WHAT KIND OF JEWELRY DOES NOT RUST?


Here's a list of what you'll learn in this post:


  • First, what causes jewelry metals to rust?
  • What is the difference between corrosion and rust?
  • What metals don't rust: top 10
  • How to get rust off of jewelry:
  • How to prevent the rusting process:

Rusting is a form of corrosion that occurs when you expose your jewelry pieces to oxygen and moisture. If left untreated, rusting can cause your pieces to break down and become brittle. But not all jewelry metals are susceptible to rusting. Some metals, like pure gold and platinum, are resistant to corrosion. Read on for a list of some of the best metals in jewelry that won't rust.



FIRST, WHAT CAUSES JEWELRY METALS TO RUST?


Iron oxide is the chemical that causes the rusting process (resulting in an orange-brown discoloration). Iron corrodes when it comes into contact with the oxygen in the air due to a severe chemical reaction. Sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide in the atmosphere will hasten this process even more.


Water is the leading cause of rusting, leading to the development of iron oxide. Water molecules can enter small gaps in iron and steel, which appear solid to the naked eye. Exposure to moisture begins the degrading process. Also, the rusting process is accelerated when salt is present in the water molecules.


Rusting is more than an ugly discoloration. The metal expands during rusting, placing tremendous strain on the entire structure, and as a result, metal particles become flaky and brittle, which can lead to jewelry breaking.



WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN CORROSION AND RUST?


Some individuals mix up the terms corrosion and rust. Corrosion is a catch-all phrase referring to any metal material's degradation by oxidation or other chemical processes. In contrast, rust is the process of corroding iron and iron alloys. Thus, the main distinction between rust and corrosion is that rust exclusively refers to the rust of iron, not to other forms of abrasion.



WHAT JEWELRY DOESN'T RUST: TOP 10



Do not assume that just because these metals do not rust, they do not corrode. They each encounter various forms of corrosion, such as the bluish-green patina that forms on oxidized copper or the pitting that occurs in stainless steel.


 

1. ALUMINUM METAL


Aluminum is one of the most common metals on the planet, and it is perhaps best known for not rusting because aluminum contains only trace amounts of iron; it is rustproof.



2. BRASS METAL


Brass is another common jewelry metal that does experience rusting because it contains minimal iron (similar to aluminum).



3. BRONZE METAL 


Due to the small amount of iron present, bronze metal does not experience rusting.



4. COPPER METAL


Iron oxide cannot form on copper metal because it contains little iron. This makes copper a great choice if you're looking for pieces that won't rust.


Yet, after time and exposure to air, the surface of copper can develop a blue-green patina. This patina is caused by a reaction between the copper alloy and oxygen, not rust. The Copper patina may even be desirable to some, giving the copper metal an aged and vintage look.



5. CORTEN OR WEATHERING STEEL


Chromium, copper, nickel, and phosphorous usually make up to 21% of the composition of weathering steel, also referred to as "COR-TEN". These alloys develop a protective patina over time, slowing down metal corrosion and preventing rusting.



6. GALVANIZED STEEL


Carbon or galvanized steel would most likely corrode if not coated with one or more layers of zinc. The zinc coating serves as a sacrificial metal. In contrast to its iron content, its zinc layer combines with oxygen more rapidly. This zinc-oxygen combination develops a zinc oxide coating that stops iron oxide growth, hence preventing rusting.


 

7. PURE GOLD JEWELRY


Pure gold jewelry won't experience rusting or corrosion over time like some other metals. Pure gold jewelry never rusts since it is a non-reactive metal that does not react with oxygen, water, or other chemicals. As a result, pure gold jewelry never rusts or tarnishes.



8. PLATINUM METAL


Platinum is one of the "noble" metals. This means platinum metal (along with pure gold and silver) resists chemical action, does not corrode, and is not easily attacked by acids. Because platinum metal is inert, it won't tarnish, corrode, or experience rusting.



9. PURE SILVER METAL


Pure silver does not experience rusting since it does not contain iron, which is the main factor in metal corrosion. However, pure silver does develop a silver sulfide patina, which makes it look tarnished. A silver sulfide patina develops on pure silver when it is exposed to sulfur compounds in the air. The patina can be removed by polishing or cleaning with a special jewelry cleaner so it does not damage the silver metal itself. Hence, pure silver does not corrode like iron-containing metals.



10. STAINLESS STEEL JEWELRY


Indeed, stainless steel is resistant to rusting. However, it is important to realize that some kinds of stainless steel are more resistant than others. For example, austenitic variants such as 304 and 316 include significant quantities of nickel and chromium.


