Does Gold Tarnish? Understanding How and Why It Happens

Gold jewelry has always been enchanting to mankind, symbolizing wealth and beauty in many cultures. From Egyptian royalties to modern-day fashion icons, gold is still one of the most favorite materials for jewelry. Nowadays, gold jewelry is also one of the most purchased items to celebrate memorable events, love, or to connect someone with family heritage.

But one question always arises in the minds of all gold jewelry owners: “Will my gold lose its shine over time?” Some of the most asked questions include, “Does gold tarnish?”, “Does white gold tarnish?”, and “How can I stop my gold jewelry from dulling?”. Here, in this all-inclusive guide, we have taken a deep dive into the science behind the tarnishing of gold, differences between different types of gold alloys, and will provide you with actionable tips to keep them looking brilliant as the day you got them.

Pure gold does not tarnish, but gold jewelry is an alloy. depending on the percentage of other metals mixed with the gold, there is a chance for tarnish, the lower number of karats, the more likely it will be that tarnishing occurs;

Does Gold Tarnish? Understanding Gold’s Resistance to Tarnish

The Science of Tarnishing and the Question of Gold Purity

Gold is by nature an extremely inert metal. Among the least reactive metals, that in itself means that pure gold—24 karats—does not tarnish under normal conditions. This resistance to tarnishing is due to its low reactivity with oxygen and sulfur, two common elements causing other metals, such as silver and copper, to discolor or corrode.

However, pure gold is so soft and easily deformed that it cannot be used in its pure form for most types of jewelry. To make durable jewelry that can be worn daily, jewelers combine gold with toughening metals. This impregnation creates different types of lower-karat gold, such as 18k, 14k, and 10k gold, made with different percents of other metals combined with gold, including but not limited to silver, copper, nickel, and zinc. The addition of these metals during the impregnation process makes gold jewelry prone to tarnishing.

The Rule of Karats and Tarnish Susceptibility

The general rule is that the lower the karat, the more likely gold is to tarnish with age. Higher-karat gold, for example, 18k or 22k, would therefore contain elements closer to pure gold and as such would have a high chance of not tarnishing. In contrast, 10k and 14k gold have greater concentrations of the active metals and will tarnish upon exposure to environmental elements.

Why Tarnishing Occurs in Gold Alloys

When copper, nickel, or silver alloys take part in the making up of gold, this will happen when air, moisture, and chemicals react with these metals, forming a fragile layer of tarnish on the surface of the ornament. This process is generally called oxidation. It is generally viewed when, along with time, the ornament begins to appear darker, duller, or even the development of a film. While this layer of tarnish structurally doesn’t harm the ornament, it can make the ornament look worn or lifeless.

As it is a slow reaction, it is catalyzed by factors like humidity, exposure to chemicals, and body oils.

Types of Gold and Their Tarnish Resistance

The tendency to tarnish in gold jewelry depends on the metal composition of various types of gold. Let’s have a closer look at the most usual forms of gold and their long-term reactions.

1. Yellow Gold

Yellow gold consists of pure gold mixed with other metals, usually copper and zinc, to achieve the rich, golden shade that is very close to pure gold. The higher karat of yellow gold—18k and above—includes more gold and tends to develop tarnish at a slower pace. As it comes to yellow gold in lower karats, however, such as 10k or 14k, it is highly more expected to develop tarnish due to the high content of copper and zinc, active metals.

24k Yellow Gold: Pure enchanted gold does not tarnish.
18k Yellow Gold: Less alloy metal, very resistant to tarnish.
10k and 14k Yellow Gold: More alloy metals—more prone to tarnish.

2. White Gold

White gold is usually made by combining gold with other metals, like palladium or nickel, to give it that characteristic silvery-white color. The color and sheen of white gold are often enhanced by adding a rhodium plate, yet another durable, shining metal. While the white gold itself will generally not tarnish, this rhodium plating can eventually wear off to reveal the yellowish hue of its base alloy.

Rhodium-plated white gold: Would not tarnish to begin with but may require re-plating after some time.
Unplated White Gold: It is more prone to discoloration due to the use of the alloy metals, mainly nickel.

3. Rose Gold

The characteristic pink color of rose gold is because of the higher percentage of copper in the alloy. The metal copper is very reactive; hence, rose gold has the tendency to tarnish more easily, building this patina over time. A lot of people actually like this patina since it could make rose gold jewelry look a bit vintage or antique.

18k Rose Gold: Comprises less copper; therefore, it tarnishes at a slower pace.
14k Rose Gold: It is composed of a higher percentage of copper and hence might turn darker with time.

4. Gold-Plated and Gold-Filled Jewelry

Gold-plated jewelry incorporates a thin layer of gold applied over a base metal like brass or copper. This layer of gold is extremely thin, and hence it can wear off to show the base metal beneath, which may be highly susceptible to tarnishing. Gold-filled jewelry is made by bonding a significantly thicker layer of gold to the base metal; therefore, it will be tougher than gold-plated items.

Gold-plated: Has the tendency to tarnish when the layer of gold wears off.
Gold-Filled: More durable but most definitely needs proper care to remain the same.

Identifying Tarnish on Gold Jewelry

Tarnished gold is sometimes pretty subtle, especially when it comes to higher-karat pieces. Here are common signs of tarnishing:

Dark or Discolored Areas: Tarnished gold often displays a somewhat darker color compared to what it originally had, especially in those areas that come in constant contact with the skin.
Dullness: A tarnished ornament might be deprived of its shining facet and appears dull or matte, as opposed to reflectively shining.
Surface film/residue: This could lead to the depositing of a film or a residue on the surface, making the ornament appear dull or cloudy.

