What is jewellery anodisation?
Many jewellery manufacturers and piercers have expanded their ranges to include coloured earrings in response to customer demand. How do they manage to achieve such amazing colours? Well, the answer is simple – it is thanks to the anodising of piercing jewellery that we have such a wide choice of earrings on the market!
In this article, we will explain what anodisation is, which metals can be subjected to this process and…, we will answer one of the most important questions. Is anodising safe for health?
What is anodisation?
Anodisation is the surface treatment of various metals; it is mainly used with aluminium, some varieties of steel, titanium or magnesium alloys. This, among other reasons, is why this process works well for piercing jewellery, as most earrings are made of highly polished titanium IMPLANT GRADE ASTM-F13. All right, but what is anodising?
During this process, an oxide layer is produced on the object under the influence of an electric current. When the metal is placed in an electrolyte solution and an electric current of the appropriate voltage is applied, the specialist can obtain a specific colour. It is worth mentioning that during anodisation of jewellery, a durable, corrosion-resistant oxide layer is formed on the surface of the earring.
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Which metals can be anodised?
As we have already mentioned, anodising can be used on a variety of metal alloys, but the most commonly subjected to this process are:
- aluminium;
- titanium;
- magnesium alloys;
- certain types of steel.
Anodising has been used successfully for many years to mechanically protect metal surfaces in a variety of industries (e.g. in the manufacture of climbing and military equipment). Over time, it has also been used in the ornamental industry, thanks to the use of an electrolyte solution in the process, which makes it possible to conduct electricity. It is thanks to this that piercing earrings can be coloured in almost any colour!
What colours can be obtained by anodising?
Speaking of colours, the anodising of piercing jewellery allows for almost all colours… except black and white. Why? They are simply more difficult to achieve using traditional earring anodising methods. So what determines the colour that the dyed metal will take on? Well, the biggest role is played here:
- thickness of the oxide layer – a thicker coating gives a more saturated colour. Thinner, on the other hand, produces a softer effect.
- type of anodised metal – aluminium will be the easiest to work with.
OK, so exactly what colours of piercing earrings can be achieved by anodising jewellery? From classic gold, to various shades of blue, purple, orange, red and even green. It’s literally all the colours of the rainbow!
Is anodisation safe for health?
Anodising jewellery is a process that (in its original conception) was intended to improve the durability of the metal. The visual aspect therefore played a marginal role … which, however, does not at all mean that anodisation is harmful to our health!
The oxide layer that forms on the metal surface is durable and corrosion-resistant; and this makes piercing jewellery safe. Even in the case of fresh piercings! However, it is worth noting that improperly anodised jewellery can lead to the formation of certain chemicals that are not entirely safe…, so anodised jewellery should be purchased from reputable manufacturers!
Summary
Anodisation of piercing jewellery is a chemical process that produces permanent coloured coatings on various metal alloys through the precipitation of oxides. The colours depend on the type of metal and the thickness of the layer of oxide covering its surface. Anodising is safe for health, provided the jewellery is manufactured and sold by trusted manufacturers.
Check out our range of anodised jewellery; we have many models of earrings (for every fresh and healed piercing) in almost all the colours of the rainbow!