|
|
Jewelry Allergies
Can Silver
give you a "green thumb" ?
Having a green thumb might be great for your vegetable
garden, but its not much fun when it was caused by your
beloved new Silver thumb ring! So why does Silver sometimes
turn some people's skin green?
Well, it's quite rare, but some people are allergic. But not
to silver, instead they are allergic to Nickel. So why is
there Nickel in your Silver jewelry ???
Pure Silver is way too soft and malleable to be used for
jewelry. Almost all the jewelry available anywhere is made
of Sterling Silver. Sterling Silver is defined, by law, as
92.5% pure silver, and 7.5% other metals. The other metals
harden the silver and give it strength. The most commonly
used "other metal" is copper. However, nickel and/or other
metals are sometimes used, and it's the nickel that can
cause one's skin to turn green.
So if you've ever had Sterling Silver jewelry turn your skin
green, then you know you are one of 2% to3% of the
population that's allergic to nickel.
|
|
|
Jewelry Cleaning
Unlike fine or pure silver, sterling silver and other alloys
will darken after exposure to air or salt water.
Furthermore, it is often difficult to polish fine chains or
intricately designed jewelry. However, there is a quick and
easy solution to clean your jewelry with just a few simple
house-hold items. Best of all, this non-toxic cleaning
solution does not require you to touch harsh cleaners or
scrub your jewelry.
|
|
Once you have
all these items ready, simply following the following
instructions to begin making the cleaning solution and get
your jewelry to shine beautifully!
1. Line the bottom of the sink or glass baking dish with a
sheet of aluminum foil.
2. Fill the foil-lined container with steaming hot water.
3. Add salt (sodium chloride) and baking soda (sodium
bicarbonate) to the water. To be precise, use two
tablespoons baking soda for every one tablespoon of salt.
4. Place your silver jewelry into the solution and let it
rest on the aluminum foil. You will be able to see the
tarnish disappear.
5. You will want to leave heavily tarnished jewelry in the
solution for at least five minutes. Otherwise, remove the
jewelry once it appears clean.
6. Gently rinse the silver jewelry with water and buff it
dry with a soft towel.
|