Silver is the most popular precious metal in the world, which is used in jewelry. It seems that it has no flaws. However, lovers of silver jewelry notice after some time that their products begin to turn black. This happens both during regular wear and when stored without wearing.

Blackening of silver jewelry manifests itself in a change in its color to gray, yellowish, brown or black.

An unattractive coating is formed on the surface of the product, which deprives the object of its natural glow and visual appeal.

We will talk about why silver turns black in this article.

Why does silver blacken on the body: myths and truth

There are many myths about the phenomenon of silver discoloration. Most of them are folk beliefs. According to them, the reason for the appearance of an ugly coating on silver products can be diseases or poor health of a person.

This is not always true. Silver does not have the magical ability to predict health.

The answer to the question «why does silver turn black on the human body?» — another During the use of jewelry, an oxidation process occurs — silver reacts to contact with oxygen in the air.

Sulfur dioxide is the main cause of discoloration of silver jewelry. Every day people breathe its air. The body, protecting itself from harmful influences, expels it with sweat through the skin.

For this reason, silver jewelry worn directly on the body changes its color to a darker one. The metal reacts with sulfur compounds present in our sweat, which cause dark deposits to form on silver jewelry.

Jewelry kept in a closed room darkens when in contact with polluted air. The intensity of the process and the time after which it appears largely depends on the level of environmental pollution.

If you put a new, beautifully polished ring on the shelf, it will eventually turn black. Collectors and investors often recognize blackening as a primary verification as proof that they are dealing with genuine silver and not alloy.

Why does silver turn black on a person?

Since silver jewelry has direct contact with the skin, diet and medication can also change its color.

An excess of substances that our body considers harmful is excreted mainly with sweat. This is why silver can darken after direct contact with it.

However, this is not always a signal of any disease or problem, but a natural reaction of our body, to which silver also reacts indirectly.

The neck is the place where the largest amount of sweat is excreted from the body, and with it — many chemicals.

Each person emits different substances with different frequency and intensity. In one, this process is carried out in such a way that the silver becomes black, and in the other — nothing happens.

People living in large urban agglomerations and industrial areas are more likely to tarnish silver jewelry. In these places, the air is more polluted.

In one alloy of silver, this phenomenon will occur less often than with reduced samples of silver of a smaller sample. This explains the fact why 925 black silver is much rarer than other types of silver.

Although tarnishing is an inevitable process, there are a few simple ways to preserve the original shine of silver:

1. correct use. Silver does not like water. Jewelry must be removed before entering the bath, swimming pool, swimming in the sea or before washing dishes. Cosmetics can also affect the darkening of silver, so it is not recommended to apply rings directly to cream hands or spray perfume on a neck decorated with a chain;

2. proper care From time to time, silver jewelry should be cleaned with special means. The most popular are liquids with special additives, in which jewelry, polishing foams and napkins soaked in detergent are immersed;

3. proper storage. The ideal place for this will be closed boxes that block the air supply to the jewelry. Jewelry that is stored in this way will definitely remain free of dark deposits. Unfortunately, many people tend to leave their jewelry in the bathroom. In no case should you do this!

Buy silver jewelry in the Silvers online store and do not forget about the packaging — a jewelry box or bag. It effectively limits air flow and preserves the natural shine of silver products.