Yankee Goldsmiths

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why does my silver jewelry tarnish? -

How to Prevent Silver from Tarnishing

Sterling, at over 92% silver, is quite pure. Perhaps this metal’s most remarkable attribute is the way it ages. Silver patinas so beautifully that designers often exaggerate that quality, incorporating recesses protected from the natural polishing of everyday wear, and even pre-oxidizing the surface.

Tarnishing of Sterling Silver Jewelry

Sterling silver is a copper-silver alloy and is somewhat softer than most gold alloys. Therefore, it is more likely to be abraded to black dust by movement between the jewelry and the skin or clothing. A few people, especially with moist skin, may find that the sterling silver stains their skin green due to the copper component of the silver alloy. When this occurs they should polish their jewelry frequently and use an absorbent, non-abrasive powder on moist skin areas that are exposed to the jewelry.

Other Problems with Sterling Silver and Solutions

Soaps, detergent, wax, polish, and cosmetic creams may build up under a ring causing a type of dermatitis. To prevent this, they should remove all rings before using soap or detergent, and clean the rings frequently. Silver jewelry should be removed before with photographic chemicals.

2.Why Does Gold Discolor My Skin?-

1. The most common reason is metallic abrasion, caused by makeup on skin or clothing. Cosmetics often contain compounds harder than the jewelry itself, which wear or rub off very tiny particles. Very finely divided metal always appears black rather than metallic, so it looks like a jet-black dust. When this dust comes into contact with absorbent surfaces such as skin or clothing, it sticks, forming a black smudge.

To prevent this, you should try switching cosmetics. If this is not possible, remove rings and other jewelry while applying them, and clean skin areas in contact with jewelry with soap and water.

2. Another cause is actual 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 you perspire, 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 chlorides combine with perspiration to form a corrosive element that discolors skin. Smog fumes gradually attack jewelry and are evident as a tarnish that rubs off on the skin.

We suggest that you remove jewelry often and use an absorbent powder, free of abrasives, on skin that comes into contact with jewelry.

3. 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 dermatitis.

Remove all rings before using soaps, cleaning compounds or detergents, and clean your rings frequently.

In addition to these corrective actions, we would recommend that you try switching 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.

3. How should I take care of my jewelry?-

Caring for jewelry is a necessary part of owning the jewelry. With proper care, your jewelry will bring you continued satisfaction of ownership over the years. The following information is to help you better understand how to care for your jewelry so that you may enjoy it for many years to come. Some tips to remember when caring for your jewelry include:

• Avoid wearing fine jewelry when you're performing manual labor tasks, such as housework.
  
• Clean your jewelry periodically. This will help ensure its fine appearance and will help it last. To clean, use warm soapy water (use a non-detergent soap) to soak your jewelry. Please do not use toothpaste.
  
• Use a soft brush to help remove dirt on the prongs of larger gem jewelry.
  
• Use plain alcohol to help reduce greasy film on diamond jewelry prior to any other cleaning is done.
  
• Be wary of makeup, moisture, and chemicals that may affect your gold jewelry's appearance.
  
• Keep gold jewelry out of swimming pools with chlorine. Chlorine can damage gold over a period of time.
  
  

Remember to bring in your jewelry to us from time to time and have us inspect it and give it a good cleaning.

Discover the Yankee Goldsmiths Difference

Founded by native Mainers, who have a combined experience of over 50 years, trained and certified by national jewelery organizations. Yankee Goldsmiths offers a wide variety of affordable, quality jewelry; from classic favorites to unique custom hand-made pieces and are committed to quick, friendly, and professional service.