Silver jewelry is a great way to complement any outfit with grace and elegance, be it an 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 skin. 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 the human 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 its pure form is a soft, malleable metal 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 the silver rings on someone's 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.
What enhances the oxidation of silver
Oxidation can occur gradually, not even noticeably at first. But at the same time, there are factors that can speed up the process significantly. Knowing them, you can avoid problems and maintain the presentable appearance of your jewelry.
Low purity and impurities
Premature darkening can occur due to the silver not matching the stated standard. In other words, the alloy is defective. Each sample has a specific recipe according to which it is made. If there is more metal in the alloy than required, then the silver is not of high quality.
Another reason is low sample. Jewelry is almost always made from 925 sterling silver. Therefore, they are less prone to blackening. Cutlery 875, they contain more copper and, accordingly, the tendency to discoloration is increased.
To protect manufacturers, it is worth adding that silver without impurities will not have strength and easily loses its shape. Therefore, it is necessary to make an alloy from different metals.
Increased air humidity
You can see that when it rains, takes a shower, goes to the pool or sauna, silver darkens faster. This is due to the fact that the body sweats, and the sweat itself evaporates much more slowly. There is already enough humidity in the air. Therefore, the number of sera on the body is growing, to which the pectoral cross and other silver items quickly respond.
It is worth adding that in addition to black, the alloy can also acquire a light color. This occurs due to nitrates present in the skin. The decomposition process of silver sulfide predominantly takes place at low humidity.
Signs about darkened silver
In folk legends, silver has a special place - it protects against evil spirits, protects against the 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 evil intent condemns him to the life of a bachelor. It’s the same with a young girl - if her silver jewelry suddenly turns black, it means she’s 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.
Reasons why silver darkens
- Mystic.
Some people mistakenly associate changes in the color of silver items with the manifestation of specific diseases. People with a penchant for mysticism even assume that this signals the evil eye or damage to a person. And if the decoration darkens, it means that it took the blow.
In general, silver has long been given an occult meaning - protection from various kinds of unclean spirits and creatures. Just remember the silver bullets against werewolves. The material was used to create amulets for homes and people - crosses on the neck, anchors for those traveling by sea, a month to prevent nightmares and sleep problems, bells to cleanse rooms from evil forces, etc.
Although this effect of silver has not been proven by science, this metal does play a role in maintaining health. Silver preparations have antibacterial and wound-healing effects. The latter can be easily checked if you cover a small wound with an adhesive plaster containing silver ions. Intravenous preparations containing this metal are used for joint diseases and inflammation of the respiratory system. For some digestive problems, medications with silver as one of the components are taken orally.
But in this case, the important thing is that all mystical theories about the darkening of silver are actually just a figment of fantasy. The reasons for black deposits on metal are completely different.
- Sweating.
Silver is a metal that, like other substances, is subject to chemical reactions. And human skin on the neck and in other places where jewelry is worn regularly secretes sweat in greater or lesser quantities, which also contains chemicals containing sulfur. And when sulfur and silver combine, silver sulfide is formed, which has a dark gray or black color. The sulfide layer is initially invisible, then it thickens and compacts, turning into a coating visible to the naked eye.
Sweating is a natural process of the human body. But if at some point the jewelry darkens especially actively throughout the body or in a certain area, this may not only be the result of increased physical activity or heat outside, but also one of the symptoms of health problems that should not be ignored.
Advice
In order to clean your jewelry later, you should not wear it in conditions of very high humidity - for example, when going to the beach, sauna or bathhouse. Moreover, in such conditions, your favorite jewelry is very easy to break or lose.
- Impurities.
Silver itself is a very soft metal, therefore, in order for products made from it to retain their shape during use, pure silver is not used. Although an alloy is used, where about 5-8% are other metals that give the jewelry strength, even a fairly massive silver item can be bent or broken with manual effort. The metals for the alloy may include copper, and its property is to oxidize upon contact with air.
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Sometimes a piece of jewelry pleases with its shine for a very long time, and then suddenly begins to turn black. This can happen if it was covered with a protective rhodium film, which has deteriorated over time. But when a purchased chain darkens too much and too quickly after purchase, we can conclude that it is of low quality, low silver content and a large number of impurities.
- Other reasons.
Of the places where jewelry is worn, the largest number of sebaceous glands are located in the neck and chest. That is why most often it is chains and crosses that darken. The composition of skin secretions may change due to hormonal disruptions or changes (for example, during pregnancy). In such cases, jewelry sometimes darkens in just a few days. The color of silver is also affected by changes in the acid-base balance of the skin.
