What Causes Parts of a Silver Bracelet to Appear Coppery?
Oxidation Oxidation is a prime cause for silver to change colors, tarnish or appear coppery. Oxygen in its pure form is quite corrosive, especially to metals. The small amount of oxygen in the air we breathe every day can eventually begin to take its toll on our favorite silver jewelry pieces such as bracelets. Oxidation is the product of interaction between the molecules of oxygen in the air and the metal of the bracelet. The process of oxidation depends on the quantity of oxygen molecules present. When there are many oxygen molecules present, the rate of oxidation will be higher than if there are fewer oxygen molecules present. This process really takes place, though, on a molecular level, and what you can see is the product of oxygen causing free radicals on the surface to break free. You can try using silver polish to help reduce the oxidation process, but unfortunately there is very little you can do to stop the effects of oxidation on silver jewelry. You will have to use silver p
