former brilliance to the decoration. If the color of the bracelet on the wrist has changed, then the protection against damage, the evil eye, evil forces, illness, and failure has worked for a person. Often found anklets have never carried a deep sacred meaning, testifying only to the wealth of the owner.
Silver on the neck of a child or adult may darken due to the intervention of dark magic. In the past, people treated the machinations of all kinds of evil spirits with great anxiety. Following the ancestors, modern healers, witches, psychics are sure that the reason for the darkening of silver is the evil eye, that is, the deliberate induction of damage, the influence of the evil eye. The faster the silver darkened, the stronger the spell cast, superstitious people believe.
Why does the silver pectoral cross turn black? Christians consider him a God-given protection, he is unclean. The words "Save and save", in their opinion, serve to enhance the effect of this amulet from evil forces. The darkening of the pectoral cross testifies to the strongest magic, a person is in danger of a serious misfortune, perhaps even fatal. You can prevent trouble with the help of a prayer read by a strong priest. The pectoral cross is not just an ornament, but, above all, a symbol of faith, a visible evidence of participation in the Orthodox Church, a means of divine protection.
According to the canons of the Orthodox Church, the cross should not be removed, it must be worn constantly.
A pectoral cross made of silver darkens rather quickly on the body, especially at high air temperatures, intense physical labor, and systematically significant physical exertion. The once attractive white color turns into a greyish black. Further in the article, we will focus on the main causes of this phenomenon, as well as probable ways to solve the problem.
Both jewelry and household items made of silver turn black. Wealthy families in the past had silver sets, crockery, cutlery and writing instruments. They were carefully watched. In the house of a modern person, utensils made of this metal are also often found - it is very beautiful. Changing the color of dishes indicates the presence of evil spirits in the house. Sprinkling with holy water will help get rid of uninvited guests. Since ancient times, the Slavs used bunches of garlic and wormwood, hung at doors and windows, for protection. Christians at Baptism called a clergyman to conduct cleansing rites.
Why does silver turn black on the human body? This may be due to several factors, we will analyze the main ones.
Damage or evil eye. If silver turns black on a person, then this is a bad sign. The darker it becomes, the more powerful the negative impact. The original color will be restored after the damage is removed, when the action of evil forces is neutralized. It is possible to understand whether a person has been jinxed. To do this, you should carefully listen to your own feelings. It is generally accepted that the world around him becomes dark, gloomy, joyless, dreary, irritation, apathy comes, someone's presence is felt. Since ancient times, silver has been considered the best metal for protection against various encroachments on the integrity of the human energy field. A pectoral cross made of silver is a double protection, according to believers.
A sign of an attempt to influence the biofield is a sharp dimming of the cross, which quite recently was snow-white, suddenly, after communicating with bad people, it turned black. This signal should make a person alert and take measures to neutralize the negative influence.
Protection from negative impact. Other signs speak of the acceptance of all negativity by silver, protect its owner from evil spirits, dark forces. A darkened chain or cross indicates salvation from serious troubles and troubles.
Health problems. The man fell ill, says another popular belief. Indeed, silver jewelry can change color under the influence of human sweat and secretions of the sebaceous glands. Due to the fact that the metal is in direct contact with the skin, a chemical reaction begins. Its result is a change in color. In a healthy person, sweating is normal, so darkening occurs slowly, plaque appears only after a while. But with an increase in sweat or a change in its chemical composition, the color of silver changes rapidly. The reasons for this may be hormonal failure, pregnancy, diseases of the endocrine system, kidneys, liver.
Why does jewelry change color when worn? From the point of view of science, the reason for the darkening of silver (argentum) is a reaction to sulfur-containing compounds. The metal reacts with hydrogen sulfide in air (it is known from the school chemistry course that it contains oxygen). Argentum is oxidized. As a result of this reaction, silver sulfide appears, which changes the color of the metal. The chemical reaction formula looks like this: 4Ag + O2 + 2H2S = 2Ag2S + 2H2O
Why does precious metal turn black on a person? Silver worn by a person darkens due to the composition of sweat. One of its elements are salts of sulfuric acid, which have oxidizing properties. Darkening is possible even with the simple proximity of a powerful source of sulfur-containing substances. Argentum darkens when the acid-base balance changes, with increased consumption of eggs, onions, pickles, mayonnaise, sauces. Silver can darken sharply if there are problems in the functioning of the liver or kidneys, as active release of nitrogen begins. This is what gives silver its luster.
