![]() ![]() These pads are very simple, make no mess, and can be reused over and over again. Each pad is covered with micro-abrasives that gently buff and polish the tarnish away without scratching the metal. These little foam pads can do miraculous work on tarnish. ![]() Since you probably don’t, let me suggest a couple easy ways to remove copper tarnish. As a jeweler, I have easy access to a hot pot of citric acid pickle and a tumbler. There are quite a few ways to remove the tarnish layer and restore your copper jewelry’s original shine. How can I remove the tarnish from my copper jewelry? I personally choose not to coat my copper jewelry this way since I prefer the tarnish over the fumes when applying this treatment. This will create a physical barrier to keep the copper from interacting with the atmosphere. If you are determined to prevent your copper jewelry from changing color, you can consider coating it with a clear lacquer or nail polish. At the very least, avoid storing your jewelry in the bathroom! Assuming you don’t have a spare vacuum chamber available, store your copper jewelry in a sealed plastic bag to limit its exposure to air. Tarnish is inevitable, but can be slowed by storing your jewelry away from humidity. How can I prevent my jewelry from tarnishing? Left unchecked, the corrosion can eventually cause pitting as the copper is slowly dissolved. We call this layer a “patina” when it looks nice and artistic, and a “corrosion layer” when it has gone too far. Like most things, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Is tarnish a problem for my copper jewelry? There are many factors, including humidity, the oils on our skin, and exposure to other chemicals that will determine the rate and color of tarnish on your copper jewelry. This corrosion starts out barely noticeable, but will continually become thicker and more noticeable. The metal’s surface interacts with molecules in the surrounding air to form a layer of corrosion (think rust). What is going on? Tarnish.Ĭopper, like most metals, is susceptible to an electrochemical reaction with the atmosphere. Over time, the jewelry has become chocolate brown - maybe even black. Your beautiful copper jewelry, which started out so shiny and sparkling, has gradually lost its rosy luster. Why isn’t my copper jewelry shiny anymore? ![]()
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