What is aluminum jewelry?
Aluminum is an ultra-lightweight bluish-silver metal that boasts a high level of malleability, resistance to oxidation, and ductility—named by Sir. Humphry Davy, this metal was previously known as aluminum, before the name was changed to aluminum soon after.
However, the metal is still referred to as Aluminium in England for conformity with the other elemental metal names like barium.
Aluminum jewelry is also known as aluminum eloxal, a material that’s derived from the specific process through which aluminum is oxidized in an electrolyte.
Note that aluminum is a ubiquitous metal that’s quite vital to modern life. Interestingly, aluminum was, in the 1800s, more expensive than gold, which also means that aluminum boasts a deep history.
As a metal that was prized higher than gold and used Empress Eugenie for jewelry, some of the articles of aluminum jewelry from the time are, today, displayed at the Great Exhibition of London (1851). And thanks to the rich history, most of the jewelry made of aluminum falls into the vintage and antique jewelry categories.
Today, aluminum jewelry is used to create costume jewelry and fashion jewelry, with some of the pieces getting their colored finish from the anodization of the aluminum.
Aluminum jewelry history
To get to the history of aluminum jewelry, we need to first look at the history of aluminum metal on its own.
Well, the use of aluminum in jewelry dates back to the Ancient Greeks and the Romans, who used aluminum salts to dye mordants, as well as the astringents used in wound dressing. Today, aluminum is still used as one of the styptics.
This metal was initially discovered in 1761 when Guyton de Morveau suggested the naming of the metal alum alumine. In 1808, however, Humphry Davy came about the existence of the base metal alum, and he later named it aluminum before settling on aluminum.
Isolation of aluminum from its ore wasn’t, however, until 1827 when Danish and French scientists managed to isolate aluminum from its Bauxite ore, extracting it successfully.
Years later, aluminum jewelry was developed and used to create some of the most intricate jewelry designs. Aluminum is lightweight, hence its use in jewelry.
Notably, aluminum jewelry has been in use for a significantly long time, with its first use in jewelry prominent during the WWII Era. At the time, most of the metals were used in the war, resulting in the scarcity of metals like gold and silver, among others. With these changes, the use of aluminum rose as the pliable aluminum was used to create some of the best high-end fashion pieces.
At the time, the aluminum jewelry had the mark of Germany, which points to the fact that the pieces were created prior to World War II. The German aluminum jewelry predates the jewelry with the W mark.
Then you have the Aluminum Eloxal used in aluminum jewelry. The aluminum jewelry is believed to have been used in jewelry between 1945 and 1965, although other data sources date to between 1950 and 1970.
Among other reasons, aluminum’s use in jewelry making was made possible by its tarnish-free and rust-free lightweight design. And thanks to the malleability of aluminum, aluminum jewelry also features large and chunky jewelry designs that are comfortable. You will also find colorful aluminum jewelry.
Reasons why it is the best choice for your Jewelry
Aluminum is excellent and lightweight
If you have used a massive jewel, you will know why you need light aluminum. Sometimes you will find that when you wear the jewel, it feels like you added ten more pounds to your body.
Well, the lighter the jewel, the better. It makes it more comfortable to use throughout the day. Even if you have statement necklaces, you will notice that they are great and lightweight.
Hypoallergenic
Well, most pieces of jewelry don’t work great for most people because of their non-hypoallergenic features. Notice that this metal has no nickel, and therefore, it will never cause any rash and reaction.
Don’t worry if you have a problem with the nickel allergy; aluminum has no nickel. You can be sure that using this type of metals will only lead to a beautiful sensation.
Easy to clean
You will always want to buy jewelry that’s easy to clean. Remember, it’s not affected by the environment; thus, it will not tarnish. This then means that you are good to go with simple mild soap and warm water when it comes to cleaning.
Notice that you don’t need fancy cleaning agents to clean it. Even the mild soap and water are just enough because this one will never even tarnish or corrode. You won’t be dealing with discolored or stuck dirt.
Colorful
Contrary to most other jewel metals, this one will come to you in different colors. If you, therefore, love the different colors, you will find this one to be useful. The aluminum surprisingly comes in other rainbow colors.
This makes it easy to use when you want to make colorful jewels. The one unique thing, though, is that you can dye the fabric.
