WHAT JEWELRY DOES NOT RUST?
FIRST, WHAT CAUSES METAL TO RUST?
WHAT IS CORROSION? WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORROSION AND RUST?
10 METALS THAT DON'T RUST
However, just because these metals don't rust doesn't mean they don't corrode. They each experience different types of corrosion, including pitting in stainless steel or the bluish-green patina that develops on oxidized copper.
1. ALUMINUM METAL
Aluminum metal is one of the most widely used metals on the planet, and it's perhaps the most well-known for not rusting. Aluminum contains almost no iron, while rust is made of iron oxide. Thus, aluminum does not rust but is still vulnerable to metal corrosion.
2. BRASS METAL
3. BRONZE METAL
For the same reason as aluminum, bronze metal does not rust, as it has a tiny amount of iron in it. Because of this, no iron oxide, or rust, can develop.
4. COPPER METAL
Copper, brass, and bronze do not rust for the same reason as aluminum. All three hardly have any iron in them; therefore, no iron oxide, or rust, can develop. However, with exposure to air over time, copper can develop a blue-green patina on its surface.
5. CORTEN OR WEATHERING STEEL
6. GALVANIZED STEEL
7. PURE GOLD METAL
8. PLATINUM METAL
9. PURE SILVER METAL
10. STAINLESS STEEL METAL
HOW TO GET RUST OFF OF JEWELRY
1. BAKING SODA
Baking soda is a great way to remove rust from jewelry. Make a paste out of baking soda and water. Then, apply the paste to the rusty areas and let it sit for a few minutes. Then, use a toothbrush to scrub the paste into the rust. Then, rinse the jewelry off with water and dry it off.
2. WHITE VINEGAR
3. LEMON ACID
HOW TO PREVENT RUST:
1. REMOVE JEWELRY BEFORE SWIMMING
2. APPLY A SEALANT SPRAY
Sealant sprays are available at most craft and hardware stores. Some are created with silicone as a basis, while others use different chemicals. Spraying your jewelry and allowing it to dry completely produces a barrier between water, oxygen, and your piece. This barrier slows down or even prevents the rusting process.
3. USE CLEAR NAIL POLISH
Simply apply a layer of clear nail polish to any exposed metal to keep your jewelry from rusting. Clear nail polish will create a barrier that will protect the metal from moisture and air. You can reapply the nail polish as needed to maintain the protection.
4. UTILIZE CLEAR BAGS
You might want to keep each piece of jewelry in its own sealable bag. Even if pieces are sealed in an airtight container, the extra plastic layer can help keep the air out. Small, translucent bags allow you to see inside easily, so you can choose necklaces, bangles, and earrings without exposing them to moisture.
5. USE GEL PACKS
6. CLEAN JEWELRY REGULARLY
7. AVOID CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS
CONCLUSION