There are things that should never be done if we want to save silver jewelry. This applies both to expensive jewelry accessories with precious stones, and to budget products of a classic design.
Silver, one of the most convenient precious metals for jewelers. It is easy to process, it is not expensive and is great for creating jewelry, even very complex shapes.
However, at the same time, silver is not without drawbacks, in connection with which the attitude towards jewelry made from this raw material should be as accurate and careful as possible. And this should be remembered.
Example. Silver earrings. Example. Silver earrings.
So, for example, one of the main flaws of this metal is its predisposition to sulfide corrosion.
When interacting with sulfur, moisture, hydrogen sulfide and acids present, for example, in human sweat, silver becomes covered with dark spots and forms sulfides.
In turn, the formation of sulfide, or the so-called corrosion, quickly spoils the appearance of silver jewelry, and also weakens the metal itself, making it thinner and softer.
To prevent this from happening, the owner of silver jewelry should be as attentive as possible to their accessories and limit their contact with substances containing sulfur, hydrogen sulfide or ozone. In this regard, there are also five mandatory things that cannot be done with silver.
Never store silver in this way.
Since ancient times, silver dinner sets have always been sold in special boxes that can be hermetically sealed.
And this is no coincidence, since even then the manufacturers of silverware knew about the negative properties of the metal and how to deal with them.
Antique box for storing silver cutlery. Antique box for storing silver cutlery.
Silver is extremely susceptible to ozone and hydrogen sulfide, which are too abundant in the surrounding air. When in contact with them, silver is covered with sulfide and quickly blackens.
Therefore, it is never recommended to store silver jewelry in open containers, on hangers or, for example, on bookshelves. It makes more sense to keep it in airtight, dry containers (such as wooden boxes) where the metal will not have access to new air currents containing hydrogen sulfide.
So that silver does not darken on the body.
It is known why, for example, silver chains darken faster than, for example, earrings made from a brooch of the same metal. This is because it is these products that have a large area of contact with areas of the skin that emit sweat. Sweat also contains sulfur and for this reason provokes the premature appearance of black spots on the metal.
However, silver on the body can darken not only due to contact with sweat. Sulfur-containing ointments, creams and some body sprays can also provoke the appearance of sulfide. Deodorants and chemicals contained in dishwashing or cleaning products also adversely affect the metal.
Therefore, so that silver does not darken on the body, jewelry made of this metal should not be worn before applying perfume, since it, getting on the surface of the product, can cause its oxidation. You can not wash dishes in silver rings, as well as take a shower in silver jewelry.
The biggest ban.
Since silver is a very reliable precious metal, many people think that it does not require special care and treat it extremely casually. However, in fact, this raw material is extremely sensitive to irritants and can lose its appearance not only due to contact with acids, but also due to improper care.
Silver jewelry that is stored in a closed box. There are no signs of darkening of the metal even after several months of storage. Silver jewelry that is stored in a closed box. There are no signs of darkening of the metal even after several months of storage.
So, for example, silver cannot be cleaned with ammonia if there are areas with blackening on the metal. The solution will quickly ruin the coating, which will be extremely difficult to restore.
It is also preferable to exclude soda for cleaning silver products, especially in cases where silver is rhodium-plated. Baking soda is a harsh abrasive that can easily scratch metal surfaces. In the case of rhodium-plated jewelry, after a few cleanings, it will simply wipe off the protective layer of rhodium, and the jewelry will begin to deteriorate.
It is also contraindicated to soak jewelry with pasted inserts or pearls in water. It is best to use special cosmetics to care for silver and follow the instructions for them.
So your accessories will serve you as long as possible and keep a pleasant look for many years.