Does 10k Gold Jewelry Tarnish Over Time?
10k gold is a lower carat gold alloy that contains 4 parts gold and 6 parts other metals, mainly copper and silver. While 10k gold jewelry is more affordable, you may wonder if it will tarnish easily over time. Here’s what you need to know.
What does the karat mean in 10k gold?
The “karat” refers to the purity of the gold alloy, with higher karat gold containing more pure gold and less other metals. 10k gold is only 41.7% pure gold and 58.3% other metals, making it softer and more prone to tarnishing.
Will 10k gold jewelry tarnish over time?
Yes, 10k gold will slowly tarnish due to the presence of more reactive metals like copper and silver. However, the rate of tarnishing depends on several factors:
- Exposure to chemicals like chlorine, hairspray, perfume and cosmetics can accelerate tarnishing.
- Heat and humidity can speed up the oxidation process that causes tarnishing.
- Frequent use and handling of 10k gold jewelry makes it more susceptible to tarnishing from bodily oils and sweat.
Signs that 10k gold jewelry is tarnishing
There are a few telltale signs that your 10k gold jewelry is tarnishing:
- A dull, dark appearance compared to the original gold color
- The presence of black, brown or greenish patches
- The metal appears rough and pitted
- Flaking or peeling off of the gold plating
How to prevent or slow down tarnishing
- Store 10k gold jewelry separately to avoid scratches from higher karat jewelry.
- Remove jewelry before sleeping, cleaning, exercising or swimming.
- Avoid contact with cosmetic and beauty products as well as household chemicals.
- Use a mild detergent and soft cloth to gently wipe jewelry clean.
- Consider getting a rhodium plating that creates a thin protective layer.
- Use a jewelry polishing clothe sporadically to gently buff away any tarnish.
Can 10k gold tarnish be fixed?
While 10k gold does gradually lose its shine due to oxidation, there are a few methods to remove tarnish and restore the gold’s glow:
- Commercial jewelry cleaners specially formulated to remove tarnish from gold.
- Baking soda paste or toothpaste and a soft toothbrush.
- Hydrogen peroxide or lemon juice and aluminum foil.
- Commercial electroplating that applies a fresh layer of gold.
- Professional jewelry cleaning that includes ultrasonic cleaning and polishing.
In conclusion, while 10k gold jewelry is more affordable, it does tarnish faster than higher karat gold due to the higher proportion of other metals. However, with proper care and periodic cleaning, 10k gold can still look beautiful for years. While the tarnish can be removed, it is difficult to completely prevent against normal wear and tear.
FAQs about 10K gold tarnishing
Basically, we refer to our solid gold pieces here at GLDN—both 10k and 14k—as heirlooms because they’ll last a lifetime and can be passed down to future generations. They’ll never tarnish or fade, and can be refinished and polished forever!
Yes, you can shower with a 10K gold chain, but it’s best not to do this frequently. Soaps, conditioners, shampoos, and other products can leave a residue on your 10K gold chain, so you must take care to properly clean it after you shower with it.
Solid gold is a great choice if you’re looking for a lifetime piece you can wear everyday and everywhere – yes, even in the shower! Polish with a soft cloth.
The main disadvantage of 10k gold is its risk of causing skin irritation if you’re allergic to certain metals. If you’re allergic to copper, silver, nickel, zinc, or iron, it’s possible for your skin to break out with allergic contact dermatitis if you wear a 10k gold ring for a long period of time.