Does 14K Gold Tarnish?
Learn why 14k gold tarnishes, how to prevent it, and the best methods for restoring its shine. Keep your jewelry looking new with these expert tips.
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Gold is considered to be a forever luxury as it doesn’t rust or decay. But it is this very softness that makes the pure gold so appealing.
Pure gold is not suitable for office, casual, or other regular wear. However, to make it last long, it has to be combined with another metal. So the question is: Does 14k gold get tarnished?
Pure gold doesn’t tarnish. Aluminum, for example, is a good conductor of heat and electricity when it is on its own. But when you put other metals with it, it behaves differently.
14k gold is 58.3% pure gold, and 41.7% other metals such as copper, silver, nickel, or zinc. Those other metals, compared to gold, act with the environment from normal rust and can change color or even tarnish.
Just to give you an insight about this, let’s briefly discuss the reasons why 14k gold tarnishes, how to prevent this from happening, and how to restore your gold jewelry.
How Does It Happen?
While 24k gold is resistant to corrosion, alloy metals in 14k gold have a higher tendency to be reactive.
They get in contact with other elements in the environment, and you get a chemical reaction that causes the discoloration.
Environmental Factors
Here are some factors that could possibly cause 14k gold to discolor.
- Oxygen: It is a potent oxidizer and can react with some metals to produce oxides on their surface. This oxidation is one of the leading causes of tarnishing.
- Sulfur: Sulfur compounds are in the air, especially in the urban area. They combine with silver or copper to form sulfides and discolors and appear black.
- Chlorine: Chlorine is used in swimming pools and hot tubs and is very reactive with many metals, such as the alloy metals in 14k gold.
Alloy Metals
The other elements in 14k gold are the alloy metals, which also contribute to the tarnishing of the jewelry.
- Copper: Copper is used in gold jewelry as it alloys the gold because it is strong and gives the jewelry a certain color. However, it is highly reactive and forms products like oxides and sulfides, which cause green or black coloration.
- Silver: Silver is another metal that is added to gold in proportion to the gold in order to make it whiter. It is less reactive than copper, but it is likely to tarnish and develop a dark gray or black surface film.
- Nickel: It is used for the hardness and durability factors associated with nickel. It is much less susceptible to tarnishing than copper or silver but may disagree with some skins.
Tarnishing Vs. Other Discoloration
When talking about gold jewelry, one needs to distinguish between tarnishing and other forms of discoloration that can be present.
- Tarnishing: A form of oxidation that is formed on the surface of the alloy metals after reacting with some elements in the environment. Its stains can be washed with cleaning, and that feels more natural.
- Oxidation: A physical change where metals corrode because they get oxidized or, in other words, they interact with oxygen. The redox reaction might turn metals gray or brown due to oxidation.
- Patina: A patina that is relatively greenish or bluish and which develops on copper and bronze with time.
14K Gold Tarnishing Factors
There are a number of things that contribute to making 14k gold tarnish faster. Knowing the following will assist you in taking the necessary steps to prevent damage to your jewelry.
Use And Abuse
The wearing and negligent handling of your 14k gold jewelry transform the piece to a different outlook altogether. The drawback of using these metals is that they are easily affected when exposed and become easily tarnished.
For instance, rings get frequently contacted with surfaces; hence, they are more susceptible to wearing out.
It is found that through repeated use, the gold plate gets rubbed away, and the base alloy metals are uncovered. Necklaces and bracelets wear from contact with clothing and have the same problem.
Environmental Factors
14k gold tarnish is something that is mostly caused by the environment. Here are a few environmental factors which lead to gold tarnishing:
- Humidity: Alloy metals are known to be exposed to oxidation at a higher rate when they are exposed to a high-humidity environment. Water vapor in the air favors chemical reactions that result in the formation of the copper sulfate compound. This is more so, especially in the coastal region or when the climatic conditions are humid.
- Pollution: There are many chemicals and particles in the air that are capable of reacting with gold jewelry. Exhaust fumes, as well as emissions from industrial plants, contain sulfur dioxide, which is an agent that tarnishes. Density and traffic congestion involve high air pollution within regions that are urbanized, industries, and commercial centers.
- Chemicals: The beads made from 14k gold may be affected by exposure to chemicals. Some of them are, bleaching agents such as household cleaners, bleach, and ammonia, among others.
These chemicals can ignite with alloy metals and make differential coloring and pitting. It is always wise to take off your jewelry when you are handling cleaning products.
For a deeper understanding of gold alloys and how they behave, visit the guide.
Skincare and Cosmetics
Even creams, fragrances, and hair items can also cause the 14k gold tarnishing. These products contain substances that may come into contact with the alloy metal.
For instance, some deodorants contain chlorine, which is known to cause corrosion in gold jewelry. Reduce the risks by applying less skin creams or makeup when putting on the jewelry.
Also, most of the skincare products rich in antioxidants such as alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) and salicylic acid affect jewelry.