It also looks more like sterling silver
Anyone who enjoys the silvery look will find these options to be a must-have. This piece looks like sterling silver. It appears as a shiny option, and most people will always think it’s sterling silver. It seems nicely bright too, and you can use it for different styles.
It’s cheap
Most metals are famous for making you break the bank, but not this one. Aluminum is very affordable, and maybe this is because of its availability. But I must mention that you will spend much less than you do on other jewels.
This is an eco-friendly choice
Most of the jewelry made of aluminum will also be recycled, precisely what the world needs now. We need to find the items and metals that you can recycle to reduce pollution.
Is aluminum jewelry safe?
The metal is safe to wear mostly because it’s not toxic. Notice that this metal is non-hypoallergenic, but neither does it even contain nickel. This jewel will not also affect your skin.
Of course, there are a few people who experience a rare form of aluminum allergy. But it’s not such a significant number, so that’s why we still say it’s safe to use aluminum. Notice that aluminum doesn’t contain iron, and as such, it will never even rust.
This then means that you can get it wet and still have it maintain its look. It supports safety, and aside from looking good on your skin, it will remain perfect looking.
These metals will look as good as new for years to come.
Aluminum jewelry pros and cons
We have already discussed these indirectly above, but we will still highlight them for you here.
Pros of the Aluminum jewelry
It’s not affected by the outer environment.
The fact that aluminum doesn’t change its feature makes it the best. The only thing it will do is form a thin film layer that gets rid of the corrosion and rust. Notice, therefore, that the jewel will not tarnish either.
Remember, aluminum oxide, therefore, will prevent tarnishing. You also need minimal cleaning for your jewels.
Most of us like sterling silver, but the problem is that they tarnish a lot; thus, you have to take good care of them. The good news, though, is that the aluminum won’t tarnish; in fact, it will get rid of tarnishing by itself.
It’s safe
Aluminum is safe to wear. This metal is hypoallergenic, yet it doesn’t contain nickel. This then means that even those with skin sensitivity will find it safe to use.
It is a lightweight metal.
The other advantage of working with aluminum jewelry is that the aluminum metal is significantly lightweight but very strong, with significantly high strength. It is a third the weight of sterling silver.
Aluminum is also lighter than 316L stainless steel, which means that the necklaces made of aluminum are very light and comfortable.
So, if you don’t like heavy jewelry pieces, choosing aluminum jewelry could be the best approach for you. The best part is that you won’t have to worry about losing out on the bling feel of the jewelry.
Also, you get to enjoy the best quality jewelry that lasts a really long time. It’s affordable, too, durable, and worth your money.
Easy Maintenance
Aluminum jewelry is easy to clean, and you only need just a little dish soap along with a clean, soft cloth to prevent scratching. Also, you only need a little time cleaning the jewelry to keep it bright always.
It’s scratch-resistant
The other reason why aluminum jewelry might be the best option for you is that it is scratch-resistant, durable, and worth your money. Also, it can survive impact a number of times, and it won’t break easily.
It isn’t affected by things happening in the surrounding environment
Cons of the Aluminum jewelry
It’s a little costly
When in the cheap metals list, you will have the aluminum being a little bit costly, but it’s worth it. Aluminum will give you many advantages, which then means that it’s a bit pricey.
Remember, though, that aluminum isn’t in the list of precious metals; it’s still very affordable.
Resizing it isn’t easy.
Like titanium, you will find it hard to resize this metal. Remember, it’s generally a more rigid metal than other styles and types of metals.
If you don’t take good care of it, then you can damage it by denting. It won’t stand substantial impacts.
Does aluminum contain nickel?
Of all metals, aluminum is one of the very few types that doesn’t contain nickel. Of course, unless you used it as part of the alloy creation. Naturally, aluminum contains no nickel; you can be sure about that.
When you wear the aluminum, you are sure you will only create the perfect sensation and not an itchy one.
Does aluminum jewelry turn skin green?
The one thing that causes metals to change your skin green is the presence of metals like copper, silver, lead, brass, and cadmium. The biggest culprit, however, is the presence of copper.
Well, when we are talking of pure aluminum jewels, then you can be sure it won’t cause your skin reaction. Remember, aluminum is a non-reactive metal, so it won’t cause any skin color change, but neither will it develop green or black spots.
