Blackened Earrings? Why It Happens and How to Keep Them Shining (2024 Guide)

Have you ever looked down and noticed your beautiful earrings had suddenly turned black? Don’t fret! This common occurrence has several explanations, and luckily, there are easy solutions.

This guide delves into the reasons behind black earrings and practical tips to keep them gleaming like new.

Why Are My Earrings Turning Black?

The blackening of earrings is usually due to a reaction between the metal of the earrings and the oils on your skin.

Reasons for Black Earrings:

Oxidation: The primary culprit is often oxygen interacting with the metal, forming a black compound called tarnish. Certain metals, like copper in sterling silver, are more susceptible to this process.
Skin Chemistry: Your unique skin oils and sweat can react with the metal, causing discoloration. Some individuals are more prone to this due to their natural body chemistry.
Cleaning or Storage: Improper cleaning or storing earrings can contribute to darkening. Leaving them near moisture or harsh chemicals accelerates tarnish, while infrequent cleaning allows dirt and oils to build up.
Metal Quality: Low-quality metals lack the resistance of purer materials like gold or platinum, making them more likely to tarnish quickly.

How Can I Prevent My Earrings From Turning Black?

Keep your earrings clean and dry.

If you’re like most people, you probably didn’t know that there are ways you can prevent your earrings from turning black. Here are a few tips :

1. Store your earrings in a dry place.

2. When you’re not wearing them, keep your earrings in a jewelry box or a pouch.

3. Avoid exposure to water and chemicals.

4. Don’t sleep in your earrings.

5. Take your earrings off before participating in activities that could cause them to get damaged.

6. Have your earrings professionally cleaned every few months.

7. Choose earrings made of materials that are less likely to tarnish.

Follow these tips and you’ll be sure to keep your earrings looking shiny and new.

10 Tips For Keeping Your Earrings Looking New

Regular Cleaning: Gently clean your earrings regularly with a soft cloth. For a deeper clean, use a solution of warm water and mild dish soap, but be sure to check if your earrings can be cleaned this way, especially if they have gemstones.
Proper Storage: Store your earrings in a jewelry box or a soft pouch to prevent scratches. Keeping them in a dry, cool place also helps in preventing tarnish, especially for silver earrings.
Avoid Moisture: Remove your earrings before showering, swimming, or exercising, as moisture can lead to tarnish or damage, especially in metals like silver or delicate materials like pearls.
Put Them On Last: To avoid exposure to chemicals, put your earrings on last when dressing and after applying makeup, hairspray, perfumes, or lotions.
Handle with Care: Be gentle when putting on and taking off your earrings. This prevents bending of delicate parts or loosening of stones.
Regular Inspections: Check your earrings regularly for any loose stones or damaged clasps and get them repaired as needed.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals: When cleaning your house or using strong chemicals, remove your earrings. Chemicals can dull or even damage certain metals and gemstones.
Use Anti-Tarnish Strips: If you have silver earrings, storing them with anti-tarnish strips can help prevent tarnishing.
Rotate Your Earrings: Regularly changing your earrings not only allows you to enjoy your entire collection but also prevents excessive wear and tear on any single pair.
Professional Cleaning and Maintenance: Once in a while, it’s a good idea to take your earrings, especially those with precious stones, to a professional jeweler for cleaning and maintenance. They can also check for any issues that you might have missed.

Remember, different materials require different care, so always consider the specific needs of each pair of earrings. For example, pearls require different care compared to diamonds or metal-only earrings.

How To Clean Earrings That Turned Black?

If your earrings have turned black, it’s likely due to tarnishing or oxidization, which can happen over time, especially with certain metals like sterling silver. Here’s how you can clean blackened earrings:

Cleaning Blackened Earrings:

Mild Solutions: For mild blackening, try lukewarm water and mild soap, followed by gentle polishing with a soft cloth.
Jewelry Cleaner: For more stubborn tarnish, use a specific jewelry cleaner. Follow the instructions carefully to avoid damaging the metal.
Professional Cleaning: For delicate or valuable earrings, consult a professional jeweler for safe and effective cleaning.

Bonus Tips On Cleaning Blackened Earrings

Rotate your collection: Wearing different earrings helps distribute wear and tear, preventing premature blackening on any one pair.
Wipe after swimming: Chlorine and saltwater can accelerate tarnish, so rinse and dry your earrings after swimming or showering.
Avoid sleeping in them: Friction and pressure during sleep can damage and tarnish your earrings.

How Often Should You Change Your Earrings?

You should change your earrings as often as you like, but if you have new piercings, it’s recommended to wait at least 6 weeks for earlobes and 12 weeks for cartilage piercings before changing them. For established piercings, you can change earrings daily if you wish.

Is It Normal For My Earrings To Turn Black?

Yes, it is! This is a sign that your piercing is healing properly. When you get a piercing, your body sends white blood cells to the area to repair the damage. These cells contain hemoglobin, which can make your earrings turn black. Don’t worry, this is temporary and the blackness will fade as your piercing heals. Just make sure to clean your piercing twice a day with a saline solution to prevent infection.

Conclusion

Blackened earrings don’t have to be a fashion bummer! Understanding the causes and implementing preventive measures can keep your favorite pieces sparkling for years to come. Embrace the beauty of earrings and enjoy their timeless radiance with proper care.

FAQ On Why Are My Earrings Turning Black

How Do I Clean Blackened Earrings?

To clean blackened earrings, you will need mild soap, some water, and a soft cloth. First, dampen the cloth with water and then add a small amount of mild soap. Gently rub the blackened areas of the earrings with the soapy cloth until the dirt and grime come off. Rinse the earrings well with clean water and dry them with a soft, clean towel.

What Is The Best Way To Store Earrings To Prevent Blackening?

The best way to store earrings to prevent blackening is to keep them in a dry and airtight container.

Do All Metals Turn Black When Exposed To Air And Body Oils?

No, not all metals turn black when exposed to air and body oils. Some metals, like gold, actually become more lustrous when they come into contact with these things. It’s a chemical reaction that has to do with the composition of the metal.

Why Do Some Earrings Turn Black Faster Than Others?

The reason that some earrings turn black faster than others is due to the different metals that they are made out of. For example, sterling silver is more likely to tarnish than other metals like gold or platinum. This is because sterling silver is a less pure metal and contains other metals like copper, which can cause it to tarnish over time.

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