Jewelry can discolor due to several factors:
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Metal Composition: The type of metal used in the jewelry can affect its susceptibility to discoloration. For example, sterling silver jewelry may tarnish over time due to oxidation, resulting in a darkening or dulling of the metal. Similarly, plated metals may lose their coating and reveal the base metal beneath, causing discoloration.
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Exposure to Chemicals: Contact with chemicals such as perfumes, lotions, hairspray, and household cleaning agents can accelerate the tarnishing or corrosion of jewelry. These chemicals can react with the metal, leading to discoloration or surface damage.
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Environmental Factors: Exposure to moisture, humidity, and air pollutants can also contribute to jewelry discoloration. Oxidation, which occurs when metals react with oxygen in the air, is a common cause of discoloration, particularly for metals like silver and copper.
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Acidity of Skin: The natural oils and acidity levels of an individual's skin can affect how quickly jewelry tarnishes or discolors. People with higher acidity levels in their skin may experience more rapid discoloration of certain metals.
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Poor Quality Materials or Manufacturing: Jewelry made from low-quality materials or with inferior manufacturing processes may be more prone to discoloration. For example, inadequate plating thickness or poor sealing of metal surfaces can result in premature discoloration.
To prevent or minimize jewelry discoloration, it's essential to:
- Store jewelry in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight.
- Avoid wearing jewelry when swimming, bathing, or engaging in activities that expose it to moisture or chemicals.
- Clean jewelry regularly using mild soap and water or specialized jewelry cleaning solutions.
- Remove jewelry before applying lotions, perfumes, or hairspray to prevent chemical interactions.
- Consider investing in higher-quality jewelry made from durable materials to minimize discoloration over time.
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Sterling silver material necklace and ring
