Does Gold Tarnish?

While pure 24-karat gold remains untarnished due to its inherent lack of reactivity with moisture and oxygen, it’s not commonly used for jewellery because of its softness and susceptibility to deformation. Gold is typically alloyed with other metals. These alloyed metals can react with external substances and tarnish when exposed.

Why Does Gold Lose Its Shine?

Pure gold itself doesn’t tarnish, but most jewellery is made with gold alloys to enhance its durability, and these alloys can tarnish. If 18k or 14k gold jewellery tarnishes, it tends to get a bit darker in color. Tarnishing happens due to corrosion, primarily from exposure to oxygen, making tarnishing almost inevitable at some point Yet, some substances and actions can speed up the process of tarnishing. Suppose your jewellery is less than a year old and already tarnished. In that case, it might be due to exposure to substances like chlorine, perfume, acidic foods, saltwater, or your skin’s chemistry. Some chemicals like sulphur, hair dyes, and chlorine can react with the other metals in 14k gold jewellery like gold nose stud, leading to corrosion, tarnishing, or even a blackened appearance.

If Gold Jewellery is Tarnished, Does It Mean it’s Not Real Gold or Merely Gold-Plated?

One common misconception about jewellery is the belief that if your 14k gold jewellery starts to tarnish, it must be fake. However, the reality is relatively straightforward: the tarnishing of your 14k gold jewellery does not indicate that it’s fake. Pure gold doesn’t tarnish, but it’s infrequent to find jewellery made from pure 24k gold because of its malleability. Solid gold pieces are easily prone to breaking or bending. High-quality gold jewellery is typically crafted from 18k or 14k gold, mixed with alloys to enhance strength. While the gold itself remains untarnished, it’s the strengthening alloys that can tarnish over time. Therefore, if you notice staining on your 14k gold jewellery, it’s not an indication of it being fake but rather a signal that it requires cleaning. It’s also essential to evaluate your habits and avoid practices that can accelerate the tarnishing process.

What Are The Visual Signs of Tarnished Gold?

Tarnished gold, and tarnish in general, manifests as a range of discolourations varying in severity. It can result in your jewellery darkening or taking on a reddish hue. Tarnished pieces also lose their shine and may no longer be as attractive. The good news is that tarnish can be avoided, particularly in the case of gold jewellery.

How To Avoid Gold Tarnishing?

Tarnishing is a natural process that occurs over time, especially if you wear your 14k gold jewellery daily. Factors like exposure to oxygen, hair dyes, bleach, peroxide, the oils from your skin, and even certain foods can accelerate this tarnishing. To prevent premature tarnishing, it’s essential to steer clear of the culprits. 

1. Product Separation: It’s essential to keep your gold jewellery away from substances like lotions, perfumes, and other beauty products. These products may have chemicals that can interact with the metals in your jewellery, resulting in tarnish and a diminished shine.

2. Swimming Precautions: If you enjoy swimming, it’s wise to remove your gold jewellery before entering the water. Chlorine and other chemicals commonly found in pools can interact with the metals in your jewellery, causing tarnishing and potential damage.

3. Water Exposure: While it’s normal for jewellery to get wet from time to time, you should avoid keeping your gold pieces submerged in water for extended periods. Extended exposure to moisture can expedite the tarnishing process.

4. Mindful Eating: Be careful not to touch your jewellery when cooking or eating, especially with acidic foods. Acidic substances can accelerate the tarnishing of your gold pieces.

5. Minimal Handling: Try to minimize direct contact with your gold jewellery as much as possible. The natural oils and sweat from your skin can cause tarnishing as time goes on.

6. Safe Storage: To prevent tarnish, store your jewellery in a separate pouch or compartment within a cool, dark, and dry place. That protects it from exposure to environmental factors that could lead to tarnishing.

7. Exercise Care: It’s a good practice to remove your gold jewellery when working out. The sweat produced during physical activity can contribute to tarnishing and may diminish the jewellery’s shine.

8. Chemical Hair Processes: Avoid wearing your gold jewellery when undergoing chemical hair treatments. Chemicals in hair dyes and other products can react with the metals in your jewellery, potentially causing damage and tarnish.

9. Regular Cleaning: To maintain the shine of your gold jewellery, establish a routine for cleaning and maintenance. Periodic cleaning helps remove accumulated dirt and oils, preserving the lustre of your pieces.

In essence, the key to preserving your gold jewellery’s lustre is avoiding the agents that lead to tarnishing. High-quality jewellery is durable, but proper care through these precautions can significantly extend its lifespan.

How to Restore the Shine of Your Tarnished 14k Gold Jewellery

The good news is that tarnishing isn’t a permanent issue with your jewellery. You can clean the tarnish at home or seek professional cleaning services. To clean your jewellery at home, you’ll need a good quality Jewellery Cleaner, which is specifically designed for this purpose. Gently clean your jewellery using the cleaner, being careful not to scrub vigorously since 14k gold, while stronger due to its alloys, can still scratch. After cleaning, allow the jewellery to dry, and then store it in individual bags in a cool, dark place until you’re ready to wear it. Don’t use strong chemicals like alcohol for cleaning.

Instead, use cleaners specifically made for fine jewellery. If your jewellery has significant tarnishing, or you need to be more comfortable cleaning it yourself, it’s advisable to have a professional take care of it. Remember, the occurrence of tarnish doesn’t imply your gold is fake or beyond restoration. The important thing is to know why 14k gold tarnishes, be careful to avoid things that make it tarnish faster, and regularly clean your jewellery to keep it looking beautiful for as long as you can.