Help, why does silver corrode when wearing?

[Polli]

My daughter has a problem with sterling earrings.  When she wears sterling earrings, the post always turns black, usually within the first week or so of wearing them.  Can someone explain this? 

What kind of metals would be good for her to use?  We have been looking for niobium or titanium earrings, but they are very difficult to find! 

Any input would be appreciated!

Polli

[Polly]

When the copper in sterling silver reacts with acids, it turns color (generally black or blackish).  You can hasten this intentionally with Liver of Sulfur or other chemicals. Some people tarnish metals, especially silver and copper, FAST. These people are usually excellent at "testing" jewelry to see if it is plated, too -- they eat through platings fast.

Her best bet is to get earrings that you can switch the findings on -- so anything with a loop.

You might want to try some Argentium sterling silver earring findings. My favorites are the Oval French Clip Ear Wires since they are basically a hoop earring that snaps shut. I use them for all types of "quick-change" earring designs. You could add a single pair to your next order, to give them a try. Argentium is more resistant to tarnish than traditional sterling. I think she'll probably still tarnish them though.

These black niobium ear wires are nice, and don't clash with most designs.  Niobium is a very inert metal -- it doesn't react with most things, so retains its color.

We don't have any drop-loop posts in Niobium or Titanium =( 
But we do have flat-pad posts in Titanium, which you could glue on as replacement posts for some designs.

[Polli]

Thanks, Polly!  I'll have to order some of the titanium pads.  It's really her second and third hole that is sensitive, and she wants posts in them. 
We'll also try the E'arrs protectors I just found on the site.

What is the difference between titanium (which is also steel, I think?) and stainless steel and surgical steel?  It would be interesting...

[Polly]

Surgical Stainless Steel is one of the many forms of stainless steel.  And actually, there are quite a few variations of surgical stainless steel, too. 
On this wiki page about body piercing materials, there are some good explanations of the various metals.

Titanium, like Niobium, is its own metal on the periodic chart of elements. Niobium is element 41, and Titanium is element 22.

Steel is mostly Iron, and (quoting from a wikipedia article) has "a carbon content between .2% and 2.1% by weight, depending on the grade."  Then it can have a number of other addititives to prevent discoloration (making it "stainless steel), and to alter its strength, malleability, etc.  Nickel is part of what (usually) makes it stainless, but that can be a problem, since nickel is a common metal to be allergic to.

There are more tidbits and links here too, on a variety of metals used in jewelry: http://www.rings-things.com/METALS.HTM

[Polli]

One reason I love Rings & Things is that your knowledge goes beyond the basics of making jewelry!  And you are so generous to share your knowledge and time!

Thanks again, Polly, I'll share this with my daughter!

[godbless]

Tungsten earring  can keep its shine for a long time, BUT a little weight for girls.

[Lisbon]

Jewelry made ​​of silver can be easily cleaned from the black oxide coating using a conventional dentifrice, at the same time otpoliruete way that will shine like new)