Have you noticed that your Sterling Silver ring has become black or tarnished? Is there a black or green mark on your finger from the ring? There are many chemicals in everyday use and products that can cause tarnishing or green finger. Here are a few probable reasons, as well as some measures you may take to fix the problem.
Cosmetics are Chemicals
The most prevalent cause of blackening or smearing is makeup on the skin or clothes. Cosmetics often include chemical substances that are more abrasive than jewelry. These compounds may rub off extremely small metal particles, resulting in jet black dust.
Humidity and Moisture
So what metal turns skin green? Well, that all depends on the circumstance. Sterling silver is comprised of nickel, zinc, copper, and silver. The copper in all Sterling Silver jewelry may react with moisture in the air or on the skin, resulting in a green discoloration or green skin from jewelry. In hot, humid areas, this is a pretty frequent problem, and it may also afflict those who have extremely oily skin.
Often customers ask, "Can I wear my sterling silver jewelry in the shower?" The answer is no, you really shouldn't. Silver jewelry should not be worn in the bathroom or shower. When you go to the gym or the spa, leave your silver jewelry at home.
Exposure to Sulphur Compounds
Sterling Silver may also tarnish due to sulfur chemicals. When possible, avoid wearing your jewelry in contaminated areas. When handling coal or oil, as well as when cooking meals containing sulfur, such as eggs, onions, fish, or shellfish, use caution.
Allergies and Dermattis
If your skin is flushed and irritated it could be an allergy to sterling silver. Soaps, detergents, and other cleaning substances may accumulate under a ring, creating dermatitis. All rings should be removed before applying soap or detergent, and the rings should be cleaned on a regular basis. Certain antibiotics, as well as medications in the wearer's system, might cause jewelry to blacken or discolor.
If none of the above reasons ring true for you, you might investigate the potential of being "allergic" to sterling silver. The wearer's fundamental body chemistry reacts to the alloys in both gold and silver, causing tarnishing in certain rare circumstances.
As with most things in life, it is preferable to avoid a problem than to attempt to solve it! Here are a few basic ways for keeping your silver jewelry from tarnishing: Maintain your silver jewelry with proper care. Clean your sterling silver jewelry with a dry soft towel or polishing cloth after each use before storing it.
Store your sterling silver safely. Keep your sterling silver jewelry clean and dry in an airtight container or bag. If at all feasible, keep components separately to reduce the danger of their scratching each other. If you're going to keep a piece of silver jewelry for a long time, putting it in a Ziploc bag or an airtight container with an anti-tarnish strip will help to slow down the tarnish process even more. Also, before entering the shower, swimming pool, or hot tub, remove any silver jewelry.
Properly maintaining your sterling silver Celtic jewelry will lead to years of enjoyment.
