The silver chain has turned black: everyday and esoteric reasons

18.122020

Silver is a popular precious metal that is widely used to make jewelry such as rings, earrings and chains. It has high ductility and chemical resistance. Products made from it can gracefully and elegantly complement any outfit, be it a business suit for the office or an evening dress for a festive event. But sooner or later, silver jewelry begins to darken, losing its original shine.

Why does silver turn black?

The appearance of a dark coating (patina) on a silver product is a natural process due to the fact that copper is always present in the alloy, because Argentum (Latin for “silver”) is itself a soft metal. Copper, in turn, reacts to compounds containing sulfur, as a result of which the jewelry begins to oxidize and darken. But it often happens that a person wears jewelry for a relatively short time, but it has already become covered with a dark coating. Why silver on the body darkens is a question that may bother many owners of products made from this metal. The blackening of silver is affected by:

• Stressful situations. The fact is that experiences enhance the work of the sweat glands, and with heavy sweating, an increase in the concentration of sulfates is observed. These are sulfuric acid salts that enter into a chemical reaction with the metal, which ultimately leads to blackening of the jewelry.
• Physical activity. Exercise, like stress, leads to increased sweating. Therefore, if you forgot to take off your silver jewelry before training, then do not be surprised that it is covered with a dark coating.
• Contacts with household chemicals and cosmetics. The abundance of components that can enter into a chemical reaction with the metal increases the likelihood of its darkening. Therefore, you need to remove all silver items before starting housework (cleaning and washing, cooking, etc.) and before starting hygiene procedures. It is also better to visit the sauna and swimming pool, massage therapist and cosmetologist without jewelry.
• High humidity levels. This factor helps slow down the evaporation of sweat, resulting in the appearance of a large amount of sulfur salts on the skin, which trigger oxidation. Silver items can quickly lose their original shine and darken once you arrive in a humid climate. Since such accessories are susceptible to moisture, they must be removed before the pool, shower or sauna.

Signs about darkened silver

In folk legends, silver has a special place - it protects against evil spirits, protects against the evil eye and plays a large role in magical rituals. Blackening of silver signs are explained in different ways. Everything is important here - the part of the body on which the jewelry was worn, the gender and age of the owner, and even the type of item.

So, if a silver chain with a pectoral cross turns black on your neck, signs will say that you have been damaged, or have been very strongly jinxed. If the silver chain on a child’s neck becomes dark, you should go to the priest as soon as possible and once again consecrate both the cross and the chain in order to protect the child from evil spirits.

A chain with a pectoral cross turned black on the neck

If silver turns black on a man’s body, it means that someone’s evil intent condemns him to the life of a bachelor. It’s the same with a young girl - if her silver jewelry suddenly turns black, it means she’s wearing the crown of celibacy.

Not only jewelry, but also household products can turn black. So, if the silverware turns black, then according to signs, evil spirits have appeared in the house. To get rid of uninvited neighbors, sprinkle the house with holy water and read a prayer.

How to return silver to its previous appearance

If your silver items have darkened over time, then you should not immediately look for a replacement. The decoration can be restored to its former beauty. Of course, it is best to purchase special jewelry cleaning products that are sold in jewelry stores. But you can make do with improvised means. Popular ways to clean silver from tarnishing:

• Regular lipstick. It contains titanium dioxide and a lot of fat, which clean the silver and give the jewelry a beautiful shine. It is enough to spread lipstick on the jewelry and rub it thoroughly. But keep in mind that this method is optimal only for smooth products that do not have inserts in the form of precious stones.
• Toothpaste. This is another simple and affordable ingredient for brightening silver items. Its effectiveness is due to the fact that it contains abrasive microparticles that literally polish and remove patina. All you need to do is apply a little paste to your toothbrush (it should have soft bristles), polish the accessory and rinse it using cold water. Then gently wipe the product.
• Soda. This is an inexpensive but very effective remedy for combating tarnish on silver, which can be found in every kitchen. The method of application is quite simple: boil water and dilute it with soda (50 g per liter), then lower the ring or other decoration into boiling water for 10-15 seconds, after wrapping it in foil. After this, all that remains is to rinse the product and dry it thoroughly.

