Dawson Jewelers

You may think that faulty manufacturing or under karating might be the problem when a ring “turns,” blackening or discoloring either the skin, clothing or the jewelry itself. However, that is not the case. You can prevent this from happening. The most common reason is metallic abrasion, cause by makeup on skin or clothing. Cosmetics often contain compounds harder than the jewelry itself, which wear or rub off very fine particles. Very finely divided metal always appears black rather than metallic, so it looks like a jet black dust. When this dust comes in 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, you should remove rings and other jewelry while applying them and clean skin areas in contact with jewelry with soap and water. Another cause is actual corrosion of the metals. Gold itself does not corrode, but its primary base-metal 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 14k 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 often and use an absorbent powder, free of abrasives, on skin that comes in contact with jewelry. Even the design of the 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. As well as solving the problem, you will be amazed at how much better your rings will look! In addition to these corrective actions, it is recommended that you switch to 18k gold or platinum. The lower base-metal content of 18k gold (25%), versus almost 42% of 14k gold significantly reduces the problem, and the use of platinum should eliminate it completely. If you have any questions concerning this subject, please call us at 793-7884 anytime. Our hours are Monday- Friday 10:00am-5:30pm, Thursdays till 7:00pm and Saturdays till 4:30pm. Share this with your family and friends, you can never stop learning!

The team at Dawson Jewelers, Designs by Dana