What causes the aluminum to turn black?
It’s hard to prevent this black color for various reasons. It will occur the moment aluminum comes into contact with oxygen.
The aluminum oxide layer film that’s formed from the reaction is what causes the black colors. It may create black or gray color marks, and this is the direct formation of the oxidation. Notice, therefore, that if you have non-anodized metal, you can be sure they will always turn black.
So the following are the major causes of the black color.
Oxidation
This is a chemical process that will occur naturally. It appears when you have aluminum in the presence of oxygen in the air. It does therefore form a thin black layer called aluminum oxide.
Washing the aluminum in harsh chemicals
I know sometimes you will want to clean or even wash the jewel. In such cases, you can expect the oxidation to form as long as the chemical content has some oxygen.
If you rub them against one another
Sometimes when you are going to wash the jewels, you may find that you aren’t able to resist the urge to wash a lot of them at a go. When the treasures bump against each other, you can expect the oxidation to take place even sooner.
Can you remove the black residue, though?
Of course, you can, and it’s easy to do since you will use the ingredients you have at your home’s comfort. You can use white vinegar and water.
How it works?
Boil the water and vinegar solution for about 5 minutes, then insert your jewels and give them time to thoroughly clean as they regain their shine.
If you feel the need to wash even the crevices do so. Wash the interior parts therefore with a soft brush but always maintain the gentles,
Does aluminum jewelry tarnish?
No, aluminum jewelry doesn’t tarnish. Overall, aluminum jewelry reacts with oxygen to form an aluminum oxide that forms a thin oxide film that prevents further reactions.
However, there is a likelihood that that aluminum jewelry will turn black, especially if it is anodized jewelry because the anodization causes the development of the black film.
So, as long as the jewelry is made of pure aluminum, you will be happy to know that there will be no tarnishing.
Some of the things that could affect the color of the aluminum jewelry include exposure to harsh chemicals that could cause significant discoloration. You should also avoid rubbing the jewelry pieces against each other.
How to clean aluminum jewelry?
The easiest way to have the jewelry lasting longer is when you can clean them right. The good news is that you won’t have to clean the jewels all the time.
- Cleaning with baking soda water and aluminum foil
- Depending on the number of jewelry pieces, you are intending to clean, heat a cup of water in the saucepan.
You will need foil paper that is the size of another saucepan. Set it right on the surface of the pan. Then now pour the hot water into this pan that you covered with the foil paper.
Now let’s go on to add one tablespoon of salt, one tablespoon of baking soda, one tablespoon of dish detergent. Gently stir to make sure it dissolves into the water and then using tongs, place your jewels in.
- Cover this bowl for fifteen minutes and then remove the jewels from the water.
- Now rinse it entirely with warm running water.
- Dry it using your perfect microfiber towel. Through the drying, you will therefore be polishing it too.
How can you tell if something is aluminum?
We have discussed the aluminum features intensely. But there are still metals that may share the same qualities and characteristics. This is why you will need to know which one stands out as aluminum.
It reacts to food
It’s rare to find metals that react to food the same way aluminum does. Often it will alter the color of your food.
Conduct a key test
You can take your car keys and go on to press them down and drag them along the test sample metal. This metal will most likely scratch or dent because aluminum is soft; therefore, it will show if you apply pressure.
But it’s not as soft as silver and gold, and this is why the scratches will never be that deep.
Magnetic test
So here, you can use a strong magnet like neodymium. Aluminum doesn’t react in the presence of a magnet.
These are the two major tests you can use aside from checking the features too. Remember, they mostly have the same color as silver.
Sterling silver vs. aluminum jewelry
Sterling silver jewelry is a high-end precious metal that is quite valuable. Unfortunately, it tarnishes, and needs a little more careful about maintaining it.
On the other hand, aluminum jewelry is tarnish-resistant and safe. Also, aluminum jewelry is often allergy-free, but sterling silver jewelry could potentially cause allergies because the sterling silver jewelry is made of copper or other metal alloys.
How long does aluminum jewelry last?
Aluminum jewelry is durable, and it will last for years as long it’s well cared for. The durability of the jewelry is the reason why the aluminum jewelry features vintage jewelry – it could last forever if cared for well.
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