Does Gold Tarnish?
Gold has been treasured for centuries for its beauty, rarity, and value. As a precious metal, it holds a special status in the world of fine jewelry, often being the standard metal for which gemstones are set.
A common question among jewelry buyers though, is: does gold tarnish?
The answer is not as straightforward as a simple yes or no; it depends on the purity of the gold and the metals it is alloyed with.
In this article, we’ll explore what tarnishing means, how different gold alloys react over time, and how to properly care for gold jewelry to maintain its brilliance.
What Does Tarnishing Mean
Tarnishing is a chemical reaction that affects the surface of certain metals, leading to a loss of luster, darkening, or discoloration.
It occurs when metals interact with oxygen, sulfur, moisture, or various chemicals found in everyday environments. Some common metals that are prone to tarnishing are copper, nickel, and zinc. Pure gold, on the other hand, does not tarnish.
Note that tarnish is not the same as rust, which is a more destructive reaction that affects iron-based metals. Instead of eating through the structure of a metal like rust does, tarnish typically forms as a thin layer on the surface of an alloyed metal, affecting its appearance but not necessarily compromising its structure.
In gold jewelry, the degree to which tarnishing occurs on gold pieces depends on what metals and how much of them have been alloyed with the gold, and the environmental conditions that the piece is exposed to. While pure 24k gold jewelry does not tarnish, gold pieces at lower karats may develop it over time.
Tarnishing in Lower Karat Gold
Gold in its purest form (24K) is naturally soft, making pure gold pieces less suitable for everyday wear. To make gold pieces more robust and durable, jewelers often alloy the gold with other metals like copper, nickel, or zinc to enhance durability.
While alloying gold improves its strength and practicality, it also introduces the potential for surface tarnishing, since the chances of tarnishing increase as the amount of alloyed metal increases.
Just as an example, 10K and 14K gold contain a higher proportion of base metals compared to 18K gold, making them more susceptible to tarnishing when exposed to moisture, sulfur, or chemicals found in lotions, perfumes, and household cleaning products.
How to Prevent Gold Tarnish
While tarnishing is not always avoidable in lower-karat gold, proper care can keep gold jewelry looking its best. Keep in mind that tarnishing occurs because of three main things: exposure to moisture, exposure to chemicals, and poor storage conditions. With this in mind, here are some tips to help you prevent your lower karat pieces from tarnishing:
- Store Gold Properly – Keep jewelry in a dry, airtight container or a soft cloth pouch to minimize exposure to air and moisture.
- Avoid Chemicals – Remove gold jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying lotions and perfumes.
- Clean Regularly – Dirt, oils, and residue can all create a film on your gold piece, and trap moisture between it that can make your piece susceptible to tarnish. Gently clean your gold jewelry with an organic jewelry cleaner, using a soft brush to remove any buildup. Avoid abrasive cleaners that can wear down the gold. Make sure to dry the piece after cleaning, and store it appropriately.
If your gold piece has become tarnished, don’t fret. Bring it to a reputable gold jewelry store to have it restored. At Kim Quang Jewelry, we specialize in gold pieces and can help you restore your tarnished gold piece to help bring back its lustre.
Final Thoughts
Gold is renowned for its lasting beauty, and while pure gold does not tarnish, lower-karat gold may show signs of tarnishing due to its alloy content.
Understanding how different gold alloys react to environmental factors can help you take the right precautions to maintain your jewelry’s brilliance.
Regardless of tarnishing, whether you own a piece of 10K gold or a high-karat heirloom, proper care will ensure your gold jewelry remains radiant for years to come.
If you have a gold piece of jewelry that requires cleaning and maintenance, we invite you to our showroom here in San Diego. As experts in gold jewelry, our jewelers can help service and maintain your piece so that it looks as vibrant as the day you got it. While you’re here, you can also explore our showroom, which has one of the largest collections of gold jewelry in the whole city. Come nad experience the expertise and world-class service that has made us San Diego’s preferred gold jewelry destination.