Does Solid Gold Tarnish? Everything You Need to Know

Solid gold has long been cherished as a precious metal used in jewelry. But does solid gold tarnish is a frequently asked question.

Gold does not tarnish in its purest form, but because gold used in jewelry is combined with other metals, some tarnish can form.

We can explain it to you if you keep reading.

Table of Contents

What is Solid Gold?

Gold purity, or the purity of a particular piece of gold, is measured in karats. The term “karat” comes from the word “carat,” which is a unit of weight used to measure a precious metal. A karat is equal to 1/24th of the gold’s overall weight.

With karat values ranging from 10 to 24, gold is frequently offered in a variety of forms. The purity of gold increases with the karat value. For example:

24-karat gold is the purest form of gold, with a karat value of 24 out of 24. This indicates that the metal is entirely made of pure gold.
18-karat gold contains 18 parts gold and 6 parts other metals mixed, making it 75% pure gold.
14-karat gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts other metals mixed, making it 58.3% pure gold.
10-karat gold contains 10 parts gold and 14 parts other metals mixed, making it 41.7% pure gold.

You should be aware that gold will be softer the higher the karat value. As a result, 24k gold is very soft, 18k gold is less soft, etc. This could make it more prone to harm, such as bending or scratching. On the other hand, lower karat gold is more resilient because several metals are added to it, but it might not have the same brilliant yellow hue as pure gold.

Does Solid Gold Tarnish?

So, does solid gold tarnish?

Well, we are here to tell you that pure gold does not tarnish, but anything other than 24 karat gold can tarnish over time.

Good news, though—it’s preventable and fixable if it happens!

How Does Gold Tarnish?

What is gold tarnish and does gold tarnish? When a thin layer of discoloration on the surface of the gold develops, it is said to be tarnished. This causes the gold to look faded or dull and takes the shine off of the jewelry. All gold jewelry eventually develops a natural tarnishing process, but there are a few things that can speed it up. You can keep your jewelry looking its best by being aware of the common reasons why gold tarnishes.

Humidity and air exposure can cause tarnishing because oxygen and sulfur can corrode metals. Because of how they interact with the metal, a thin layer of tarnish forms on the surface and the metal reacts. This can be particularly problematic for people who live in humid environments when the moisture mixes with the gold.
Chemical Exposure/Proper Care: Chemicals like chlorine, sulfur, and other elements frequently found in soaps, cosmetics, and perfumes can cause real gold to react. Remove your jewelry before using these products to prevent tarnishing.
When real gold comes into contact with other metals, like copper or silver, it can also develop tarnish. This happens as a result of a reaction between the metals that results in tarnishing.
Insufficient storage: Gold can tarnish as a result of inadequate storage. Store your gold in a dry location away from the sun and other jewelry that could react with it. To avoid exposure to air and humidity, it’s also crucial to keep jewelry in a closed container like a jewelry box.
Wear and tear: Standard wear and tear can also cause pure gold to tarnish, which dulls it. This is so that the metal won’t react and form a layer of tarnish from being exposed to the elements on a constant basis.

Solid Gold Care Tips

Start with some of these simple suggestions if you want to learn how to avoid tarnished gold. Jewelry should always be kept in a safe, dry location. You don’t want it falling off your dresser or tangled, so keep it in a special drawer or a jewelry case.

A soft polishing cloth or microfiber cloth (like the kind you use on your sunglasses) can also be used to regularly or after each wear your gold jewelry. Any daily buildup will be eliminated, and shine will be improved.

When wearing solid gold jewelry, you might want to stay away from a few things as well. Make sure to dry off your ring, bracelet, or chain after getting it wet. Additionally, apply cologne or perfume before donning jewelry. This really does make a difference, we guarantee.

How to Clean Gold Jewelry?

You can clean your gold jewelry at home with things you may have on hand or get yourself a professional cleaning kit to make things easier on the go.

The steps to cleaning a 14k gold chain are very similar to how you would clean a gold bonded or gold vermeil and even a sterling silver chain. To avoid damaging or scratching them, it’s crucial to treat them gently.

We advise giving your gold jewelry a quick bath.

Put a few drops of mild dish soap in a bowl of warm water. Give it a little stirring now.
Place your men’s gold bracelets, gold chains, and earrings in the bowl and let them sit for about 5 minutes.
Then you can swirl them in the water and remove them to dry on a soft cloth. Use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any dirt or grime if there is more gunk between the chain’s links or the ring’s setting. Choose a soft toothbrush because the bristles are important.
Let everything dry with a soft cloth after one last rinse in warm water.

Final Thoughts on Does Solid Gold Tarnish

Gold tarnishing is the slight corrosion of the gold surface and is evident as a dark discoloration of the gold item, also called a tarnish film.

If you follow these jewelry cleaning instructions and tips, you can keep your gold jewelry looking amazing for years to come. At the end of the day, you want your gold jewelry to look its best.

Does 18k Gold Tarnish?

Yes, it can. The quality of 18k gold is higher than that of 14k or 10k gold, but over time, it can oxidize and turn discolored.

Does Real Gold Tarnish in Water?

Gold is a metal that’s resistant to corrosion. Water does not damage gold however it may cause it to lose its shine over time.

How to Fix Tarnished Gold?

For cleaning gold, salt and baking soda work surprisingly well.