Before the iron can react, the chromium mixes with the oxygen in the surrounding air to generate a chromium oxide coating. Due to its high corrosion resistance, this layer shields the underlying metal from rusting. However, ferritic or martensitic stainless steel varieties may experience rusting more easily due to lower amounts of chromium.



HOW TO GET RUST OFF OF JEWELRY


There are a few home remedies to remove rust from your pieces. Let's take a look at the three most popular home remedies below.



1. BAKING SODA: 


Whether you're trying to clean up your bike chain or trying to remove tarnish from an old necklace, baking soda is the answer. Its mild abrasive properties make it great for scrubbing away oxidation without damaging the metals underneath.


First, mix a tablespoon of baking soda and two tablespoons of water to create a paste. Next, apply the paste to your jewelry and allow the paste to sit for a few minutes. Then, grab a soft-bristled toothbrush and scrub your pieces. Finally, rinse your jewelry with fresh water and dry it thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth.



2. WHITE VINEGAR:


The acid content in white vinegar destroys rust because of its acidic nature. The acid in the vinegar will eat through the rust that has tainted the metal, making it simpler to remove with an abrasive sponge.


First, soak the jewelry in white vinegar for a few minutes. Then, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to scrub the white vinegar into the rust. Then, rinse your jewelry with fresh water and dry your pieces using a soft cotton cloth.



3. LEMON ACID:


Lemon juice is another great way to remove rust from jewelry. The acidity of the lemon juice reacts with the rust (iron oxide) to soften and dissolve the deposits making them easier to scrub away.


First, soak your jewelry in lemon juice for a few minutes. Then, use a soft-bristle toothbrush to scrub the lemon juice into the rust. Then, rinse the jewelry off with fresh water and dry it off using a soft, cotton cloth.



HOW TO PREVENT THE RUSTING PROCESS:



1. REMOVE JEWELRY BEFORE SWIMMING


Swimming, of course, involves getting your jewelry wet, and moisture makes it easier for rust to form. In addition, chlorine and components such as salt found in oceans and pools can aid the rusting process. Hence, it is best to stick with jewelry that does not rust when taking a dip in the pool or ocean. Or, remove jewelry before swimming if it is not made of rust-resistant metals such as pure gold, silver, or titanium.



2. APPLY A SEALANT SPRAY 


Sealant sprays are available at most craft and hardware stores. Some are created with silicone as a base, while others use different chemicals. Spraying your pieces and allowing them to dry completely produces a barrier between water, oxygen, and your pieces. This barrier slows down or even entirely prevents the rusting process.



3. USE CLEAR NAIL POLISH


Clear nail polish is a great way to protect your jewelry from rusting or oxidation. All you have to do is apply one thin coat of clear nail polish onto the surface of your jewelry piece and let it dry.



4. UTILIZE CLEAR BAGS


If possible, keep each piece of jewelry in its own sealable bag. Even if the pieces are stored in an airtight container, the additional layer of plastic can help keep the air out. Place your necklaces, bangles, and earrings in clear plastic bags that allow you to see inside without exposing the pieces to moisture.



5. USE SILICA GEL PACKS



Moisture and oxygen are the two main rust-causing factors, and gel packs are great at absorbing both. So, keeping your jewelry in a gel pack-protected environment gives your jewelry a fighting chance against erosion.



6. CLEAN YOUR PIECES REGULARLY


Cleaning your pieces regularly is the key to ensuring that your jewelry doesn't rust. Keep in mind that some materials are more difficult to clean than others, so make sure you know what cleaning methods should be used. Fortunately, jewelry made of metals such as titanium and aluminum don't require much maintenance - they won't rust, and a simple wipe down with a cloth will do the job! 

 


7. AVOID CONTACT WITH CHEMICALS


If possible, avoid getting makeup or hair products onto your pieces. The harsh chemicals in products like conditioners, shampoos, gels, mousses, and hairsprays can cause your metals to rust. If you must use one of these products, remove your pieces before their application and place them back only after the product dries. If any residue from these products gets on your pieces, wipe it off with a damp cloth as soon as possible.

 


WRAPPING UP


Rust can be a pesky problem, but with the right precautions and regular maintenance, you can keep your jewelry looking shiny and new. Remember that certain metals like titanium, tungsten, and gold don’t rust, and so are great options if you want to avoid rust altogether. Thanks for reading!