The medical explanation for the darkening of silver provides a scientific basis for popular observations. Why does silver darken on the human body? Doctors believe that the change in the color of the metal is associated with health problems. First of all, these are violations of the liver and kidneys, hormonal imbalance, endocrine diseases, stress, strong excitement, excessive sweating, significant physical exertion. Jewelry darkens during pregnancy, breastfeeding, while taking various medications.
Having noticed the darkening of silver jewelry, it makes sense to conduct a deep medical examination. It is possible that the disease will be detected at an early stage. Early treatment will keep you healthy. In some cases, increased sweating in certain parts of the body indicates inflammation of the organs in that area.
Silver is also used in medical practice. Plasters with silver ions, which have antibacterial and wound healing properties, are widely used. Sick joints and inflammation of the respiratory organs are treated by intravenous administration of silver. preparations for the treatment of diseases of the digestive system also contain silver.
Dark plaque is formed the faster, the more actively the metal is oxidized under the influence of the external environment and humans.
Chemical composition. Silver is significantly inferior in value to other precious metals, such as gold. The consequence of this is a lower ability to withstand the effects of the external environment. Pure metal is not used to make jewelry or utensils due to its high ductility. Items made of soft silver lose their shape even from a slight impact and rub off very quickly, losing their original appearance.
To increase the strength, copper and other chemical elements are added to it, the purity content in the alloy is called breakdown. The most common are 925, 875, 830. The lower the sample, respectively, the smaller the amount of precious metal, the sooner blackening occurs.
low sample, impurities have an intensifying effect on the course of the oxidation reaction and thus on the darkening of the silver. Copper is often added to silver, which also actively reacts with sulfur. As a result, in addition to silver oxide, copper oxide is also formed. In this case, the darkening becomes more rapid. The more copper in the product, the lower its sample.
The human body releases potassium, phosphorus, calcium, lactic and uric acids in the process of life. Sooner or later, all these elements enter into various reactions with each other. Over time, the amount of substances accumulates and again darkening occurs. Silver that is stored in a cabinet or box does not come into contact with the human body and therefore is not subject to such a rapid change.
Diseases can also affect the metabolism, however, the most noticeable effect on the silver cross is produced by drugs, the remnants of which are excreted with sweat. As a result of any disease in the body, the composition of the blood changes. It is the blood that ensures the performance of any organ. When you are sick and continue to wear jewelry, it affects the blood, which in turn affects the pH balance of the skin. Therefore, all jewelry must be removed.
Stress, sports activities. Physical activity leads to active sweating. The chemical composition of sweat is varied. Its elements are water, salts, acids. Under the influence of stress, increased anxiety, hormonal surges, the composition of skin secretions often changes. The resulting "cocktail" reacts with silver. Stress can seriously affect the chemical composition of sweat. At the biochemical level, stress acts like radiation and has a destructive effect on the entire body.
Jewelry worn on the chest quickly darkens, as there are many sebaceous glands here. The chain can rub against the hair, neck, collects particles of the epithelium, sebum.
The fingers hardly sweat, they are dry, so the rings do not darken so often.
Earrings lose their shine in the part that is in direct contact with the earlobe.
This situation is explained by the heterogeneous composition of sweat and uneven secretions on different parts of the body.
Increased air humidity. It happens that the pectoral cross darkens only on the outside. This may indicate high humidity in the room. Reacting with water, oxygen also forms a dark coating. That is why it is not recommended to wear jewelry in the bath, sauna, on the beach. Washing hands, peeling vegetables, household chemicals and cosmetics also have a negative effect on the metal.
