Many people love to wear jewelry, but not everyone can afford to spend money on quality jewelry, such as real silver and gold jewelry. Unfortunately, cheap jewelry can discolor your skin in a short time. So, how do you prevent jewelry from turning into copper?
To be honest, everyone has worn fake jewelry (cheap fashion jewelry) at a particular moment in their lives. In fact, there is nothing shameful about this. In fact, mixing faux jewelry with more elegant and expensive jewelry is an excellent way to show off your sense of style and follow modern trends without breaking your bank account. If you’re not sure how you’ll adapt to a new jewelry trend, fake jewelry is the best option.
However, faux jewelry changes in appearance after a period of use. Whether it is gold or silver, it tends to wear out quickly due to various factors, revealing the jewelry metal underneath. Most of us have experienced that our fingers turn green after wearing a ring a few times.
Let’s find out how to prevent our jewelry from turning copper, and why it does. Before telling you how to prevent jewelry from turning copper, let me explain why some jewelry turns copper.
Why Do Some Jewelry Turn into Copper?
There are several types of jewelry that look beautiful and expensive, even if they do not contain any precious gemstones. Artificial jewelry is not as durable as real jewelry; Therefore, it requires special attention and care to maintain its beauty and shine.
Failure to properly care for your cheap jewelry can tarnish and discolor. Here are some reasons why your jewelry turns into copper:
1. Material Structure
When you notice that your jewelry is changing color and turning copper, it may contain some copper in its material structure. Fortunately, copper is an antibacterial substance, which means it can inhibit or kill the growth of any microorganisms and destroy various viruses.
Therefore, it will not cause any damage to your skin. The element also has antifungal and antibacterial effects and is ideal for use in the manufacture of hospital materials such as bandages, towels, dermal gauze and wound products.
Sterling silver jewelry also contains some copper because it is a copper-silver alloy. This type of jewelry is prone to discoloration due to exposure to certain chemicals, leaving dark marks on the wearer’s skin. Depending on the amount of copper in your jewelry, your skin may show traces of green or black discoloration.
2. Metal Wear
One of the common reasons why jewelry turns copper is metal wear. Usually, people use various types of makeup and oils on their skin to moisturize the skin and look more attractive. However, these substances contain different compounds that react with artificial jewelry, causing its color to change.
Metal abrasion occurs when these compounds in cosmetics come into contact with jewelry metal and cause some of its tiny particles to rub or wear, leaving a dark black residue on the skin. When these residues land on absorbent surfaces such as clothing and skin, it sticks and forms black smudges.
3. Corrosion/Oxidation
Jewelers mix various metals to improve tensile strength, making them more malleable and durable. For example, pure gold is too soft to be used to make jewelry. Therefore, it is combined with different proportions of base metals such as copper and silver, making it easier to process and harder.
When such jewelry is exposed to moisture, they can quickly corrode, exposing base metals. Whether it’s sweat or pool water, these jewelry can react with these mild chemicals, causing the jewelry to corrode and discolor.
Similarly, skin sweat and copper are mixed to form chelated copper sheets, which are easily absorbed by the skin and turn the skin green. Fortunately, as mentioned earlier, copper does not harm human skin in any way. In fact, it is believed that copper can relieve blood circulation and arthritis problems. However, its color-changing properties make some people feel very frustrated and embarrassed.
How to Prevent Jewelry from Turning Copper?
Preventing your jewelry from turning into copper is a simple task. Typically, fashion jewelry contains more common materials such as electroplated metals, beads, glass, and semi-precious stones, making them cheaper.
These materials help create a look and style similar to fine jewelry without the high cost of real diamonds and gold. However, it is likely that this jewelry will not last forever. Fortunately, you can follow these steps to maximize its lifespan and minimize signs of wear.
1. Clean and Store Properly Regularly
The more you wear fashion jewelry, the more you need to clean it. Keep in mind that sterling silver, as well as fake jewelry, should go through the same cleaning procedure to maintain its glossy appearance. Keeping jewelry clean helps prevent it from oxidizing and discoloring the skin. Wipe your jewelry with a soft, clean cloth to remove accumulated body oils and sweat.
After cleaning the jewelry, wrap it in a rust cloth or bag, or even a zippered bag, to ensure that it does not oxidize when stored. You can also opt for some 3M rust strips, which absorb all the air around the jewelry, further preventing the jewelry from discoloring over time. It is recommended to store your fashion jewelry in a dark jewelry box to avoid excessive exposure to sunlight.
2. Apply Transparent Nail Polish
Applying a layer of clear nail polish to your fashion jewelry can also help prevent it from turning copper. It provides a protective layer for your jewelry, ensuring that it does not combine with sweat and various chemicals in cosmetics that cause the jewelry to turn coppery.
However, you must apply a layer of clear nail polish regularly, as the nail polish will soon disappear after wearing the jewelry continuously. Many jewelry experts recommend reapplying clear nail polish at least every two weeks. You can also choose to spray a jewelry protection spray on your jewelry as it has the same effect as applying clear nail polish.
3. Wear Cosmetics Before Wearing Fashion Jewelry
Applying lotions, oils, and other cosmetics before wearing jewelry can prevent chemicals and moisture on your skin from coming into contact with the jewelry. Apply a thin layer of makeup to the area where the skin comes into contact with the jewelry. Lotions and other products you apply to your skin can also act as a protective barrier between your skin and your jewelry, preventing it from turning copper and discoloring your skin.
Conclusion
Using the tips and tricks above will help you prevent your jewelry from turning copper. Whether they are made of sterling silver, copper, gold or silver plating, or a combination of various metals, your pieces will stay in optimal shape for a longer period of time. If you still have questions, ask your local jeweler about the best ways to care for your fashion jewelry top and prevent it from turning copper.
