Common Jewellery Metals/ Facts

Jewellery metals have different properties and reactions, which affect both their appearance and interaction with skin.

Common Jewellery Metals:

• Silver: A precious metal with a soft, shiny appearance.
• Sterling Silver: 92.5% silver mixed with 7.5% copper for strength.
• Stainless Steel: Strong, corrosion-resistant, and hypoallergenic.
• Nickel: Common in inexpensive jewellery, but can cause allergic reactions.
• Alloy: A mixture of metals to achieve specific properties.
• Brass: A yellowish alloy of copper and zinc, often used for costume jewellery.
• Copper: A reddish-brown metal that can patina over time.
• Maico: Likely referring to a type of alloy or a branded metal blend with 60% silver. 

Coatings:

• Silver/Rose Gold Plating: A thin layer of silver or rose gold is applied over a base metal like brass or copper. This is often done to give a luxurious look without using solid precious metals.

Why Silver Turns Black:

Silver reacts with sulfur or hydrogen sulfide in the air, forming silver sulfide, which causes tarnishing or a black layer on the surface. This is a normal chemical reaction and can be cleaned off.

 Why Skin Turns Green:

Jewelry metals like copper, or those containing copper (like brass or sterling silver), can react with skin oils and sweat, producing copper salts that leave a greenish tint on the skin. This is a harmless reaction but more common in humid conditions or with people who have acidic skin.

These are all great options when choosing jewellery metals, depending on your needs and preferences