An unexpectedly strong brightening of silver jewelry may indicate problems with the kidneys or liver, because in this case, nitrogen is released through sweat, which gives the silver shine.
In general, you shouldn’t attach too much significance to the change in color of silver jewelry, much less any magical significance, but it can still be a reason to take a closer look at your overall physical condition and health.
If the jewelry was not worn, but lay in a nightstand or box, then the reason that it darkens may be dampness or contact with sulfur-containing objects or substances. Of course, silver can also change color when it comes into contact with various chemicals and some foods.
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 your silver.
Clean silver jewelry with paste
Apply the paste to a soft-bristled 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 piece. 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 clean silver
Now you know why a silver chain, or any other creation of jewelers, turns black. But what if this has already happened?
In some cases, the metal may suddenly brighten without third-party intervention. After all, sweat also contains nitrogen nitrates, which destroy argentum sulfide. If their concentration increases, a kind of cleaning of the products will occur.
Don't wait until the silver itself becomes light. This may not happen soon, or never at all. After all, it is impossible to predict the body’s reaction. It’s better to get down to business as soon as the first raid appears. Then it will be easier to remove it. But even with severe oxidation, it will not be difficult to fix the problem. You just have to choose one of the methods for cleaning silver.
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
In addition, in order to protect the 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 play 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.
Text author: Alexandra Tsiklauri
What causes silver to turn black? Folk signs and beliefs
Unfortunately, from time immemorial, jewelry has been associated with dozens of superstitions - for every metal or shiny stone, folk rumors have come up with dozens, if not hundreds of magical properties. The inability to explain physical phenomena has led to the emergence of a huge number of myths, and silver is perhaps the most “stigmatized” hero here.
The European superstitious tradition associates the darkening of metals with dark forces, which are thus trying to reach the owner of the jewelry with their furry, clawed paws. Here are just a few examples from traditional Christian culture:
- The silver cross turned black - a curse for committing a mortal sin.
- If the chain on your neck or the earrings in your ears darken greatly, they are trying to put the evil eye on you or bewitch you with witchcraft.
- The silver on the finger turns black - a terrible omen for a young unmarried girl; heaven has destined for her a crown of celibacy.
- If a dark coating appears on silver dishes or cutlery, a brownie or unclean spirit has entered the home, the house needs to be sanctified with prayers.
For centuries, blackened silver jewelry was simply thrown into a river or abyss, and the unfortunate owner had to go to church, confess his sins, and only then buy a new item. Fortunately, in the modern world you don’t need to be so wasteful - it’s enough to trust scientists who have managed to prove everything experimentally.
Changes in the appearance of the product due to the health status of the owner
The fact is that jewelry made from silver also contains copper. It is this that oxidizes, coloring the chain dark. And scientists consider human sweat to be the main cause of oxidation. In addition to salts, it contains quite aggressive compounds. In particular, amino acids contain sulfur. It is sulfur-containing compounds that are responsible for the jewelry turning black. They form a silver sulfide film that covers the jewelry. That is, it is not the silver itself that darkens. It's just that dirt appears on its surface.
For some people, all silver jewelry tarnishes, regardless of what part of the body it is located on. Increased sweating can be caused by physical activity, changes in body temperature, and even changes in air temperature.
If only a chain with a cross or a ring has darkened, then this is a reason to visit an endocrinologist.
Because increased sebum secretion can occur under the influence of hormonal changes. Why does the pectoral cross most often turn black in pregnant women? The largest number of sebaceous glands are located in the armpits and on the chest. And the expectant mother experiences a real hormonal storm in her body. Naturally, sweat is released more strongly, and there are more aggressive substances in it.
But the reason for the darkening of a silver item may also lie in a serious illness. Some experts believe that such a change in the appearance of jewelry may indicate kidney and liver diseases. But there is no scientific evidence for this theory yet. Therefore, an unscheduled visit to the doctor will not be an unnecessary precaution.
Ways to protect silver from blackening
Today, unplated silver items are rarely used. Rhodium-plated and gold-plated products are gaining popularity, as well as jewelry with an oxide film (obtained by oxidation) and rings and bracelets with blackening. All of these varieties last much longer without additional care than uncoated silver.
Radiated is a misnomer for silver jewelry. Radium is a radioactive metal that cannot be used to coat jewelry. This definition appeared when a search query was incorrectly formed on the Internet; the correct option is rhodium-plated silver.
