Most women do not allow themselves to go out without accessories. Some prefer jewelry, while others prefer jewelry. Jewelry alloy is considered the most common material among jewelry manufacturers. It is from it that beads, rings, earrings, toggles, earwires, etc. are made. In the article we will try to figure out what this material is and how to properly care for it.
What is included
Since not all women and girls can afford to wear jewelry made of gold, silver or platinum, jewelers use jewelry alloy to make more affordable jewelry. What it is? The photos presented in the article demonstrate the diverse beauty made from this material. These can be beads, earrings, clip-on earrings, rings, bracelets, hair ornaments (hairpins, headbands, crabs), brooches, etc.
In the manufacture of an alloy, most often the basistin is taken. In its natural form, it is not suitable for the production of forged products, since it is refractory and brittle. Therefore, since ancient times, other metals have been added to tin. What else can be included in the composition of the alloy? This is aluminum, and copper, and antimony, and any other metal that has hypoallergenic qualities and does not irritate human skin. When copper is added, the alloy acquires plasticity, and antimony maintains a bright and sparkling appearance of the product for a long time.
Sometimes, in order to reduce the cost of jewelry, manufacturers take zinc as a basis. However, the appearance will be very different from pewter.
Forbidden additives
It is noteworthy that already in the 19th century a jewelry alloy was widely used, the composition of which, until the end of the century, also included lead. But when scientists found out that it remains on the skin, this supplement was strictly banned. To date, the absence of lead in such alloys is prescribed at the legislative level.
Another forbidden metal that should never be in a good jewelry alloy is nickel. The reason for this is the negative effect of the metal on the skin, which may result in an allergic reaction.
What does the appearance say
Jewellery craftsmen can just by eye find out what the jewelry alloy consists of. If the color of the product is slightly dull and matte, then tin plays the “main violin” in the composition. Such decoration will be light, but brittle. If there is a reddish tint, then the alloy contains copper. In this case, the color will change slightly, soas the aged look was originally intended. Yellow-green (sometimes yellow-gray) overflow indicates the presence of brass in the composition.
Some jewelry alloys contain steel, and jewelry from it has a corresponding gray, metallic tint, or made to look like silver based on chrome. If the alloy product is too dark in color, then this indicates the addition of nickel, which causes allergies in sensitive natures. Less common are titanium alloys, which give jewelry durability and durability, but are many times more expensive.
Variety of products
In addition to women's jewelry, figurines, figurines for home decor, cups for presentation to teams at competitions, as well as exquisite dishes, including handmade ones, are made from jewelry alloy. Even Oscar figurines, as it turned out, are made of a similar alloy, covered with gold on top.
Cover options
Often, finished products are coated with various compositions, since the jewelry alloy contains metals that lead to darkening. For example, for a bright expensive shade, gilding or silvering is chosen, and for an interesting antique color, they are covered with copper or bronze. Brass and chrome coatings are more often seen not on jewelry, but on furniture accessories. And such an option as gold leaf is used by craftsmen as a cover for church domes, decorative frames for icons, pectoral crosses, etc.
Benefits
All products for manufacturingwhich jewelry alloy is used, has a number of positive characteristics. If we talk about jewelry, then everyone knows the fact that jewelry is much cheaper in price than products made from precious metals and stones. It is characterized by wide availability, as it is sold in many stores and supermarkets. Safety for he alth is equally important: the composition of the alloy does not contain all elements that irritate the skin, so almost everyone can wear products.
Flaws
Besides the positive qualities, jewelry alloy also has negative ones. So, it does not withstand constant bending and can break. Also, any product made from such an alloy does not have long wear resistance and, getting into an aggressive environment, quickly changes its appearance and becomes unusable. For example, women often swim in the sea without taking off their rings and earrings. But s alty sea water instantly begins the process of destruction. If they are made of a jewelry alloy, then at best they can simply change color. Any acid and alcoholic beverages are even worse. On a par with the previous destroyers, you can put food vinegar, any detergents and even some medicines. In no case should manganese be allowed to get on the alloy, because it is very difficult to clean.
Rules of care
When buying jewelry in stores, fashionistas often ask: does the jewelry alloy darken or not? The answer is simple: it darkens under the influence of the external environment. Even with daily contact with the skin, a reaction may occur, and alloywill fade. Here, the only exceptions are products with a durable galvanized coating.
How should I take care of jewelry alloy accessories? Avoid contact with water, soap and shampoos, various chemicals, avoid temperature extremes, keep away from hairspray, perfumes, deodorants due to the content of acidic substances.
How to clean up falling debris and dirt? Cotton, flannel or special fabric napkins are used. To prevent deformation, jewelry should be removed when playing sports (running, swimming, fitness), as well as when performing repairs, especially when working with paints and varnishes.
Store products separately from each other to avoid chemical reactions between them.
