in the details - Galvanic Action + Valentines
As Valentine’s Day arrives, one may seek a great gift for their loved ones. One of the most common gift categories on this holiday is jewelry. From influencers to publications like Cosmopolitan, jewelry is recommended as a Valentine’s Day must. Now, how does this apply to our topic? Well, the storage of that jewelry is our topic. When I was younger, before the years of architectural education and experience, I would throw my jewelry, both fine and costume, into the adorable little jewelry boxes. Year after year, I would find those best friend charms and necklaces rusted, or earrings weaken at joints. First, the little scientist in me knew that rusting would happen in the presence of water, but these necklaces seemed to age without water present.
This leads me to one of my favorite notes in my details – PROVIDE PROTECTION BETWEEN DISSIMILAR METALS. We provide this note because of galvanic action. Defined by the Association of Materials Protection and Performance as “corrosion damage induced when two dissimilar materials are coupled in a corrosive electrolyte” this means that when two metals are in contact with each other and water is present one of the metals will present damage much more quickly than typical. One might think there is no water in the box where I store my jewelry. However, there is water in the form of vapor in the air and even more, jewelry is exposed to ‘salty’ water via wearer’s sweat. The moisture partnered with the crowding of various metal types within our collections creates the optimal conditions for damaged heirlooms, gifts, or investments.
How does one avoid this? My first solution was avoidance, I was extremely hesitant to accept Esty creations to my collection because of previous dealings with crafted jewelry, but I did not want to miss out on these adorable thoughtful gifts. So back to my note - PROVIDE PROTECTION BETWEEN DISSIMILAR METALS. A couple of years ago, I requested stackable compartmentalized storage solutions for my dresser top. Today, jewelry introduced after these solutions looks as good as the day it was bought and has the bonus of staying organized. I appreciate the expanding capability of this solution. There are various price points and complexities for the products available.
Additionally, a travel case is even more essential, especially if traveling to coastal cities with salty air or when cleaning isn’t an option after wearing.
In conclusion, this Valentine’s Day go beyond the thoughtful gift and consider a custom storage solution for that gift you already gave.
NONE PAID PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS:
A mini-experiment showing the speed and results of two dissimilar metals in contact over 30 days.
Find more at our source(s):
Association for Materials Protection and Performance. (n.d.). Galvanic corrosion. Retrieved February 10, 2025, from https://www.ampp.org/technical-research/impact/corrosion-basics/group-1/galvanic-corrosion.
Advice is general and protections regarding security, maintenance and care should be reviewed by your jeweler and/or insurance companies.