Tarnished Gold - What Causes It and How to Remove It

Gold is one of the most treasured metals in the world, valued for its beauty, durability, and timeless appeal. But even gold jewellery can develop a dull surface over time — a phenomenon known as tarnish. In this guide, we’ll explain why gold tarnishes, how to safely clean it, and how to keep your pieces looking their best for years to come.

Does Real Gold Tarnish?

Pure gold (24ct) is an extremely inert metal, which means it does not easily react with oxygen, moisture, or other elements in the air. As a result, 24ct gold jewellery rarely tarnishes.

However, most gold jewellery is made from gold alloys, where gold is combined with other metals like copper, silver, or nickel to increase hardness and durability. It’s these alloying metals that can react with the environment, leading to slow tarnishing over time.

Even solid gold rings, bracelets, and necklaces can develop minor surface dullness, particularly if exposed to chemicals, sweat, or salt water. The good news? Tarnish is always a surface issue and can be removed safely without damaging your jewellery.

If you want to know why gold is so revered in jewellery making you can read our article here.

What Is Gold Tarnish?

Tarnish appears as a dull, greyish, or blackened layer on the surface of your jewellery. On yellow gold, it can sometimes create subtle dark patches or even a slightly rose-tinted effect, depending on the alloy used.

Unlike corrosion, tarnish does not penetrate the metal, meaning your jewellery remains structurally sound. With simple cleaning, your gold pieces can regain their original sparkle.

Tip: Tarnish occurs much more slowly on gold than on silver. Where silver may tarnish within days, gold can remain shiny for months or even years with proper care.

Common Causes of Gold Tarnish

Gold tarnish is caused by chemical reactions between the alloy metals and elements in the environment. The main triggers include:

• Sulfur compounds in the air

• Moisture and oxygen exposure

• Cosmetics, perfumes, and lotions

• Chlorine in swimming pools or hot tubs

• Salt water

• Skin chemistry changes (due to medications, acidic foods, or perspiration)

Pro tip: Storing jewellery in a cool, dry place and avoiding contact with chemicals can significantly slow down tarnishing.

How Tarnished Gold Appears

Tarnished gold can look different depending on the alloy content and level of exposure:

• Slight dulling: Loss of shine, subtle darkening

• Moderate tarnish: Grey or blackened patches, uneven colouring

• Heavy tarnish: Rarely, darkened or mottled areas (often from base metals in lower-carat alloys)

Gold vs Silver: Silver tarnishes much faster than gold, so your gold jewellery may appear dull long before any noticeable blackening occurs.

How to Remove Tarnish from Gold

Cleaning gold jewellery can be simple and safe if done correctly. Here are the best methods:

1. Soapy Water & Soft Cloth

1. Mix warm water with a few drops of gentle dish soap.

2. Soak your gold jewellery for 10–15 minutes.

3. Gently clean using your fingers, a soft makeup brush, or a lint-free cloth.

4. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

5. Buff with a soft, clean cloth to restore shine.

2. Professional Gold Cleaner

• Use a gold-specific jewellery cleaner, especially for pieces with gemstones.

• Follow the product instructions carefully.

3. Avoid Abrasive Materials

• Never use toothpaste or harsh brushes — they can scratch soft gold alloys.

• Baby toothbrushes or soft-bristled brushes are okay for gentle cleaning.

Tip: Heavier tarnish can be professionally re-polished or re-plated if necessary.

How to Prevent Gold Tarnish

Keeping gold jewellery pristine is often a matter of wearing and storing it wisely:

• Apply last, remove first: Put jewellery on after perfume, lotion, or hairspray, and remove before swimming or exercising.

• Store properly: Use a jewellery box, soft pouch, or zip-lock bag to limit air exposure.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Chlorine, salt water, and household cleaning products can accelerate tarnishing.

• Regular cleaning: A quick wipe with a soft cloth keeps your gold shiny and prevents build-up.

• Remove at night: Avoid sleeping in jewellery to reduce friction, bending, or accidental damage.

Skin Sensitivity & Gold Tarnish

For earrings and other items in close contact with skin, gold tarnish can occasionally cause mild irritation. This is rare with solid gold or gold-vermeil (gold plated over sterling silver). If irritation occurs, it usually indicates that the alloy or base metal is exposed due to worn plating, which can be easily remedied by re-plating.

Frequently Asked Questions about Gold Tarnish

1. Does 24ct gold tarnish?
   Pure 24ct gold is extremely resistant to tarnish due to its chemical inertness. Tarnish is usually caused by alloys, not the gold itself.

2. Can 9ct or 18ct gold tarnish?
   Yes, lower-carat gold contains more alloy metals, which can react with air or chemicals and cause tarnishing over time.

3. How do I remove tarnish from gold jewellery at home?
   Soak in warm, soapy water for 10–15 minutes, gently clean with a soft cloth or brush, rinse, dry, and buff. Avoid toothpaste or harsh abrasives.

4. Does gold-plated jewellery tarnish?
   Yes, especially if the plating is thin. Re-plating or cleaning can restore its appearance.

5. How can I prevent gold tarnish?
   Avoid chemicals, remove jewellery before swimming or sleeping, store in a dry place, and clean regularly with a soft cloth.

Summary

Gold is a resilient, low-maintenance metal, but alloyed jewellery can tarnish over time. By understanding the causes and practising gentle cleaning and proper storage, you can keep your gold jewellery looking beautiful for years.

Key takeaway: Tarnish is a surface phenomenon. With simple care, even tarnished gold can regain its original shine, making it perfect for everyday wear and heirloom pieces alike.