3 Reasons Why Antique Gold Jewelry Turns Black
Have you ever felt upset when your favorite gold jewelry turns black? Why your pure gold ring has suddenly turned black? Well, some of the people do not know the actual reasons behind the gold discoloration of their Jewelry and they do prefer throwing it away.
Discoloration of gold into black is very common, but there are specific reasons behind it.
Gold is precious but at the same time, it is sensitive enough due to which it requires massive maintenance and regular care.
So, if you’ve ever had this question in your mind: “why is my gold turning black?” then you’re in the right place.
Why Does Gold Turn Black? 3 Reasons
One of the most likely reasons why gold turns black is all due to the metallic abrasion, or low-quality plating as well as corrosion. Any sort of hard metal can easily turn the actual color of the gold where the plating can also discolor.
Most of the plats are made out of rhodium rather than palladium, which makes them much more resistant to discoloration. Let’s discuss a few major reasons why does gold jewelry turn black:
Reason No 1: Metallic Abrasion
Any cosmetic or makeup you have been wearing can eventually cause discoloration in gold jewelry. Most of the cosmetics are having hard metals that can easily cut any softer gold.
You will know when you are wearing any cosmetic that is based on some metals which is harder than gold. To easily fix this whole issue, you have to switch the cosmetic or either applies makeup before wearing jewelry.
Reason No 2: Low-Quality Plating
Another major reason is over the low quality of plating. The majority of the gold rigs are sold through the rhodium-plated surface. These plates will be around .25 to .5 microns thick, or sometimes thinner.
Rhodium is extremely reflective, hard, and porous. With time, particles will sift as in between the rhodium plating. This will affect the specific gold alloy and will cause black discoloration.
Reason No 3: Corrosion
Lastly, we have the reason for corrosion. Copper, silver, and nickel are a few major metals that are mixed with gold. Once these metals get oxidized, probably they will start looking dark. Perspiration, warmth, or moisture are a few major reasons which will cause discoloration in all these alloys.
Its best solution is to pick the non-porous plate material including platinum for protecting the gold. Besides, general care and maintenance will also help to deal with black discoloration.
How To Clean Gold That Has Turned Black?
Any jewelry piece which is made out of pure gold does not tarnish at all because it would never corrode or oxidize. But any gold piece which is out of alloy i.e. silver or copper probably tarnish and will turn black.
Any gold jewelry will also darken in case it has been frequently exposed towards the use of soap, or lotion.
How to clean gold that has turned black? Check out these 5 easy steps.
- You have to mix any weak solution which is based on 6 parts ammonia as well as 1 part warm water in any small cup or bowl.
- Now you have to dip your earrings in the mixture, and later on, scrub it with gentle hands by using a soft toothbrush or any cotton swab to make it suitable to be the best earrings to sleep in.
- Next, you have to rinse your jewelry thoroughly with mild water to make sure that the ammonia has been completely removed.
- Use a soft cloth and dry it carefully.
- Allow it to get dry overnight.
3 Reasons Why Gold Jewelry Turns Black?
