Solid gold has been long loved as a precious metal used in jewelry. The color gold has many warm variant hues. It shines brightly when you’re poolside in the summer and stands out against jewel-tone sweaters in the winter. But gold isn’t just a color. It is a rare noble metal that symbolizes power and longevity. Many love solid gold jewelry because it’s durable and maintains value over time. But, if solid gold is resistant to corrosion, can gold tarnish? We can break it down for you.
Different Types of Gold
Solid gold jewelry is typically categorized as karats. The purest form is 24k gold is very rare and is too soft for jewelry. So, when you see 18k gold or 14k gold, know that these are made up of other alloys to produce strong jewelry. You wouldn’t want your gold chain or ring to bend out of shape. This also applies to white gold and rose gold. If you need help cleaning those, too, we can help.
Does Gold Tarnish?
This is the big question. The question that might be stalling you from choosing between solid gold and gold bonded jewelry. 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!
What Causes Gold To Tarnish?
While solid gold is more durable than gold plated jewelry, it still needs to be taken care of. It’s a big misconception that real gold doesn’t tarnish, and people often worry that they may have purchased fake gold when their jewelry starts to fade or look less shiny. No need to stress; this is completely normal.
14k gold will tarnish much slower than 925 sterling silver, but the same chemicals harm both metals. Many chemicals can react with gold and lead to discoloration.
Solid Gold Care Tips
If you’re wondering how to prevent tarnished gold, start with some of these easy tips. Always store your jewelry in a dry and secure place. You don’t want it falling off your dresser or tangled, so keep it in a special drawer or a jewelry case. You can also polish your gold jewelry with a soft, polishing cloth or micro-fiber cloth (like the one you use on your sunglasses) often or after each wear. This will remove any daily buildup and boost shine.
You might also want to avoid a few things when wearing solid gold jewelry. If your chain, bracelet, or ring gets wet, make sure to dry it off after. And if you spray cologne or perfume on, do it before putting your jewelry on. We promise this makes a difference.
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. The important thing to remember is to treat them gently to prevent scratching or damage. For your gold jewelry, we recommend giving them a little bath.
- Get a bowl of warm water and put a few drops of gentle dish soap in. Go ahead and give it a little mix.
- Place your men’s gold bracelets, gold chains, and earrings in the bowl and let them sit for about 5 minutes.
- Next, you can swish them around the water and pull them out to dry on a soft cloth. If there is more dirt between the links of the chain or the setting of a ring, you can use a soft toothbrush to remove any dirt or grime. The bristles on the toothbrush matter, so pick a soft one!
- Finish things with one more rinse in warm water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
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. If you need more help, you can always bring your gold to a professional jeweler or contact the retailer you purchased it from. At JAXXON, we are here to help find you the perfect piece and keep it looking good.
