Preserves Online

Thursday, 2 August 2012

Cleaning Bronze Jewelry

Many bronze mixes have nickel in them. Nickel allergies are very common and affect six in every 100 people, according to reports from New York University's Department of Dermatology. A nickel allergy could provoke uncomfortable rashes, swelling, red eyes, itching or even black skin discoloration. These effects may last up to a month after the wearer removes the offending jewelry. It is important to note that pierced ear earrings can trigger nickel allergies in people who previously did not suffer from metal allergies. If you have only a mild nickel allergy, you can coat your bronze jewelry in clear nail polish. This polish will protect you from exposure to the nickel and may also prevent your jewelry from oxidation. It may also leave an unattractive glossy finish on your jewelry, though. Bronze jewelry often contains copper, which will turn your skin green whether you have an allergy or not. Bronze and copper turn your skin green because when the copper reacts with your sweat and the acids from your skin, it produces copper chloride. Copper chloride is a green substance that then rubs off on your skin. If you are prone to sweating, your bronze jewelry will definitely turn your skin green. This chemical reaction can also be prevented by painting any part of the jewelry that comes in contact with your skin with clear nail polish.