Knowing such signs will help you tackle tarnish early to keep your gold jewelry in its best shape.

Commonly Asked Questions About Gold Tarnish

Q: Easy to Tarnish for 18K Gold?

A: Yes, because of a higher purity with less alloy metal than 10k and 14k, 18k has a higher probability to show resistance to tarnishing. Yet, it can be tarnished over time, with exposure to moisture and chemicals.

Q: How Long Does Gold Plating Last Before It Tarnishes?

A: Gold plating can last several months up to several years depending upon the thickness of plating and how often the jewelry is being worn. Once the gold layer has worn off, the base metal underneath will tarnish much more quickly.

Q: Is it possible to remove tarnish from gold jewelry?

A: Generally speaking, tarnish is a removable condition with the proper cleaning methods. With mild soap and water along with a polishing cloth, the shine may be restored to most light tarnishing of jewelry items.

Q: Why does my gold jewelry go dull?

A: Dullness in gold jewelry could be due to tarnishing, dirt, or lotions and oils. Regular cleaning can help keep gold jewelry bright and shiny.

Preventing Tarnish on Gold Jewelry: Keeping its Shine ON

While one cannot completely avoid a degree of tarnishing, especially in lower-karat gold, here are a few ways to prevent or minimize tarnish so that your gold jewelry remains elegant and lovely. Following are the essential tips for caring with respect to preventing tarnish in gold jewelry:

Avoid exposure to moisture: Tarnish tends to form with moisture, and this happens more frequently with less strong or lower-karat gold. Take off your gold jewelry when showering, swimming, or washing your hands.
Avoid Chemical Contact: Use lotions, perfumes, hairsprays, and cleaning products before putting jewelry on and ensure that they are properly dried.
Proper Storage: Gold jewelry should be kept in a cool, dry place. A jewel case should be used for storage, either with separate compartments or together but put into little soft cloths that allow pieces not to chafe with each other. Adding a silica gel packet to your storage can also help to absorb moisture.
Wear gold with care: Avoid wearing gold while doing activities that might expose it to sweat, oils, or dirt, such as going to the gym or gardening. Oils from your body can build up on gold and cause tarnish, resulting in a dulled appearance.
Regular Cleaning: Cleaning your jewelry regularly with a mild detergent and water keeps it shining. Gently scrub with a soft toothbrush, then rinse and pat it dry with a lint-free cloth.

Cleaning and Restoring Tarnished Gold Jewelry

If your gold adornments have already developed tarnish, there is a way to bring them to their shining state. Depending on the level of tarnish that affects your accessories, it might be easy to clean at home using some simple DIY methods; if the case is more serious, you will need to visit more advanced professionals who will help with more complicated restoration. Here are some of the most popular cleaning and restoring methods for gold jewelry.

Homemade Cleaning Techniques for Lightly Tarnished Gold

Light tarnishing of gold can usually be cleaned at home to bring it back to its shine. It is always advisable to start with the mildest cleaning method to avoid scratching or damaging one’s jewelry.

1. Mild Soap and Warm Water

This is one of the safest and easiest methods for cleaning gold at home. It’s a great approach for items that are only moderately tarnished and won’t harm any type of metal or gemstone.

In a small bowl, mix warm water with a few drops of mild dish soap.
Allow jewelry to soak in the solution for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Scrub gently with a soft-bristle toothbrush in light circular motions, focusing on intricate areas.
Rinse off soap completely with lukewarm water and air dry on a soft, lint-free cloth.

Pro Tip: Avoid boiling water, as temperature shocks may damage gemstones or weaken settings. Use lukewarm or room-temperature water.

2. Baking Soda and Water Paste

For tougher tarnish, a baking soda paste acts as a gentle abrasive. Be cautious, as baking soda can be harsh on certain high-polish finishes.

Mix baking soda with a few drops of water to form a thick paste.
Apply with a soft cloth or toothbrush to tarnished areas.
Work the paste into tarnish with small circular motions and light pressure.
Rinse thoroughly and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Note: Do not use this method on gold-plated jewelry, as baking soda can wear away the gold plating.

3. Vinegar and Baking Soda for Solid Gold Only

This mixture can be effective for heavily tarnished solid gold. Avoid using on plated or filled items, as the thin gold layer may be damaged.

Place jewelry in a small glass bowl.
Sprinkle a teaspoon of baking soda over it and cover with white vinegar.
Let sit for a few minutes, then rinse thoroughly.
Dry with a soft cloth.

Note: Use sparingly, as vinegar is an acid that may weaken some metals.

4. Jewelry Polishing Cloth

A polishing cloth is essential for maintaining gold jewelry in good condition, often impregnated with polishing compounds.

Rub tarnished areas with the cloth, following product instructions.

Tip: This non-abrasive method is safe for all types of gold, including gold-plated and gold-filled pieces.

When to Consult a Professional Jeweler

If your jewelry is heavily tarnished or you feel uncomfortable using DIY methods on valuable pieces, visit a professional jeweler. They have tools like ultrasonic and steam cleaners to safely remove tarnish without damage.

Reasons to consult a jeweler include:

Jewelry contains precious or delicate stones.
White gold jewelry needing rhodium re-plating.
Intricate designs that are hard to clean at home.

Many jewelry stores offer regular cleaning services to maintain your jewelry’s brilliance.