Cosmetics and detergents. The composition of many cosmetics negatively affects silver. Soaps and shampoos of high quality have a balanced ratio of acids and alkalis, their chemical reaction with silver is minimal. However, they leave marks on the product, which over time leads to darkening and loss of appearance.
Environment. Humanity is on the verge of an ecological catastrophe, air and water pollution has reached unprecedented proportions. Industrial enterprises emit a large amount of sulfur compounds. Sulfur very quickly leads to blackening of silver.
Water purification is carried out with the help of chlorine, a high degree of pollution of water bodies makes swimming in them a risky business. Silver is very sensitive to such chemical elements, instantly oxidizes and turns black.
You have made a decision about how you will clean items from argentum. Now you need to prepare them for brushing to get the best result.
First of all, you need to remove a layer of dirt from the metal surface. For long-term use, dust, cosmetics, and grease accumulate on cutlery and decorations. This layer will “protect” the metal surface from the cleaning composition, which means that complete cleaning will not occur. Moreover, the product will acquire an uneven color. Before cleaning, the product should be washed with warm water under a running stream, dried and polished with a flannel, suede, or woolen cloth, with a special napkin. In case of significant contamination, it is worth soaking the products in warm water with laundry soap for several hours, then rinsing, drying and polishing carefully.
After we have examined why silver darkens on the human body, it is worth talking about ways to clean it. Jewelers recommend using specially designed professional chemical compounds for cleaning argentum. You can buy them in specialized stores, including on the Internet. Remain popular and many well-known folk remedies.
What is the way to choose? Be guided by the presence of such factors:
The answers to these questions will help you understand which cleaning method is most appropriate. It does not hurt to study the cleaning technology so as not to spoil the product. It is also worth paying attention to the type of silver in the product.
Blackened silver can be cleaned by any means aimed at the total removal of the resulting darkening.
Not every method is suitable for a gilded argentum. Gilding requires careful attention, careful cleaning, as some methods can hopelessly damage an expensive product.
For matte silver, only products specially designed for it should be used.
Having determined the type of silver, let's pay attention to the presence or absence of inserts. If there are stones, it is worth thinking about their safety.
It is important to clarify the sample of silver.
It is imperative to find out which cleaning techniques have already been used and what the result is.
An assistant in finding the necessary information will be the Internet, which contains a large number of texts, video resources, master classes, photos about the technology of cleaning and its effect on metal. Silver can be easily cleaned at home using special tools that are sold in household chemical stores. But it is better to take jewelry with precious or semi-precious stones to a jewelry workshop so as not to accidentally damage it.
Ready funds. If you do not know how to clean silver with pearls or cubic zirkonia, it is better to use special compounds at home. The necessary tools complete with napkins can be purchased at jewelry stores. The result should please you.
Liquid products contain organic solvents, phosphates, surfactants, fragrance, water. The tool "Aladdin" is produced complete with a special basket in which the product is placed, and a brush. The basket with the product is placed directly into the container with the product for 30 seconds, then rinsed and polished. The tool is very effective, but has a sharp unpleasant odor.
Means "Sunlight" is available in the form of a spray, easy to use. The kit includes a small brush for cleaning difficult places. The manufacturer claims that the tool is safe for all types of silver and stones. To clean the product, it is necessary to sprinkle a product without color and strong odor, wait a few minutes and rinse with water.
A solution of Chine coins perfectly removes metal oxidation products not only from silver, but also from other metals. To clean jewelry or cutlery, you need to pour a little product into a non-metallic container and lower the silver there for 5-10 minutes, remove the product and rinse with clean water, wipe dry with a microfiber cloth. In the case when the product only needs to be polished, it is enough to wipe it with a cloth moistened with the product and wash off the residue.
The domestically produced Unikum quickly returns silver and other metals to their original brilliance. It is enough to apply the gel on a damp sponge, wipe the product and rinse under running water. To polish and add shine, a small amount of the product is squeezed onto a napkin, applied to the surface for 2-3 minutes and polished with a dry napkin.
The German company Centralin presents the Silberpflege cleaner for precious and other metals. Apply a small amount of paste to a sponge or soft cloth. Spread evenly over the entire surface of the product. Rinse thoroughly with water, if necessary use dishwashing detergent. Wipe dry with a microfiber cloth.
