The rust of metal jewelry is mainly caused by humid environment, chemical corrosion or oxidation reaction, and needs to be dealt with comprehensively through daily protection, material selection and regular maintenance. Giving preference to corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and gold plating, avoiding contact with water and chemicals, and regularly cleaning and sealing can significantly extend the service life of metal jewelry. The following is an analysis of the specific measures:

1. Material selection: reduce the risk of rust from the source

1. Corrosion-resistant materials are preferred
   • Stainless steel: chromium-containing elements form a dense oxide film with strong rust resistance, commonly found in high-end buckles or chains.
   • Gold/rhodium-plated metal: The surface is covered with a precious metal coating to isolate oxygen and moisture, such as the gold hardware of some luxury bags.
   • Titanium alloy: lightweight and corrosion-resistant, but the cost is high, and it is mostly used in outdoor bags.
   • Avoid materials that are easy to rust: such as pure copper (easy to oxidize and turn green), iron (easy to rust when there is no plating).
2. Be wary of "metal-like" coatings
   • Some low-cost bags are made of plastic plating or painting, which looks like metal on the surface, but is actually easy to peel off, and needs to be judged by weight (metal is heavier), magnetic suction test (ferromagnetic materials need to be vigilant) or brand logo.

2. Daily protection: reduce contact with corrosion sources

1. Waterproofing and moisture resistance is key
   • Rain Protection: Use a rain cover or avoid direct rain, and wipe the metal dry immediately after contact with moisture.
   • Humidity control: In the rainy season or humid areas, you can place a desiccant (such as a silica gel pack) in the bag to avoid moisture on the metal.
   • Case: A user stored a leather bag in the bathroom for a long time, which caused the zipper puller to be seriously corroded, and the problem was solved after the storage was changed to a drying cabinet.
2. Stay away from chemicals
   • Avoid contact: Perfumes, cosmetics, sweat (containing salt), detergents, etc. may accelerate oxidation.
   • Correct operation: apply perfume to the wrist first, and then wear the bag ornament; When cleaning the bag, gently wipe the metal part with a soft cloth.
   • Example of a mistake: Wiping metal jewelry directly with alcohol may damage the protective coating.
3. Reduces friction and scratching
   • Metal jewelry is easy to wear when rubbing against rough surfaces (such as metal buckles of jeans), so it is recommended to store them separately or use a dust bag.
   • Avoid mixing hard objects such as keys and coins with metal jewelry to prevent rust caused by scratches.

3. Regular maintenance: prolong the life of the metal

1. Clean and stain
   • Tool selection: soft-bristled toothbrush, cotton swab, special metal cleaner (e.g. silver cloth, copper oil).
   • Steps:
     1. Wipe off surface dust with a dry cloth;
     2. A cotton swab dipped in a small amount of detergent to gently wipe the gaps;
     3. Rinse with water (washable materials only) or wipe with a dry cloth;
     4. Air-dry naturally and avoid exposure to the sun.
   • Contraindications: Avoid using steel wool balls or strong acid cleaners to avoid damaging metal surfaces.
2. Coating protection
   • Transparent nail polish: Apply a thin layer to the metal surface (need to be reapplied regularly), suitable for non-precious metal jewelry.
   • Professional care agents, such as "metal rust spray", form a hydrophobic film and reduce the risk of oxidation.
   • Example: A user regularly applies clear nail polish to a clasp, and the metal is still shiny after two years.
3. Keep tightly sealed
   • When not in use, place the bag in a dust bag or sealed box to reduce air contact.
   • Activated carbon packets can be placed in the bag to absorb moisture and delay oxidation.

4. Emergency treatment: remedial measures after rusting

1. Mild rust
   • Tools: eraser, toothpaste (with particles), white vinegar (diluted cotton swab wipe gently).
   • Method: Eraser to remove the rust on the surface, toothpaste to polish the slight rust spots, white vinegar to dissolve the stubborn rust (need to be wiped off and dried immediately).
2. Heavy rust
   • Professional restoration: sent to a leather care store to restore the metallic luster through electroplating, sandblasting and other processes.
   • Replacement parts: If the rust is serious and affects the appearance, you can contact the brand to replace the original metal parts (some luxury goods provide paid services).

5. Targeted care of special materials

1. Gold/rhodium-plated metal
   • Avoid contact with chlorine-containing substances (e.g., swimming pool water), which may cause the plating to fall off.
   • Wipe regularly with a soft cloth to maintain the shine.
2. Copper jewelry
   • It is normal for copper to turn green after oxidation, and it can be wiped with lemon juice + salt, or purchased copper polish to treat it.
   • Pursuing a vintage effect preserves the oxide layer, but needs to be cleaned regularly to prevent excessive corrosion.
3. Pearl/gemstone set in metal
   • Avoid ultrasonic cleaners, which may cause the tessellation to loosen.
   • Use a soft-bristled brush to gently brush the crevices to keep the metal and gemstones clean.

To avoid rusting of metal jewelry, it is necessary to start from three aspects: material selection, daily protection, and regular maintenance: give priority to corrosion-resistant materials such as stainless steel and gold plating; Avoid contact with moisture, chemicals and hard objects; Clean regularly, coat and seal. If it has rusted, you can choose an eraser, toothpaste or professional restoration depending on the degree of rust. Through scientific care, the service life of metal jewelry can be significantly extended, and the beauty and value of the bag can be maintained.