Gold Doesn’t Tarnish… Or Does It?
Gold jewelry is known for its luxurious shine and timeless appeal, but it is not maintenance-free. If you have ever noticed your favorite piece of gold jewelry looking a little dull or discolored, you are not alone. While gold is one of the least reactive metals, it is not completely immune to tarnishing and does require a little bit of maintenance. So, why does gold tarnish, and what can you do to keep your jewelry looking its best? Keep reading to find out.
What Is Tarnish and Why Does It Happens
It is important to note that gold jewelry may appear dull without actually being tarnished. Tarnish is a thin layer of discoloration that forms on the surface of metals when they undergo a chemical reaction, such as oxidation, while dullness is often just surface buildup like body oils or soap. In the case of gold tarnishing, the purity of the metal and the environment that it is worn or stored in plays a big role in how likely it is to tarnish.
Pure gold (24K) is extremely resistant to tarnish, but it is also soft and not ideal for everyday wear. That is why most gold jewelry is made with alloys. A gold alloy is made when pure gold is mixed with other metals like copper, silver or zinc to improve durability. These alloyed metals are what react with air, moisture, sweat and chemicals or skincare products, and can lead to a layer of tarnish over time.
If you are wondering, "can gold tarnish even if it is real?” — the short answer is yes. This is especially true for lower karats. The more alloyed metals it contains, the more likely it is to tarnish
How to Prevent Gold Jewelry from Tarnishing
While you cannot stop tarnishing completely, you can slow it down with the right care habits. Some ways you can prevent gold jewelry from tarnishing include:
1. Store It Properly
Keep your gold jewelry in a dry, airtight container or jewelry box. Use anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs to reduce moisture and always store pieces separately to prevent scratching.
2. Avoid Chemical Exposure
Remove jewelry before swimming, showering, or applying lotions, perfumes and sprays. Chemicals and moisture can accelerate tarnishing, especially for lower-karat or gold-plated pieces. Avoiding chemical exposure helps prevent tarnish.
3. Clean It Regularly
Wipe down your jewelry with a soft cloth after each wear. For deeper cleaning, use warm water and mild soap with a soft brush. Be gentle, especially with gold-plated items. You want to avoid accidentally scratching the surface with your brush or cloth. Do not use abrasive cleaners.
What About Gold-Plated Jewelry?
Another common question is, "does gold plated tarnish?" Yes, it does. Gold-plated jewelry consists of a thin layer of gold over a base metal like brass or copper. Over time, this gold layer can wear away, exposing the base metal underneath, which tarnishes much more quickly. That is why gold-plated pieces often require extra care and are not ideal for everyday wear.
When it comes to cleaning gold-plated jewelry, water and mild soap are generally safe, but extra caution is needed. Even gentle scrubbing can wear away the thin layer of gold. Spot-cleaning is usually better than soaking, and you should avoid ultrasonic cleaners unless a professional recommends them.
Some jewelers will re-plate gold-plated items if needed.
When to Call a Professional
If your gold jewelry has heavily tarnished or you are dealing with valuable or sentimental pieces, it is best to leave the care and maintenance up to a professional jeweler. They can clean and polish your gold jewelry. If the item contains gemstones, the jeweler can make sure they are tight and secure while they clean the jewelry.
The bottom line is that gold can tarnish and the reason mostly comes down to the presence of other metals in the alloy and exposure to the elements. However, with proper care and storage, you can keep your gold jewelry shining bright for years to come.