These are strong products, so they are not used for cleaning products with inserts made of pearls, amber, corals.
Napkins it is recommended to use for cleaning objects that have darkened slightly, have lost their luster of novelty. Microfiber cloths do not contain chemicals, so neither metal nor stones can be damaged. There are disposable wipes impregnated with various substances for cleaning metal products, products with gilding, inserts made of natural or artificial stones. Napkins are large: one is enough to care for the service.
Cleaning paste or a thick cream successfully cope with an old black coating on silver items. The paste has a soft homogeneous structure, does not scratch the product. With a napkin, a little paste should be applied to the product cleaned from external contaminants, rubbed and left for several minutes. After that, it remains only to polish the silver with a dry cloth.
Soda and ammonia mixed in equal proportions. The mixture should be applied to the jewelry and rubbed with a cloth or soft brush. Some advise adding a little toothpaste to enhance the effect.
Ethyl alcohol and hydrogen peroxide taken in equal proportions. In the resulting mixture, the thing is kept for about half an hour, then rubbed to a shine with a dry cloth.
Toothpaste In a small amount, it will perfectly cope with polishing. You should rub the product with a small amount of paste, then rinse with cold water and wipe dry. Fine abrasive paste or silver cleaning gel will not work. It is better to use a soft homogeneous paste or powder.
Ammonia can be used in different ways. Take ammonia and water in a ratio of 1:10. Immerse the product in the resulting solution to get wet. Silver should not be kept in such a solution for a long time. Products of average pollution maintain 30-60 minutes. Slightly soiled jewelry can simply be wiped with a cloth soaked in the mixture. Very dirty samples are placed in pure ammonia for 15 minutes, after which they are washed and wiped dry.
Ash- a powerful alkali that can cope with various contaminants. It is necessary to combine ash, soapy water, a couple of drops of ammonia. The product is placed in the solution for a few minutes, then removed and wiped with a napkin.
Potato rubbed on a fine grater. The product to be cleaned should be in the resulting slurry for 15-20 minutes, after which it should be rubbed with a thick cloth to a shine and rinsed. Potatoes can be replaced with dry starch. This is a "grandmother's" way, but it works.
Boiling not acceptable for products with any inclusions. You should mix soda (15 gr.), Salt (15 gr.), Any liquid dishwashing detergent (15 gr.), 600 ml of water in a saucepan. Put silver here, bring to a boil, turn off the heat and let cool completely.
Pomade can clean products without inserts. With the help of a damp cloth, lipstick is applied to the product in a thick layer for 10 minutes, the jewelry is rubbed and rinsed under running hot water using soap. If the product is not cleaned immediately, the manipulation can be repeated. Due to its soft texture, lipstick does not harm even fragile products. The composition of the lipstick contains elements that react at the molecular level with silver sulfide, allowing you to achieve visible results.
Foil and copper wire allow you to easily and effectively remove dark plaque. You will also need a glass of water and 2 teaspoons of baking soda. Water with soda is brought to a boil, poured into another container, a piece of foil and copper wire, juice of half a lemon are added. Silver is placed in this solution for several minutes. Very dirty jewelry should be boiled in this solution for 30 minutes.
Eraser removes minor contamination. There is nothing complicated in this method - you just need to rub the contaminated area for several minutes until the product is cleaned.
Cosmetic powder(compact or loose) has low abrasive properties, but they are enough to remove browning. The powder is applied to a napkin, the product is thoroughly rubbed and washed under running water.
Lemon acid also has a beneficial effect on silver products. This method is only suitable for products with a high sample. To clean low-grade metal, you should use a weak solution. Can be used as a powder or in lemon juice. The juice is diluted with warm water in a ratio of 1:1, the product is aged for about 30 minutes. If powdered citric acid is used, it is necessary to keep the product in solution for 40 minutes. For 1 teaspoon of acid, you need to take half a glass of water. After the required time has elapsed, silver items must be rinsed and dried thoroughly.
curdled milk is an effective cleaning agent. The product is placed in yogurt and left there for 10 minutes. After that, the silver is washed well without detergents.
curdled milk releases lactic acid (active dihydrate), which does an excellent job of removing oxide, patina, plaque.
