Glow-in-the-dark jewelry can be used for decoration or as a safety device. There are two methods used to make jewelry shine: chemical reactions or battery-operated LED lights. The color of the fluorescent dye determines the color of the jewelry.
Known for its popularity everywhere from nightclubs to Disneyland, glow-in-the-dark jewelry serves a variety of purposes. These jewels can be used simply as a decoration or as a child safety device on Halloween. There are two basic methods used to make jewelry shine.
Some glow in the dark jewelry uses the same technology as glow sticks to produce the glowing effect. These types of jewelry come in the form of bracelets or necklaces. The jewelry is made from a long plastic tube, bent into a circle to function as a bracelet or necklace. The tube contains a mixture of phenyl oxylate and a fluorescent dye. Inside the tube is a smaller glass tube that contains hydrogen peroxide. When the necklace is bent or “broken”, the inner glass tube breaks and hydrogen peroxide and phenyl oxylate mix together, the resulting chemical reaction producing energy in the form of light. The color of the fluorescent dye determines the color of glow in the dark jewelry.
Once broken, glowing necklaces or bracelets cannot be put out. The shiny effect will last for several hours, but the outside temperature can affect the life of the jewelry. For example, placing glow in the dark jewelry in the freezer will make it last longer, while a warmer outside temperature will make the jewelry glow brighter but have a shorter life.
Unlike the chemical reaction that makes necklaces and bracelets glow, other types of glow in the dark jewelry achieve this effect with a battery-operated LED light. The LED light is attached to the jewelry backing and can be made into rings, pins, or earrings. This setting is also used for body jewelry such as tongue rings or belly button rings.
The LED light used to glow in the dark jewelry cycles on and off, creating a strobe effect that is very popular at clubs and parties. The light is placed inside a plastic or glass casing that often has designs that can include happy faces, flowers, and hearts. When the battery runs out, it can be replaced, making this type of luminous jewelry much more durable than the chemical type.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
