The Hidden Dangers of Chemicals: How to Protect Your Jewellery

Your jewellery is more than just a beautiful accessory—it’s an investment, a memory, and a reflection of your personal style. But did you know that everyday chemicals can damage your precious pieces? From household cleaners to beauty products, exposure to chemicals can cause discoloration, tarnishing, and even permanent damage to metals and gemstones. In this blog, we’ll explore the hidden dangers of chemicals and share tips to keep your jewellery safe and sparkling.

How Chemicals Affect the Strength of Precious Metals

1. Chlorine (Found in Pools, Hot Tubs, and Cleaning Products)

Chlorine is one of the most damaging chemicals for precious metals. Here’s how it affects them:

• Gold: Chlorine reacts with the alloys in gold (especially 14k and 18k gold, which contain copper and silver), causing corrosion and weakening the metal over time. This can lead to cracks, breaks, and even complete failure of the piece.

• Silver: Chlorine causes silver to tarnish quickly and can create irreversible damage, such as pitting and discoloration.

• Platinum: While platinum is more resistant to chlorine than gold or silver, prolonged exposure can still cause dullness and surface damage.

• White Gold: Chlorine can strip away the rhodium plating on white gold, exposing the yellowish metal underneath and requiring frequent re-plating.

Real-Life Example: A customer’s gold chain broke after regular exposure to chlorine in a swimming pool. The chlorine weakened the metal, causing it to snap under minimal pressure.

2. Bleach (Found in Household Cleaners)

Bleach is highly corrosive and can cause severe damage to precious metals:

• Gold: Bleach reacts with the alloys in gold, causing it to become brittle and prone to cracking or breaking. It can also strip away the metal’s natural luster.

• Silver: Bleach accelerates tarnishing and can cause irreversible blackening or pitting.

• Platinum: While platinum is more resistant, bleach can still cause surface damage and dullness over time.

Real-Life Example: A customer accidentally spilled bleach on their gold ring, causing the band to weaken and eventually break.

3. Ammonia (Found in Cleaning Products)

Ammonia is less damaging than chlorine or bleach but can still harm precious metals:

• Gold: Ammonia can weaken gold over time, especially if the piece has delicate settings or intricate designs.

• Silver: Ammonia can cause silver to tarnish and lose its shine.

• Pearls and Gemstones: Ammonia is particularly harmful to organic gemstones like pearls, causing them to lose their luster and become brittle.

Real-Life Example: A customer used an ammonia-based cleaner to clean their silver necklace, only to find it had lost its shine and developed a dull, grayish tint.

4. Acids (Found in Vinegar, Citrus Cleaners, and Beauty Products)

Acids can also damage precious metals, though the effects are often less severe than chlorine or bleach:

• Gold: Acids can cause gold to lose its luster and weaken over time, especially if the piece has delicate settings.

• Silver: Acids accelerate tarnishing and can cause discoloration.

• Gemstones: Acidic substances can damage the surface of certain gemstones, particularly porous ones like opals and pearls.

Real-Life Example: A customer’s gold earrings became dull after regular exposure to acidic beauty products like hairspray and perfume.

5. Sulfur Compounds (Found in Rubber, Wool, and Some Foods)

Sulfur compounds are a common cause of tarnishing in silver:

• Silver: Sulfur reacts with silver to form silver sulfide, which appears as a black or gray tarnish. This can weaken the metal over time if not properly cleaned.

Real-Life Example: A customer stored their silver bracelet in a rubber-lined jewellery box, only to find it had tarnished significantly within weeks.

How to Protect Your Jewellery from Chemical Damage

1. Remove Jewellery Before Exposure: Take off your jewellery before swimming, cleaning, or applying beauty products.

2. Store Jewellery Properly: Keep your pieces in a clean, dry place away from chemicals and humidity.

3. Clean Regularly: Gently clean your jewellery with a soft cloth or mild soap and water to remove chemical residues.

4. Professional Cleaning: Bring your jewellery to us for regular professional cleaning to remove built-up residues and restore its shine.

What to Do If Your Jewellery Is Damaged by Chemicals

• Inspect Your Jewellery: Look for signs of damage like discoloration, dullness, or loose stones.

• Bring It to a Professional: If your jewellery has been exposed to chemicals, bring it to us for assessment and repair. We can restore its beauty and ensure it’s safe to wear.

Conclusion

Chemicals like chlorine, bleach, and ammonia can weaken and damage your precious metals, but with proper care, you can protect your jewellery and keep it looking its best. If your jewellery has been exposed to chemicals, don’t wait—bring it to us for professional cleaning or repair. At Diamonds on Baylis, we’re here to help you preserve the beauty and strength of your treasured pieces.