Salt. It is necessary to dilute two tablespoons of salt in 500 ml of water, bring to a boil and place silver and a piece of foil. After 15 minutes, remove the product from the solution, rinse with cold water.
Olive oil thanks contains natural acids, it removes dark plaque well if you put a few drops on a napkin and rub the product. Products with olive oil inserts are not recommended for cleaning, as it accumulates between stone and metal and is difficult to wash out from there. Olive oil cleaning technology is well suited for blackened silver. It is necessary to pour oil into the pan, bring to a boil and place the product for 10-15 minutes (the oil should cover the jewelry by about half). Removed products are thoroughly washed with running water. Then the products are placed in a container with lemon juice and water in a ratio of 1: 1 for a few more hours, then removed and wiped with a soft cloth.
Hydrogen peroxide effectively interacts with soda. To do this, mix the ingredients to a state of sour cream and apply to the product with a napkin or soft brush. The result will appear in a few minutes. The product can be washed and dried.
Coca Cola due to its chemical composition, it breaks down silver sulfide. The product is placed in a cold drink for 15 minutes with occasional stirring. After washing and drying the product, you will see an excellent result.
cigarette ash close in action to ash. It is a gentle abrasive. To clean silver items, you need to mix ash and soapy water to a thick slurry, clean, rinse, dry and polish the item with a soft brush or soft cloth.
If you have not been able to cope with the dark plaque on your own, contact the services of professionals. This should also be done when many stones are used in the product or a textured pattern is created.
Rhodium-plated silver cutlery and jewelery should be cleaned with care. To do this, they should be washed with water at room temperature, thoroughly wiped and polished with a special cloth.
Heavily contaminated jewelry with stones should be placed in a warm soapy solution in advance and left for 30-40 minutes. You can use high-quality laundry soap or washing powder.
Such jewelry should be treated very carefully and carefully so as not to spoil the gold surface layer. Soft abrasive products will cause irreparable damage to such products. It is best to wipe such products with a soft material, preferably suede.
In order to get rid of grease, dust and stains, moisten a soft cloth in alcohol or a weak vinegar solution (vinegar 8% - 2 tablespoons, water - 1 cup). Then you need to wipe the product dry and polish with suede.
Try soaking gold-plated items in beer for half an hour, then rinse thoroughly in clean water and polish to a shine with a cloth.
To clean heavily soiled products, you can mix the composition, which will include warm water (1 liter), soap (a small spoonful of any liquid product) and six drops of ammonia. You need to soak things for 30 minutes.
Contacts with chlorine, alkaline or acid compounds enamel absolutely does not withstand. Thus, any household detergents and cleaners are excluded. Damage to enamel and sudden changes in temperature.
It is recommended to wash such jewelry in cold water with the addition of a few drops of ammonia. After that, a small amount of tooth powder is needed on the surface and brush with a soft brush, rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry with a soft cloth.
If you have items made of blackened silver, remember that you need to take care of them carefully. A warm water solution with soap and soda is well suited for this. For the same purpose, try lowering your jewelry for an hour or two in water, in which with peeled raw potatoes.
If you decide not just to clean the jewelry, but to get rid of blackening completely, try the foil method.
Silver with a matte surface is very sensitive. In order not to damage such a product, it is better to contact professionals. Unfortunately, most cleaning methods will not work, as they can cause significant damage to the product. Only a competent specialist can clean such a delicate product with high quality.
It is preferable to use chemicals and solutions from the arsenal of jewelers.
We hope that among this huge number of recipes you will choose the right one, and your jewelry will delight you with its impeccable appearance and bright shine for a long time!
Restrictions on cleaning high-quality silver are small: do not use chlorine bleaches and harsh abrasive materials, do not treat with powdered household cleaners.
