When it comes to jewelry, 14K gold is one of the most popular choices due to its durability, affordability, and unique composition.14K Gold, with its timeless allure and enduring value, has been a cherished metal for jewelry. Among the various gold alloys, 14K gold strikes a balance between durability and purity, making it a popular choice for crafting exquisite jewelry pieces. However, a common question that often arises is whether 14K gold tarnishes. In this blog, we aim to demystify the notion and explore the factors that can influence the appearance of 14K gold over time.

Understanding 14K Gold

To comprehend whether 14K gold tarnishes, we first need to understand what 14K gold is. Gold, in its purest form, is incredibly soft and malleable, making it unsuitable for most jewelry applications. To enhance its durability, jewelers often alloy gold with other metals. The "K" in 14K gold stands for "karat," a unit of measurement that indicates the purity of gold in a piece of jewelry. 14K gold contains 14 parts gold and 10 parts of other metal alloys.

The alloying process introduces various metals like copper, silver, or zinc to create 14K gold. These alloyed metals give the gold its hardness and other desirable properties, but they can also influence how the gold reacts to environmental factors, including tarnishing.

Does 14K Gold Tarnish?

The short answer is, Yes, 14K gold can tarnish. In fact, it’s not the pure gold content that changes color but the other metals in the alloy instead.

In its pure form, gold doesn’t tarnish or corrode, thanks to the low reactivity of gold as an element. However, pure gold is hardly ever used in jewelry due to its malleability. Rather, jewelers use gold alloys to make various pieces, with 14K gold being one of the most desirable options.

WHY DOES GOLD JEWELRY TARNISH?

In its pure form, gold doesn’t tarnish or corrode, thanks to the low reactivity of gold as an element. However, pure gold is hardly ever used in jewelry due to its malleability. Rather, jewelers use gold alloys to make various pieces, with 14K gold being one of the most desirable options.

Pure gold doesn’t tarnish. However, most jewelry contains alloys in order to improve the strength of the gold, and these alloys will tarnish. When an 18k or 14k gold piece tarnishes, it typically gets a little darker in color.

Tarnishing occurs because of corrosion. The most common form of corrosion is seen as the result of exposure to oxygen. Because of this, tarnishing will be inevitable at some point.

However, it is possible to see accelerated tarnishing as the result of exposure to certain chemicals and activities. If your jewelry is only a year old or less, and you’re seeing tarnishing, it may be the result of exposure to chlorine, perfume, acidic foods, salt water, or even your skin. Depending on your body, you may see tarnishing faster than others.  Some chemicals such as sulfur, hair dyes and chlorine react with the other metals in the 14k gold jewelry, causing it to corrode, tarnish and even turn black.

IF MY 14K GOLD JEWELRY IS TARNISHING, IS IT FAKE GOLD OR PLATED?

This is one of the biggest jewelry misconceptions, and the answer is simple: just because your 14k gold jewelry piece is tarnishing does not mean that it’s fake.

While it’s true that pure gold will not tarnish, it’s very rare that you’ll find a jewelry piece made from pure, 24k gold. In fact, it would be a bad idea since gold is so malleable. A solid gold piece of jewelry will easily break or bend.

High-quality gold pieces are made of 18k or 14k gold. They are mixed with alloys in order to improve strength. While the gold itself will not tarnish, the strengthening alloys will. Therefore, if your 14k gold is tarnishing, it’s not a sign that the gold is fake but rather that the jewelry needs cleaning. Additionally, you should consider your habits and avoid certain things that will make your jewelry tarnish faster.

HOW TO AVOID 14K GOLD TARNISHING

To avoid tarnishing 14K gold, you can follow these steps and suggestions:

** Regular cleaning ** :

Gently wipe the gold jewelry with mild, soapy water (avoid chlorine or abrasive cleaners) and a soft cloth.

After a short soak in water, gently scrub hard-to-reach areas with a soft toothbrush. Rinse well and dry with a clean cloth.

** Avoid chemicals ** :

Try to avoid exposing your gold jewelry to chemicals such as cosmetics, perfumes, hair gels, detergents and bleach. These substances may damage the metal and accelerate its discoloration.

** Proper storage ** :

When you are not wearing gold jewelry, store it in a soft cloth or jewelry box to prevent scratches and exposure to pollutants in the air. If possible, store each piece separately to avoid scratching each other.

** Avoid wearing ** while swimming:

Chlorine and other chemicals in swimming pools may cause damage to gold ornaments. Therefore, it is best not to wear gold jewelry when swimming, bathing or other water-related activities.

** Professional Maintenance **：

Take your gold jewelry to a professional jewelry store regularly for cleaning and inspection. They can provide professional maintenance services to ensure that your accessories stay in top condition.

** Pay attention to daily wear ** :

Avoid wearing gold jewelry during strenuous exercise or heavy physical activity to prevent accidental damage. Check the jewelry regularly for loose or damaged gems or other ornaments.

** Consider electroplating ** :

If your 14K gold jewelry has started to change color, you may consider taking it to a jewelry store for electroplating. Electroplating is the coating of a thin layer of metal on a metal surface to restore its luster and protect it from further damage. Note, however, that frequent plating may weaken the metal base, so it's best to only do it when necessary.

By following these steps and tips, you can extend the life of your 14K gold jewelry and keep it shiny and beautiful.

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR TARNISHED 14K GOLD

The good news is that tarnishing isn’t permanent.   You can try to clean the tarnish at home, or have a professional clean the jewelry for you.

Using a Fine Jewelry Cleaner, clean your jewelry.   Make sure that you clean the jewelry gently.  While 14k gold does contain allows to make it stronger, it can still easily scratch.   Regular cleaning will help reduce the appearance of tarnishing and keep your jewelry looking like new.

To clean your jewelry

• Remove the jewelry.
• Using the brush in the Fine Jewelry Cleaner, gently clean the jewelry. Do not scrub.   14k gold can scratch easily.
• Let dry.
• Store the jewelry in individual bags to minimize exposure to the air. Keep the bags in a cool, dark location until you are ready to wear the jewelry.
• Do not use alcohol or any harsh chemicals when cleaning your jewelry.   Stick to cleaners made specifically for fine jewelry.

If your jewelry has significant tarnishing or you don’t feel comfortable cleaning your own jewelry, have a professional clean it for you.   You can go to your local fine jewelry store for help.

It’s always a bummer when your beautiful fine jewelry piece starts to tarnish, but never fear; It does not mean that the gold is fake or that it can’t be brought to its former glory.   The key is to understand why 14k gold tarnishes, avoid substances that make it tarnish, and properly clean your jewelry to keep your body jewelry looking amazing for as long as possible.