Does Gold Tarnish? What You Need To Know

When buying gold jewelry, one of the most common questions people ask is: does gold tarnish? The short answer is, pure gold doesn’t, but gold alloys might. But what exactly does that mean and how can you prevent your gold jewelry from tarnishing? In this blog post, we’ll explain what tarnishing really is, why it happens, how gold behaves, and how to keep your favorite gold jewelry looking as radiant as ever.

Why Does Jewelry Tarnish?

Tarnishing is a chemical reaction that causes a metal’s surface to darken or discolor over time. This happens when the metal comes into contact with natural body oils and sweat, as well as other substances like perfumes and lotions. You’ve probably seen this happen with sterling silver; it turns dull and sometimes even black, often due to exposure to chemicals and even humidity. Surprisingly, wearing your sterling silver jewelry regularly is one of the best ways to reduce tarnishing, as the natural oils from your skin help keep it polished and bright. But what about gold jewelry?

Does Gold Jewelry Tarnish?

In short, yes, gold tarnishes. Only 24K gold doesn’t tarnish as it is pure gold and doesn’t contain other metals. But even though 24K gold doesn’t tarnish, it is not suitable for jewelry as gold is a soft metal, which means it is prone to scratching and bending. That’s why other metals are used in making jewelry to make it harder and more durable. 10K gold is typically composed of 41.7% pure gold hardened with metal alloys made of silver, nickel, and iron, and 14K gold is composed of 58.3% pure gold, mixed with silver, copper, and palladium alloy metals. So the reason gold jewelry tarnishes is due to the use of other metals in its composition; it’s those metals that tarnish.

While technically all jewelry is prone to some degree of tarnishing, real gold jewelry, especially higher-karat pieces, is significantly more resistant compared to materials like sterling silver or gold-plated items. With proper care, gold jewelry can maintain its lustre for many years. So let’s look at how to keep your gold jewelry from tarnishing.

Keep Your Jewelry Away from Chemicals

Chemicals like cleaning products, lotions, hair sprays, perfumes etc can all cause your gold jewelry to tarnish. This won’t happen overnight but consistent exposure to chemicals may cause tarnishing over time. In particular, lotions can easily get trapped in rings or in the small gaps of bracelet chains, especially with pieces that have intricate designs or open links. You don’t want soap or lotion stuck on your stylish Nugget Ring or Miami Cuban Link Bracelet, or perfume stains on your Rope Chain. So you should avoid exposure to these substances as much as possible.

Remove Before Swimming & Exercising

Gold jewelry is a must-have for beachwear, but it's important to remember that both chlorine and seawater can contribute to tarnishing. The same goes for sweat; while everyday sweat is usually fine, excessive sweat during intense workouts can affect your jewelry over time. To keep your gold pieces looking their best, it’s best to remove them before hitting the gym or going for a swim, this includes your gold earrings.

Store in a Dry Place

Moisture is one of the main culprits behind tarnishing, so it’s important to store your gold jewelry in a cool, dry place. Using a jewelry box or a soft pouch helps minimize exposure to moisture. To take extra precaution, consider adding anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packets, which help absorb excess humidity and keep your jewelry looking its best.

How to Clean Tarnished Gold Jewelry

If your gold jewelry is already tarnished, you can easily clean it at home. Just mix warm water with a few drops of mild dishwashing detergent and leave your gold jewelry in there for 5 minutes. After that, rinse your gold jewelry and allow it to air dry—simple! But you might be afraid of damaging your gold jewelry, so if you want to be safe and prevent damage to your jewelry, you can just take it to a jeweler who can clean it for you. If your gold jewelry has gemstones, like a diamond chain, it’s especially important to take it to a jeweler in order to prevent damaging the gemstones.

Speaking From Experience

Don’t let the above scare you. Even if you don’t do everything above perfectly, the chances of your gold jewelry tarnishing are still very low. Let me give you an example: I have a 14K gold necklace that belonged to my mother. She wore it all throughout my childhood, and now I wear it all day, every day. And it’s still as shiny as ever. I’ve never had to clean it or do anything “extra”. The key is just to use common sense. Keep your gold away from harsh chemicals like chlorine or cleaning products, avoid prolonged exposure to seawater, and try not to knock it around. Gold is durable, and with a little care, it will stay beautiful for generations.

Enjoy Everlasting Shine With Bayam

Gold jewelry isn’t cheap, and for good reason. When properly cared for, it’s one of those rare investments that never lets you down. Unlike gold-plated or gold vermeil pieces, real gold jewelry can last a lifetime and beyond, becoming a cherished heirloom passed down through generations. Whether you own a bold gold chain, a meaningful pendant, or a stylish pair of Nugget studs, each piece deserves the same level of care and attention.

At Bayam Jewelry, we stand by the quality of our products. All our gold jewelry is crafted from the finest materials with exceptional craftsmanship. That means our pieces aren’t just stylish; they’re also strong, durable, and made to last. So go to Bayam Jewelry and discover your forever piece today.