Having thoroughly clarified the reasons for the darkening of silver, we will try to formulate some recommendations for proper care of it in order to preserve the original appearance and oxidation of the metal as much as possible. Careful handling of silver items and favorite jewelry, compliance with the rules will allow you to enjoy their appearance for a long time.
There is no one hundred percent way to protect your silver jewelry and cutlery from black deposits, because silver, due to its chemical characteristics, becomes a participant in chemical reactions with many elements in everyday life.
For example, browning can be brought on by frequent exposure to tap water that contains chlorine, many foods (such as salad dressings), your perfume, hairspray, and even woolen clothing.
Although it is a natural process, it can be slowed down but not prevented. To slow down tarnishing, clean your silver jewelry after wearing it.
The sebum from your skin accumulates on the surface of the silver and causes it to oxidize. Rinse silver jewelry and cutlery with warm water, being careful. Then dry them with a soft cloth.
You can also delay tarnish by polishing your silverware regularly. Use a polishing cloth as soon as the first signs of tarnishing are visible.
They are quite inexpensive, and napkins for polishing silver serve for a long time. They are suitable for cleaning and polishing jewelry that is light to moderately soiled. It is best to take your silver jewelry to a professional for polishing.
Limit as much as possible the contact of your silver jewelry with aggressive substances that can cause them to tarnish.
Remember to take off your silver rings when you cook, wash your hands, clean, take a bath. At the same time, avoid contact between your silver necklaces and woolen clothing. And don't forget to put on your jewelry after you've done your makeup.
Prevention of oxidation of silver items is necessary so that they retain their original purity and do not darken. The darkening of silver is explained by both scientific knowledge and superstitions, signs. In any case, you want to keep a decent look of the product. For effective prevention, you should pay attention to the following tips:
The chemical method of protecting Argentum from darkening is carried out using potassium bichromate. The surface must be thoroughly cleaned and washed with acid, for example, you can take acetic acid. Lower the product for no more than 20 minutes in an acidified (up to pH 3-4) 1% potassium dichromate solution (chemical formula K2Cr2O7) at room temperature. At the same time, potassium chromate forms a protective film that adheres strongly to silver and reliably protects the metal. To obtain a thicker protective film, electrochemical passivation is used, while the silver product acts as a cathode. An electrolyte of the following composition is prepared for this process: 10-15% potassium dichromate, 0.1-0.2% sodium carbonate, pH 8 to 9. The product is treated at room temperature for about half an hour at a current density of 1 A/dm2. Then the part must be washed and dried at 60-70°C, as a result of which the chromate film will become much stronger.
What product to buy to avoid difficulties with the appearance of a dark coating? It is worth paying attention to the quality of the alloy. The higher the sample, the slower the jewelry will oxidize. Silver jewelry is very popular, so they began to actively fake. Let's try to figure out how not to fall for the bait of scammers.
Rub the silver object in your hands. Real silver should not leave marks on the skin.
Dip the silver jewelry for a moment in boiling water, and then very gently touch it. Usually silver heats up instantly and literally burns the skin.
Silver is not magnetic. If you bring a magnet to a silver item, the metal will not react in any way.
Argentum has a special smell, easily perceptible to the human sense of smell.
Swipe it over the test object with a lapis pencil or rub with chalk. At the same time, a real silver product will not change its color, and the chalk will turn black.
An alcohol solution of iodine will help to bring a fake to clean water. Put the product under the sun's rays and drip with iodine. If the color has changed and darkened, then this is real silver. Be prepared for the darkening caused by the iodine compound to be difficult to remove.
The most ruthless method of determining silver is to scratch the product. If this is a fake, then the silver coating will break and a metal of a different color will peep under it. This method can only detect brass items coated with a thin layer of silver.
Today, more and more often there are silver products that are not subject to the formation of a dark coating, since a thin layer of rhodium is applied to them. This chemical element looks the most similar to silver. The appearance of the product does not change, and resistance to external influences increases.
Compliance with the elementary rules of hygiene, knowledge of chemical laws will help save your favorite jewelry from negative environmental factors. The elegance of silver remains relevant at all times, while maintaining an affordable price and the ability to create original products for every taste.