What causes silver to turn black? Folk signs and beliefs

Unfortunately, from time immemorial, jewelry has been associated with dozens of superstitions - for every metal or shiny stone, folk rumors have come up with dozens, if not hundreds of magical properties. The inability to explain physical phenomena has led to the emergence of a huge number of myths, and silver is perhaps the most “stigmatized” hero here.

The European superstitious tradition associates the darkening of metals with dark forces, which are thus trying to reach the owner of the jewelry with their furry, clawed paws. Here are just a few examples from traditional Christian culture:

• The silver cross turned black - a curse for committing a mortal sin.
• If the chain on your neck or the earrings in your ears darken greatly, they are trying to put the evil eye on you or bewitch you with witchcraft.
• The silver on the finger turns black - a terrible omen for a young unmarried girl; heaven has destined for her a crown of celibacy.
• If a dark coating appears on silver dishes or cutlery, a brownie or unclean spirit has entered the home, the house needs to be sanctified with prayers.

For centuries, blackened silver jewelry was simply thrown into a river or abyss, and the unfortunate owner had to go to church, confess his sins, and only then buy a new item. Fortunately, in the modern world you don’t need to be so wasteful - it’s enough to trust scientists who have managed to prove everything experimentally.

Storage and care rules

To prevent silver jewelry from darkening for a long time, adhere to the following recommendations for storing it:

• For storage, use velvet bags, cases or boxes - it is better to place them separately so that they do not scratch each other. As a last resort, you can use a plastic bag.
• Do not use paper or cardboard packaging, or bags made of viscose silk to store silver accessories. They contain sulfur, which can accelerate the process of blackening of the metal.
• The optimal storage location is a dry and cool place that is located away from light and heat sources.

In addition, it is necessary to properly care for your jewelry, in particular, regularly clean and polish it. Also remember to take them off before swimming, cleaning the house or playing sports. To prevent silver from darkening for a long time, jewelers recommend coating accessories with rhodium – it will help protect the metal and help it remain shiny for a long time.

Silver oxidation

It is not for nothing that the strongest amulets for health and active talismans for good luck in business are made from silver, because unlike gold, silver does not take away, but absorbs a person’s energy.

Oxidation of silver is the first “bell” that not all is well with a person’s physical and mental health. If someone from the outside unexpectedly asks you a question why a silver chain, cross or bracelet has turned black, then you need to quickly check your health: first of all, the liver, kidneys, as well as hormonal balance and metabolism.

In all magical practices, it is silver objects that are a mandatory attribute of powerful rituals on the Full Moon and New Moon, since they are able to “remember” a spell or conspiracy cast over them.

Where to buy silver products in Moscow

You can find a wide range of silver products in different price categories in the jewelry stores of the Golden Gross shopping center, the number of which currently exceeds a hundred. Among the jewelry presented in their showcases you will find rings and earrings with and without inserts, necklaces, bracelets, chains, pendants and much more. We approach the selection of each partner with special care and therefore we give our own guarantee for each product that you buy in the showrooms of the jewelry center.

You can try on any accessories that you spot in the YuC stores right on the spot. This way you can immediately understand how suitable this or that model is for you. If necessary, contact the salon managers for help. These are polite and responsive employees who will answer your questions, advise and select products taking into account your requests. In addition, sales and promotions are regularly held in the jewelry stores of our shopping center, during which discounts can reach 40-50%.

Reasons why a silver chain turns black

A silver chain is a popular accessory that is constantly in contact with the skin when worn. That’s why silver chains become covered with a black coating faster than other jewelry.

We have looked at the general reasons why silver turns black when worn. Now I would like to dwell in more detail on why a silver chain on a person’s skin turns black so quickly.

Low quality decoration

The quality of decoration is perhaps one of the most important factors in this matter. Silver jewelry is never made from pure metal, only from alloys. Since it is physically impossible to make jewelry from silver alone, it is very malleable. To give shape and hardness, various metals, most often copper, are added to silver.

So, if there is too much copper in the composition of silver, then such a product will turn black very quickly, and it will hardly be possible to return the original shine. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the sample of jewelry, and choose chains, earrings or rings only of the best samples - 925 or 960.

Such jewelry does not darken longer, and if a black coating appears, it can be removed with home remedies.