There are other methods to protect jewelry:
- boiling silver in acid: so that the alloy does not react with substances contained in the environment, it is necessary to reduce its amount; in the production of jewelry this is impossible due to the deterioration of the properties of the metal, therefore they use a partial reduction in the proportion of copper, immerse the product in acid (hydrochloric or sulfur), after which the percentage of Cu in the surface layer of the silver alloy becomes smaller, the metal does not darken;
- electroplating: a universal method that involves passing an electric current through a bath of salt solution containing silver, as a result, molecules of one metal are deposited onto another; jewelry and cutlery are often coated in this way, and pure silver is used to create a protective layer;
- rhodium plating: increases the hardness of silver, products better withstand the effects of negative factors, in addition, rhodium prevents the darkening of silver, but this coating requires periodic restoration, because it becomes thinner with wear;
- gilding: performed using the electroplating method, the thickness of the layer that covers silver is 1-2 microns, gilding tends to tarnish, so you need to take care of the product, but there is no need to regularly clean it, the disadvantages of this method include the increased cost of jewelry , as well as gradual thinning of the coating;
- varnish treatment: the method allows you to preserve the whiteness of silver for a long time, but after applying a layer of varnish, the product goes out of use, jewelry cannot be worn, and silverware should not be used for its intended purpose, varnish coating is used to preserve the item for a long period (for example, antiques);
- wax protection: a thin layer of material prevents the penetration of air, this option is used for only one purpose - to provide conditions for long-term storage of products, since oxygen has a destructive effect on the metal (provokes oxidation).
Opinion of esotericists: damage has been caused
Esotericists are confident that everything made from this metal cleanses the human aura of negativity. Therefore, when damage is caused to the owner of the product, it suddenly begins to turn black.
Darkening of the metal may be due to the following:
A love spell has been cast.- Damage has been caused.
- The owner is depressed, the decoration takes away the negativity.
- Problems and misfortunes will occur.
Elderly people claim that it is possible to determine the type of damage depending on the type of decoration. If the ring turns black, the owner is crowned with celibacy. The earrings have darkened - the woman has a powerful evil eye. Many people are interested in why a 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 a cross turns black to indicate trouble. To avoid it, it is necessary to perform a special ritual. To get rid of the evil eye, you should put three candles in three different churches and replace the cross.
Experts recommend that if the jewelry darkens, clean it and place it in salt water in a place where the moon illuminates the vessel at night. It will be cleared of negativity.
Where to buy silver products in Moscow
You can find a wide range of silver products in different price categories in the jewelry stores of the Golden Gross shopping center, the number of which currently exceeds a hundred. Among the jewelry presented in their showcases you will find rings and earrings with and without inserts, necklaces, bracelets, chains, pendants and much more. We approach the selection of each partner with special care and therefore we give our own guarantee for each product that you buy in the showrooms of the jewelry center.
You can try on any accessories that you spot in the YuC stores right on the spot. This way you can immediately understand how suitable this or that model is for you. If necessary, contact the salon managers for help. These are polite and responsive employees who will answer your questions, advise and select products taking into account your requests. In addition, sales and promotions are regularly held in the jewelry stores of our shopping center, during which discounts can reach 40-50%.
Explanation from a scientific point of view
There are a number of factors that influence the color of silver products:
- change in pH of the environment;
- oxidation upon contact with sulfur (sulfide deposits form);
- a combination of divalent sulfur with components in the air, which contributes to a change in the color of the metal during long-term storage.
The quality of the products is also taken into account. Perhaps the jewelry containing an excessive amount of nickel, zinc, copper has darkened; its price was probably low (low fineness). Items with more expensive additives (platinum, gold) retain their appearance best.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE CORRECT SILVER CROSS.
Silver crosses can be divided into both men's and women's, as well as crosses for children.
When buying a silver cross, first of all, you must decide whether you will wear it as a decoration or as a symbol of faith. Remember that when buying a cross in jewelry stores, you must take into account that their assortment includes a huge number of all kinds of crosses, often very far from the Orthodox and generally Christian canons.
That is why, when purchasing a cross as a symbol of faith, pay attention to its appearance and shape. An Orthodox pectoral cross can be either four-six or eight-pointed, most often with a crucifix on the front side.
On the back of the cross are engraved the words of the prayer “Save and Preserve”
An Orthodox pectoral cross can be either four-six or eight-pointed, most often with a crucifix on the front side. On the reverse side of the cross, the words of the prayer “Save and Preserve” are engraved.
Of course, when buying a pectoral cross solely as decoration, you can move away from these parameters.