We have different attitudes towards changing the color of silver jewelry. Someone believes in signs, and immediately goes to church, cleans the house and himself from the evil eye and damage. Someone sticks to the scientific explanation. If the jewelry darkens too quickly, then it is quite possible that there are health problems. You should go for a consultation with a doctor and determine the reason why the amount of sulfur in sweat exceeds the permissible level. Silver will immediately react with blackening in this case. Having determined for yourself the cause of the change in appearance, you can now choose how to correct it.
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There are many versions, on the neck and skin of other parts of the body. Superstitious associate this with damage, the evil eye and other mystical phenomena. People with medical knowledge are sure that the problem lies within our body. Chemists also have their own answer, because silver is an element of the periodic table, which means. all the laws of chemistry are inherent in it. Let's see which one is right.
Grandmothers healers say that if a silver jewelry turns black on your neck or a dark mark remains on the skin underneath, then you urgently need to run to them. After all, the reason for this, most likely, is damage. Silver, having passed negative energy through itself, takes the first blow on itself. And the darker your favorite thing has become, the more serious the consequences can be if the damage is not removed in time. If the removal process was successful, the silver should brighten without any mechanical or chemical effects on it. Miracles, and more!
The opposite mystical version was born in the East, where the wisest people are known to live. They believe that silver protects its owner from harm. And if it darkened on the body, it means that the person escaped trouble, the spirits protected him, leaving a mark in this way. So, if you are a supporter of this version, you need to be glad that your favorite chain has darkened around your neck or beautiful silver earrings have turned black in your ears - invisible forces protected you. It is not for nothing that silver is considered a protective metal against all evil spirits: ghosts, vampires, werewolves, which can only be killed by a silver bullet.
Human sweat contains sulfur. And in silver there are impurities, including copper, which is oxidized under the action of sulfur. Silver itself cannot oxidize, it is corrosion resistant and belongs to noble metals. Therefore, a surface plaque appears on the product - silver sulfide in the form of black crystals. The denser the plaque becomes, the darker the silver. There are many sweat glands on the chest and neck of a person, because of this, chains and crosses most often become victims of oxidation and become dark in color. Especially those products that have a smooth surface and fit snugly to the skin, forming maximum contact. This explains the darkening of the pendant, for example, only on one side with which it touches your body. Also, friction against clothing can cause mechanical damage, as a result of which the silver will turn black.
Hydrogen sulfide is also found in the environment, and the higher its concentration, the faster the darkening process will go. If there is increased humidity in the air, this may also be the reason that your silver has turned black.
It should be noted that the lower the sample of silver, the faster it blackens under adverse conditions.
When choosing jewelry, opt for 925 rather than 875 or lower to reduce the risk of tarnishing. It is impossible to make jewelry from the purest sample, there are practically no impurities in it, but it is very brittle and fragile.
From a medical point of view, silver turns black due to serious health problems. One of the versions says about violations in the work of the kidneys or liver. The other is about hormonal disorders associated with the functioning of the thyroid gland and the endocrine system as a whole. We can also observe darkening of silver in pregnant and lactating women due to hormonal changes.
It happens that after the use of drugs there is a darkening. This is due to the fact that medicines are able to change the composition of sweat, increasing the concentration of sulfur in it. Even being near sulfur-containing preparations can affect the color of your product.
Silver has antiseptic properties. In a person wearing silver jewelry, their sudden blackening can mean an incipient illness. And the cause can be stress, excitement, excessive physical activity, increased sweating. Therefore, before going to the gym or sauna, it is best to leave jewelry at home.
It is recommended to store silver in separate boxes or linen bags. Try to ensure that each product is insulated, because blackening is also possible from mechanical damage. Do not wrap products in paper or non-natural fabrics - they contain sulfur, which will cause browning.
Whatever the reason for the darkening of your favorite thing, you can always easily clean it at home. To do this, you can use ammonia, soda, tooth powder, hydrogen peroxide. Take care of silver, love it, and it will reciprocate, protect you from evil spirits, diseases and other ailments.
