Introduction to Gold Tarnishing
Gold tarnishing is a slow, natural process that happens when a metal reacts with oxygen, moisture, or other substances in the air. Tarnishing can affect the appearance of your gold jewelry, making it look dull and discolored. Jewelry tarnishing can occur when the metal comes into contact with certain chemicals or substances, such as perfume, cosmetics, or even the oils on our skin. Tarnishing can also occur due to exposure to air and moisture. When your gold or jewelry is exposed to air and moisture, it can form a layer of tarnish on its surface. This layer is typically a dark brown or black color and can be difficult to remove.
Why Does Gold Tarnish?
Gold tarnishing is caused by a chemical reaction between the metal and other substances, such as sulfur, oxygen, and moisture in the air. The most common cause of gold tarnishing is exposure to sulfur compounds, which are present in the air and in some foods and cosmetics. When gold jewelry comes into contact with sulfur compounds, it creates a layer of gold sulfide on the surface of the metal. This layer is typically a dark brown or black color and can be difficult to remove. The longer the exposure to sulfur, the thicker the layer of gold sulfide will become, making it harder to remove.
Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent tarnishing from occurring in the first place, and if it does happen, there are ways to clean and restore your gold jewelry.
Does 14k Gold Tarnish?
Gold is a noble metal, which means that it is resistant to corrosion and oxidation. The purity of gold is measured in karats, with 24 karat being pure gold. Pure gold cannot tarnish since it does not combine easily with oxygen. Gold is a soft metal, and it's often alloyed with other metals such as copper and silver to increase its hardness and durability. These alloys can react with the air and cause tarnishing.
14k gold generally contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals such as copper, silver, and nickel. The alloys that are mixed with 14k pure gold can cause tarnishing over time. In general, all gold jewelry can tarnish, but the higher the karat, the less likely it will tarnish.
Prevention Tips to Avoid Tarnished Gold
The most common cause of gold tarnishing is exposure to sulfur compounds, which are present in the air and in some foods and cosmetics. When gold jewelry comes into contact with sulfur compounds, it creates a layer of gold sulfide on the surface of the metal. This layer is what causes the gold to look dull and discolored. The longer the exposure to sulfur, the thicker the layer of gold sulfide will become, making it harder to remove. Luckily, there are steps you can take to prevent your gold jewelry from tarnishing.
Here are some of our jewelry care tips to keep your gold jewelry shining and beautiful:
- Store your gold jewelry in a dry, cool place, away from direct sunlight and moisture.
- Avoid exposing your gold jewelry to harsh chemicals and substances, such as perfume, hairspray, and cosmetics.
- Remove your gold jewelry before swimming or showering, as exposure to chlorine and other chemicals can cause tarnish.
- Clean your gold jewelry at home regularly to remove any dirt, oils, and contaminants that may have accumulated on its surface.
How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry
If your gold jewelry has already tarnished, don't worry, it's reversible. Here are some tips on how to clean tarnished gold jewelry at home:
- Mix a few drops of Dawn dish soap in a bowl of warm water and soak your gold jewelry for 15-20 minutes.
- Gently scrub your gold jewelry with a soft-bristled toothbrush to remove any dirt or grime.
- Rinse your gold jewelry with warm water and dry with a soft cloth.
- If needed, finish with a gold polishing cloth for heavily tarnished gold jewelry.
How to Use Ultrasonic Cleaner for Gold Jewelry
Ultrasonic cleaners are an effective way to clean gold jewelry, especially if it's heavily tarnished. Here's how you can use an ultrasonic cleaner for gold jewelry:
- Fill the ultrasonic cleaner with water and add a drop of Dawn dish soap.
- Place your gold jewelry in the basket, lower into the cleaner, and turn it on.
- Let the ultrasonic cleaner run for the duration of the cleaning cycle (typically 3-5 minutes).
- Remove your gold jewelry, rinse with water, and pat dry on a lint-free cloth.
- For heavily tarnished gold, use a polishing cloth to remove any traces of gold tarnish.
Final Thoughts
Gold tarnishing is a natural process, but it's preventable and reversible! Remember to store your jewelry in a dry, airtight container, avoid exposure to sulfur compounds, and clean your jewelry regularly. If your gold jewelry has already tarnished, consider investing in an ultrasonic jewelry cleaner to keep your gold, silver, and diamond jewelry sparkling like new. Learn more about ultrasonic jewelry cleaning and how to choose the best ultrasonic cleaner to fit your needs.