Whatever cross you choose, you should not buy a product that has too sharp ends, especially if you are purchasing the product for a child. Because you can get hurt on such a cross, and wearing it will be extremely uncomfortable.
While men most often wear massive crosses, women prefer more graceful and miniature ones. In general, there are no noticeable differences between male and female crosses. The only selection criterion is your taste and income level.
However, if women prefer more expensive crosses, often decorated with precious stones, then a man will most likely prefer to get by with a simple cross, without all sorts of frills.
What Science Says
Despite popular superstitions, modern science provides a completely logical explanation of the reasons why silver turns black. Since it is a metal, it can oxidize. This is a common chemical reaction that occurs when it interacts with the environment. For example, when the climate changes to a more humid one, with frequent contact of the product with water.
There are other known reasons for the appearance of blackness on silver jewelry. This is an interaction with sulfur-containing substances. For example, when using an ointment that contains sulfur. In addition, the metal can also interact with sulfur vapor contained in the air. This is especially true for residents of industrial areas where the environmental situation is not at its best.
The pectoral cross is darkening
Very often the cross turns black as a result of damage and the evil eye. Sometimes the cross turns black, and many associate this phenomenon with the presence of damage or the evil eye. Likewise, the crosses “consecrated” in this false church remain unconsecrated.
The pectoral cross is not only a symbol of faith, but also a strong amulet. If the cross is made of silver, then its blackening may mean a decline in energy reserves, a weakening of the human biofield.
If a gold cross has turned black, then in this case this phenomenon will have a completely different explanation. If we turn to the scientific explanation of this phenomenon, it turns out that the cross can turn black as a result of oxidation.
Causes of blackened crosses
Gold or silver oxidizes only upon contact with water, as well as with increased sweating of a person wearing a cross. My husband’s cross has turned black (my husband is baptized). And after some time, my husband’s nephew was baptized, and two days later his cross also turned black.
Unfortunately, you did not tell me the material (metal) from which the crosses were made. A silver cross can turn black due to a hidden illness of the person wearing it.
So the fact that your cross has darkened is a natural process, there is nothing wrong with it, the cross can be cleaned.
So why did a silver chain, for example, or earrings turn black, and how to deal with it? Of the places where jewelry is worn, the largest number of sebaceous glands are located in the neck and chest.
That is why most often it is chains and crosses that darken. We all wear silver crosses. Silver also darkens in other diseases. No. The eldest son and husband have absolutely brilliant crosses. Been wearing it for a long time. I have an old cross.
Silver always darkens when it feels something is wrong with the wearer’s health.
But you never know, maybe in other crosses there is a slightly larger proportion of other metals - so they don’t darken. As for the cross, I think it’s from contact with some substance (cream, lotion, you never know what else) So don’t worry!!! I found this thread because I have something to say. I wore a ring, a chain and a silver cross (light silver) for two months or even more without a break.
But there are some nuances here too. And even from a scientific point of view, very often a blackened cross is a sign of health problems, and therefore a sign of a weakened biofield. If you don’t do this and wear it in the same condition, then along with it you will carry a load of negative energy, which will attract failures and illnesses to you.
How and with what to clean?
As a rule, evil spirits settle in houses whose owners are involved in the occult, spiritualism, card fortune-telling, extrasensory perception, etc. Quote from the book) But besides this, they also consider this theory to be close to the Orthodox faith.
Our debates are heated. Silver oxidizes and darkens over time.
That is, the Church is for fruitful cooperation with psychology and psychotherapy, subject to adequate delimitation of methods of influence and areas of competence in accordance with the situation of each person.
There is no place for God in her concept of forgiveness. A person forgives everything to himself. This is a hidden education of pride and exaltation over others. I have time and funds for pilgrimage trips.
Are there parasites living in your body?
It seems to me that in this matter it is possible and necessary to choose the path of the “golden mean”. If you have the means to help the church and your neighbors, the desire to help is very good.
This is a matter of personal choice and has no religious significance. Therefore, do not be embarrassed, there is no sin in the fact that your salary will be transferred to a plastic card, and it will not harm your soul. Hello. I have committed a great sin. So big that for about a year now I haven’t been able to muster up the courage to go to confession, although I have a great desire to do this and take communion.
If you believe the signs, then the blackened pectoral cross must be cleaned and consecrated again. There is a popular superstition according to which, if the cross turns black, then a negative impact has been exerted on the person. So if the cross turns black, it can mean illness, depression and internal problems.
We advise you to study Prayers to John of Kronstadt against drunkenness
