Does Gold Jewellery Tarnish?

When it comes to the world of fine jewellery, gold has a special place. It holds its value, it’s beautiful, and it’s synonymous with luxury. 

With all this in mind, a common question asked among shoppers is: Does gold jewellery tarnish?

The short answer to this common question is that pure gold doesn’t. But most of the gold jewellery people wear isn’t made from pure gold. Rather, the jewellery is made with gold alloys; a mixture of gold with other metals that can tarnish over time, when exposed to everyday conditions.

In this article, we’ll discuss what tarnishing exactly is, how it applies to gold jewellery, and what you can do to keep your favorite gold pieces looking their best. 

Gold Jewellery and Tarnish

Tarnishing is a chemical process by which certain metals react with moisture, chemicals, or air in the external environment to form a thin layer of discolouration on their surface. The discolouration caused by tarnishing isn’t damaging; rather, it just affects the look of the metal.

Not all metals tarnish. Pure gold does not have the chemical properties needed for tarnishing. That being said, other metals commonly used in fine jewellery do, namely copper, silver, nickel, and zinc.

Pure vs. Alloyed Gold

Pure gold (24k gold) doesn’t tarnish at all. This is why old, pure gold artifacts in museums and such often look surprisingly well-preserved.

With this in mind, pure gold is often mixed with alloys in jewellery to strengthen it or to alter its colour. It’s with the addition of these metals that the tarnishing of a gold piece becomes possible.

In general, the higher the percentage of non-gold metals in the mix, the greater the chance that the piece will develop tarnish over time:

  • 24K gold (99.9% pure): Pure gold is very soft, but does not tarnish

  • 18K gold (75% gold): 18k gold is more durable than pure gold. It can tarnish over time, but it is still very resistant to it

  • 14K gold (58.5% gold): 14k gold is stronger and more affordable than 18k gold due to the lower purity. It’s still moderately resistant to tarnishing. 

  • 10K gold (41.7% gold): 10k gold is the most durable and affordable option, but its lower gold content makes it more prone to tarnishing over time.

How to Prevent Tarnish on Gold Jewellery

While tarnishing comes naturally with wearing your gold jewellery, exposing your piece to moisture, humid environments, or chemicals (like those found in cosmetics and cleaning products) can speed up the process.

Common activities like swimming, cleaning dishes, or applying creams and lotions can all be contributors. Even storing your jewellery in a humid place like a bathroom after a shower can have an effect. 

The good news is that you can prevent tarnishing with a bit of mindfulness; removing your piece prior to any exposure to tarnish-inducing environments goes a long way. Furthermore, regularly storing your piece in a cool, dry place will ensure your piece stays looking its best.

If your gold piece has become tarnished, don’t worry. A  professional jeweller can clean and restore it to bring it back to its original shine. 

In Summary

Gold itself doesn’t tarnish, but the metals it’s mixed with in most jewellery can. Lower-karat pieces like 10K and 14K are more likely to dull over time, especially if they’re exposed to moisture, chemicals, or daily wear. But tarnish doesn’t mean something’s wrong—it’s normal and can be cleaned.

With the right care, your gold jewellery can stay looking great for years to come—whether it’s something you wear every day or a piece you save for special occasions.

If you find that your gold jewellery piece has become dull or discoloured, we invite you to bring it into our Calgary showroom to have it professionally cleaned. 

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