Change in health status

Silver turns black on the body not only for external reasons, as we have already said, but also for internal ones. There is a theory that health problems can affect the color of silver, making it darker. So, if the chain suddenly becomes covered with patina, this may be evidence of some internal diseases:

• Hormonal imbalances. First of all, hormonal imbalance affects the intensity of sweating, which, in turn, leads to rapid blackening of the chain. If you notice this, check your endocrine system. But we would like to remind you that hormonal levels also change during pregnancy. Therefore, a dark coating on a chain can become a signal to a woman about her “new position.”
• Disturbances in the functioning of the kidneys, liver, gall bladder. If there are any “inaccuracies” in the work of these organs, this affects the entire body. If there are malfunctions in the functioning of the internal organs, the chain can suddenly darken; literally it was shining in the morning, and by the evening it was already covered with blackness. If you notice this, there is only one piece of advice - take care of your health.

Environmental influence

Constantly wearing silver on the street, in the gym, or at home will affect its appearance. So, if you are going to the pool or lake, it is better to leave silver jewelry at home. As a last resort, remove before swimming. High temperatures, a humid environment, and even chlorine and other substances in pools will negatively affect the metallic luster of silver.

Air pollution also affects how quickly silver blackens. The dirtier the environment, the faster the oxidation process will occur, and vice versa.

Unfortunately, this is a natural process, and we cannot prevent it in any way. But if you properly care for your silver, clean it on time and store it properly, you can maintain its radiant appearance for many years.

How to distinguish silver from silver plating

The easiest way is to find a brand. Silver-plated items are not branded because too little precious metal was used to make them.

If there is no mark on your item, you can carefully look at its shape and condition. If the item is silver-plated, the coating in some places may have worn off or started to fall off - look for cracks and chips. Finally, jewelry made entirely of silver does not rust. If rust is noticeable on silverware or jewelry, it means that you are looking at silver plating.

How and with what to clean?

The good news is that you can clean the blackness from silver at home. But it is better not to do this with expensive products and precious stones. In this case, it is better to take it to a good jewelry workshop.

Cleaning products

Silver also comes in different types. Depending on them, the cleaning method is chosen. Jewelry stores offer a large selection of various preparations for cleaning all popular types of precious metals. There you can consult and buy suitable products. The only caveat is, do not try to clean blackened silver, entrust this to a master. It can quickly lose its appearance through a peeling surface. Most likely, you have matte silver; you need to clean it carefully, as you can damage the surface.

Folk recipes

Tooth powder and paste are highly effective. Look what you have in your home. You need to be very careful with the powder so as not to scratch the surface. Apply a small amount of it to a soft damp cloth and clean with gentle movements. Attention, toothpaste is aggressive for the soft surface of silver, so be careful.

Ammonia will quickly get rid of blackness. To do this, the item must be completely lowered inside for a short time, removed and wiped with a damp cloth.

Another way is as follows: add 2 tablespoons of ammonia per liter of water. To enhance it, you can add a little hydrogen peroxide or soap. Immerse the item for 10-20 minutes, after the procedure it will be much easier to clean.

If you just need to wash off black deposits, you can make a soap solution. To obtain it, soap shavings are dissolved in warm water. You can even immerse silver overnight.

Why silver becomes covered with a dark coating: a mystical explanation

According to superstitions, silver darkens from absorbed negativity. It is believed that silver darkens from contact with the skin of an unhealthy person. If a silver item quickly turns black on the body, this may mean an incipient illness that has not yet made itself felt.

There is often information that silver jewelry darkens after a negative magical influence on a person. Simply put, after an evil eye or a conspiracy.

Silver selection

There are silver products that are not subject to the formation of dark plaque. They have a thin layer of another metal (rhodium) applied on top of the silver.

This substance is most similar in appearance to silver, so the presence of a coating will not change the appearance of the jewelry in any way. But rhodium is much more resistant to external influences.

Unless a special coating is applied to the jewelry, any real silver will darken . Which product should I buy to reduce the number of problems with plaque formation? It is worth focusing on the alloy sample. The higher the standard, the slower the decoration will become covered with a black coating.

How to prevent tarnishing of silver

It is impossible to permanently rid silver of black plaque. This is his nature. By following the recommendations, you can delay this moment as much as possible.