These acids can easily tarnish the surface of the alloy metals used to make the jewelry bits and pieces. Do not wear your gold jewelry when in contact with these products that contain these ingredients.
Chlorine and Saltwater
The duo of chlorine and saltwater is a nightmare, especially for 14k gold. The substances corrode the alloy metals at a very fast rate. Chlorine in water form, like that found in pools, reacts with gold and ends up causing it to tarnish as well as pit.
Another disadvantage of saltwater includes the formation of a corrosive environment that hastens increasing tarnish. As much as possible, avoid wearing your gold jewelry, especially when you are going to be on the beach.
14K Gold Tarnishing Prevention
14k gold jewelry needs to be stored to avoid getting rusty or getting a dull look. Pieces have to be kept in closed containers and jewelry boxes in order to avoid dust, moisture, and other environmental vices.
They form enclosures to avoid direct exposure of the gold and hence remain preserved for the longest time possible.
Or soft fabric pouches which; are gentle and safe for the pots. And each piece will be kept in its own compartment and this way, the items will not scratch each other.
This is an important step when it comes to clearing or washing because it eliminates grime and other elements that will lead to tarnishing.
A wash with a solution of mild soap diluted in water that is warm is mostly adequate on a normal scale. The use of a soft broom or soft bristled brush should be applied in cleaning the areas thoroughly.
When washing, rinse your jewelry with distilled water. When done, gently pat it with a clean and soft cloth to remove moisture.
Do not use strong soap or other cleaning agents that have grim which may cause scratching of the metal.
Do not expose your 14k gold jewelry to harsh chemicals. It is hazardous to use some of the cleaning products which are commonly used at home because they are capable of interacting chemically with the gold.
Maintain your 14k gold jewelry in proper condition by having a look for its faults once in a while. This could be in the form of worn out engraving, scratches, loose stones or even a cracked clasp.
To avoid such problems from escalating, they should be detected early enough.
Look for visible changes in the nature of your metals, especially in the areas that have formed corrosion.
In case of noticing any changes, do the cleaning operations or turn to a jeweler. One more tip is to get expert cleaning and checking no less than once per year.
As you use the above mentioned tips, you will be in a position to successfully minimize damage of 14k gold jewelry. To ensure that your treasures remain bright at all times, there is always a need to be consistent.
Managing Tarnished 14K Gold
That’s why prevention is always the best or the most effective way as far as the maintenance and care of your 14k gold jewelry is concerned but still at times the tarnishing occurs. In that case, it should be managed gently.
Professional Cleaning
In case of very hard to remove tarnish or complex designs we advise one to seek the services of a professional jeweler.
Department professionals have the knowledge and apparatus which can safely restore the shine of a piece of jewelry without harm.
Ultrasonic cleaning employs sound waves of high frequency, thereby matting the dirt and tarnish.
In difficult situations, it is required to use steam cleaning. This helps in using the advantage of steam in order to soften up and eradicate dirt.
Home Remedies
There are many remedies for cleaning the tarnished gold at home. Some of the techniques that are used like using toothpaste or baking soda can be quite harsh on your jewelry.
Warm water and a solution of mild soap is fairly safe but might not be adequate for removing deep sitting tarnish. If you do attempt one of the home treatments first, perform the treatment on a limited and hidden area.
Prevention Is Key
Prevention is key. As seen above, there are various ways through which your 14k gold jewelry can tarnish and therefore to reduce on this follow the right care and storage procedures.
Maintenance includes washing, use of non corrosive products, and checks to ensure that the jewels are in their best state.
Also Try These For Tarnished 14k Gold Jewelry:
Along with the previously discussed ways of dealing with tarnished gold, here are a few more tips to tackle the tarnishing process:.
- Don’t overheat: As a result of high heat, the tarnishing rate progresses at a faster pace. Do not operate the equipment in direct sunlight or near heat generating sources such as heaters.
- Handle with care: While putting on or removing jewelry ensure that you do it gently in order not to scratch the jewelry items.
- Maintenance is key: Always clean up your jewelry. Daily or weekly cleaning, inspection and proper storage of the jewelry will go a long way in increasing the span of using your gold jewelry.
In order to clean your 14k gold jewelry and properly take care of it, Both professional cleaning and at home care and preventive measures could be utilized.
Summary
That way, you will be informed of the causes of 14k gold tarnishing and can maintain the shine and existence of your jewelry.
With the right handling and storage, it is possible to reduce instances of tarnishing and, therefore, maintain the appearance of your jewelry.
It should be remembered that prevention is important and taking close attention to these facts will go a long way in making your gold jewelry shine for some time.
If you find, however, that your gold jewelry has tarnished, be gentle with them. Other forms of tarnish, difficult to remove or complicated items, seek the services of a jeweler.
Sometimes, for a slight tarnish, treatment is mild, and the normal cleaning procedures may suffice. Always prevent it from having to be cleaned or restored.
Do not hesitate to contact DG Jewelry for the best 14K gold jewelry at this present time.