Many will think that faulty
manufacturing or uderkarating might be the problem when a ring
"turns," blackening, discoloring or irritating the skin and
clothing, or the jewelry itself. However, that is not the case. This guide
will help you understand the causes and how to prevent it.
The most common reason is metallic
abrasion, caused by makeup on skin or clothing. Cosmetics often contain
compounds harder than the jewelry itself, which ware or rub off very tiny
particles. Very finely divided metal always appears black rather then
metallic, so it looks like a jet-black dust. When this dust comes into contact
with absorbent surface such as skin or clothing, it sticks, forming a black
smudge.
To prevent this you may try switching
cosmetics. If this is not possible, then you should remove rings and other
jewelry while applying them on, and clean skin areas that were in contact with
jewelry with soap and water.
Another cause is corrosion of the
metals. Gold itself does not corrode, but its primary alloys of silver or
copper will do so-forming very dark chemical compounds-under moist or wet
conditions.
When one perspires, fats and fatty
acids released can cause corrosion of 14-karat gold, especially when exposed
to warmth and air. This problem can be worse in seacoast and semitropical
areas, where chloride combined with perspiration to form a corrosive element
that discolors skin. Smog fumes gradually attack jewelry and are evident as a
tarnish that rubs off in the skin.
A good suggestion is that you remove
your jewelry often and use an absorbent powder, free of abrasives, on the skin
that comes into contact with your jewelry.
Even the design of jewelry can be an
influence. Wide shanks have more surface area to contact abrasives or
corrosives. Concave surfaces inside a shank form collection points that trap
moisture and contaminants, also causing a type of irritation or dermatitis.
A good practice is to remove all
rings before using soaps, cleaning compounds or detergents, and clean your
rings frequently. As well as helping solve the problem, you'll be amazed at
how much better your rings look!
In addition to this corrective
actions, the next recommendation is to switch to 18-karat gold or platinum.
The lower alloy content of 18-karat gold-25%, versus almost 42%-significantly
reduces the problem, and the use of platinum should eliminate it completely
because of the purity of the metal.