Silver alloy is sensitive to moisture, so it must be protected from it. Take off before going to the shower, bath, bath or gym. Jewelry is not meant to be worn every day, so keep this in mind and only wear it during certain events. Don’t get carried away with cleaning, too much is not healthy.

After cleaning the silver, leave it in the fresh air for at least 1-2 days. This time is enough for the formation of a protective oxide film, which will prevent plaque from quickly returning. You can also use rhodium plating, which preserves the mirror shine and natural color of the product for a long time. The surface is often coated with a protective varnish; in such conditions there is no need to bleach the silver.

Evil eye, damage, unrepentant sins

Photo: Pixabay.com
Some people associate the darkening of the cross with casting the evil eye or damage. Others believe that the owner of the blackened silver item has committed a grave sin.

When putting on a cross, remember that it is not a magical talisman or amulet that will automatically protect the owner from evil forces without the participation of the person himself. You should not believe in church superstitions and old woman’s gossip; they distract from prayer and interfere with the fight against sins.

Private opinion: Father Vladimir Golovin believes that any issue must be approached with understanding. And the blackening of the cross is associated with spiritual reasons, but not for everyone.

If your pectoral cross is broken, blackened or lost, and your conscience convicts you of some sin, then go to confession.

“Simply wearing a pectoral cross is not everything. We must visit the temple of God, confess, take communion, live the life of an Orthodox Christian, then God will protect us from all evil,” says priest Dionisy Svechnikov.

Signs and superstitions

Some people believe that this metal oxidizes due to a strong negative magical effect: the evil eye, damage, curse, love spell. In many cultures and religions, the oxidation of silver items is associated with the presence of demons, the presence of evil spirits in the house, or the appearance of envious people in the environment. There are a large number of signs, beliefs and superstitions that explain the reasons why silver used in the production of body jewelry (crosses, rings, chains) turns black.

Damage or evil eye

According to superstitious people, if silver jewelry has acquired a black tint, this indicates damage. Items made of this metal protect their owners and, taking a magical blow, change color.

The most common beliefs:

1. A girl who had never been married had a tarnished ring - a crown of celibacy was placed on her. If a man's ring turns black, the owner will be a bachelor all his life.
2. The pectoral cross changed color - the owner was cursed.
3. Tarnished earrings, chain or bracelet indicate an attempt to cast the evil eye or a meeting with an energy vampire.
4. Blackened cutlery and decorative items indicate the presence of evil spirits and evil spirits in the house.

Health problems

Signs also say that metal can change color due to the poor health of the person who owns the thing made from it. If the owner of the jewelry gets sick, it quickly turns black. From a scientific point of view, rapid darkening of silver may indicate the presence of diseases of the liver, gall bladder, and endocrine system. This is due to increased sweating during illness.

In addition, silver jewelry changes color during hormonal imbalances and metabolic disorders.

Blackened silver ring

Silver is a precious metal that is credited with magical properties. Even now, in the era of science, it is used in medicine, with its help they purify water and oxygen. Previously, it was used to fight evil spirits. With the help of silver jewelry, people tried to protect themselves from witches and vampires, and made talismans from the material.

The metal has a beneficial effect on a person; with its constant wear, visible changes appear:

• the aura is cleansed and the state of the bioenergy field is restored;
• protection from outside influence is provided: silver does not allow damage or curses to be caused;
• spiritual growth is stimulated.

If a silver ring on your finger suddenly turns black, this is a bad sign. Esotericists believe that the metal took on the negative and thus protected its owner. You should not worry about this, nor should you ignore the change. If done correctly, negative interpretations can be eliminated and serious problems can be prevented.

Attention!

Mystics and esotericists advise paying attention to the condition of other silver items, especially the pectoral cross. Its blackening may signal a serious curse.

Environment

For people living in areas with a humid climate, especially on the sea coast, blackening of the pectoral cross is common. Hydrogen sulfide quickly oxidizes silver.

In addition, water and air pollution has reached unprecedented levels. Drinking water is disinfected with chlorine, industrial enterprises produce huge amounts of sulfur compounds.

Advice: If, after swimming in a local pond, the pectoral cross turns black or there is a chemical production facility near your house and there is a smell of hydrogen sulfide, then it is better to change your place of residence.