Does 18k Gold Tarnish
No, 18k gold does not tarnish easily. It will take at least 2 to 3 years of regular usage to bring some noticeable tarnishing. It is one of the purest forms of gold alloys being used in jewelry. That’s why it has low copper content. Due to low copper, it does not tarnish quickly. But still you have take care of it to protect it from tarnishing in long run and keep its shine.
18K Gold Meaning
18k or 18 karat gold is a popular form of gold alloy used in jewelry making. It consists of 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, which are added to increase its durability, strength, and sometimes to change its color. The term “18k” refers to the 18 parts of pure gold out of a total of 24 parts.
These different colors of gold can be yellow gold, rose gold, white gold or even black gold.
The specific combination of metals in the alloy can influence both the color and the properties of 18k gold. For example, more copper can give 18K gold a warmer, reddish hue (as in rose gold), while metals like palladium or platinum can create white gold.
Does 18k Gold Tarnish
No. 18k gold does not tarnish easily. If you don’t take care of it for a long time like 2 to 3 years with regular usage, then it can tarnish.
How Long Will it Take to Tarnish
Any type of gold made in 18k purity level will not tarnish easily. It will take at least 2 to 3 years of regular usage before it can develop any noticeable tarnishing. However, regular cleaning of the jewelry will be required.
If your 18k gold jewelry tarnishes before this time, it is probably made in lower karat gold than 18k or is some cheaper variant with a base metal like silver.
This can be done in case of gold filled or gold vermeil.
Does 18k Yellow Gold Tarnish
No. Any gold regardless of its type like yellow gold, white gold, rose gold or even blue gold made in 18k purity, will not tarnish.
What If My 18k Gold Jewelry Has Tarnished Quickly?
It does not happen. If your 18k jewelry has tarnished in let’s say 6 months, then it is not 18k. Probably lower purity like 14 karat or even 10 karat. It’s better to contact the jeweler who made it and ask them about tarnishing.
Does 18k Gold Corrode or Rust?
No. 18k gold never corrodes or rusts. It has zero iron content which is the main reason of a metal being prone to rust or corrode. It can get scratches or might get damage from falling etc. but will never rust.
Why People Use 18k Gold?
18k gold is one of the purest forms of gold alloys used in jewelry. It offers great shine and appearance for its buyers. Plus, it does not tarnish easy. So, it has better looks and better protection against tarnishing than other gold alloys. That’s why people use 18k gold.
Factors Which can Cause Tarnishing in 18K Gold
Though, 18k gold does not tarnish easily but still you have to protect it from factors which can affect its shine.
1. Exposure to Moisture and Humidity
Humidity, especially saltwater and chlorinated water, can damage18k gold. You must avoid water contact at all costs when wearing jewelry.
2. Chemicals and Cleaning Products
Chlorine, bleach, perfumes, and other chemicals can react with the alloys in 18K gold, accelerating tarnish. Apart, lotions can react too. Its better to avoid these cosmetic items after wearing jewelry. Always wear your jewelry after applying these things.
3. Sweat and Skin Oils
Human skin naturally secretes oils and sweat, which can interact with the 18k gold and lead to tarnishing over time. As we cannot stop it, its better to avoid wearing 18k gold jewelry on a hot humid or a rainy day.
4. Air Pollution
High sulfur levels in polluted air can cause tarnish on gold that contains reactive metals like copper or zinc. It is better to avoid wearing any jewelry near an industrial area of a volcanic place. Sulfur is present in excess amounts in these areas and can speed up tarnishing.
5. Storage Conditions
Poor storage, such as leaving gold in a humid or exposed environment such as washroom, can lead to tarnishing. Buy a proper storage box for it.
How to Prevent 18K Gold from Tarnishing
To maintain the beauty of your 18k gold jewelry, taking preventive measures is essential. While 18k gold is more resistant to tarnish than lower-karat gold, it’s still important to follow best practices to ensure it stays in top condition.
1. Store Gold Properly
Always store your 18k gold jewelry in a dry, cool place. Use soft pouches or jewelry boxes lined with fabric to minimize exposure to air and moisture. Make sure the storage box has separate compartments for each jewelry item. This will minimize friction.
2. Avoid Chemicals
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals that can damage your jewelry. These can be detergents, bleach, hard soap or even floor cleaners. Its better to remove your jewelry before using these chemicals. Other than that, cosmetic items like lotions and perfumes can also damage jewelry. Don’t puff perfume directly on jewelry. Chlorinated water is also a factor which is present in swimming pools.
3. Clean Regularly
Use a soft cloth to wipe down your jewelry after every time you wear it. This helps in removing any skin oils, sweat, or dirt that could lead to tarnish. This cloth must be a soft one like velvet or it can scratch the jewelry.
4. Polishing
Consider professional polishing if you notice any dullness or tarnish starting to form. Polishing can also be used from eliminating scratches. This can restore your jewelry to its original shine. Its better to not do it yourself and visit a jeweler.
5. Coating for Protection
Some people choose to coat their 18K gold jewelry with protective substances, such as rhodium plating, to increase resistance to tarnishing. Rhodium is also a premium white metal used in jewelry. As long as rhodium plating is over 18k gold, it will not tarnish.
How 18k Gold is Different from other Gold Alloys
As we know now that 24k or pure gold is a soft metal itself. It can’t be used in jewelry making or in processes involving molding, bending etc. as it can’t retain its shape. That’s why we have so many purity levels of gold so every one can enjoy gold jewelry as per their own needs. Popular gold purity levels used in jewelry making are:
- 20 karat
- 18 karat
- 14 karat
- 10 karat
The bigger karat a gold jewelry will be in, the more purer and tarnishing proof it will be. On the other hand, it will also be more prone to scratches as well.
Gold jewelries made in lower karat are less purer and are best for those looking for affordable options.
FAQs about 18k Gold Tarnishing
Here are some common FAQ’s about 18k gold tarnishing.
1. Does 18k gold tarnish over time?
Yes, 18K gold can tarnish, but it is highly resistant to tarnishing compared to lower-karat gold due to its high gold content (75%).
2. Does 18K Gold Turn Skin Green
18k gold does not turn skin green under normal conditions. However, sometimes people with extreme sensitive skin can get their skin turn green. If you don’t have an extreme sensitive skin, then its not a problem.
3. Does 18k Gold Tarnish in water
Yes, 18k gold does tarnish in water. Though this effect will not be immediate and can become noticeable if jewelry comes in contact with water on regular basis.
4. Will 18k gold Fade?
No. 18k gold does not fade as it is it’s natural color. Color can only fade in case of gold plated or gold vermeil jewelry.
Should You Use 18K Gold
18K gold is one of the premium gold alloys you can use. Normally it is used when budget is not an issue and appearance is one of the most important factor of buying. When you are one of those, then 18k is an excellent choice. Otherwise you can go for 18k gold plating which will cost much less. But there will be a cost of re-plating from time to time. Similar goes for 18k gold vermeil jewelry.