Why is My Gold Turning Black?
Gold is a valuable and beautiful metal that has captivated humanity for millennia. It is used to create jewelry, coinage and other beautiful goods that are loved by many. It is also very delicate and requires proper care to preserve its luster. Gold jewelry can turn black if it is not cleaned properly or exposed to other chemicals. This article will discuss the reasons why your gold jewelry may turn black and provide tips on how to restore its shine.
Real Gold Does Not Turn Black
If you have genuine 24k gold, your ring should never tarnish. However, jewelers use a variety of metal alloys to produce most gold jewelry items. These alloys are made of copper, silver and zinc among other metals to increase the strength and durability of the gold. The problem is that these metals are likely to oxidize or corrode over time. These oxidation and corrosion may make the gold jewelry item turn black.
This is especially common in jewelry that is worn often. Sweat and natural oils in the body can cause a chemical reaction with the metal alloys used in gold jewelry. This reaction can create dark residues that rub off onto the skin and leave a black mark. This rubbing off is called metallic abrasion. The abrasion can happen when your jewelry touches a rough surface, like the inside of a pocket or when you wear it in hot, humid conditions.
The alloys in gold jewelry may react to certain things on the skin, such as chlorine or bleach. This abrasion can eat away at the gold and the metal alloys, which will eventually turn your jewelry black. You should always remove your gold rings before using cleaning solutions or swimming in a pool or hot tub.
Other factors that can cause a gold ring to turn black include poor care and the underlying metal alloys. These issues can be caused by not cleaning the ring regularly or not removing it before engaging in an activity that may cause a chemical reaction, such as washing dishes or working with harsh chemicals.
If your ring turns black, the best way to fix it is to clean it with a jewelry cleaner and buff it with a soft cloth to remove any dark residues. You should also wear it sparingly and avoid exposing it to chemicals that can trigger a chemical reaction.
Another option is to buy a higher-karat gold piece, which contains less alloying metals. This may be more durable and less prone to turning black, but it may also be more expensive than standard gold. If you can’t afford to replace your jewelry, you can apply a layer of clear nail polish or jewelry coating to the part of your ring that comes into contact with your skin to help prevent a chemical reaction. If you continue to experience problems, consult a professional jeweler.