Can 14k Ring Tarnish?
Pure metals are not only valuable but with these, you can also get rid of other issues like tarnishing because several metals don’t tarnish, including gold.
However, what happens when you don’t have pure metal jewelry? For instance, a gold ring that includes 50% gold and 50% other alloys can easily tarnish because although the gold will not tarnish, the 50% other metals might.
As for you, is it the same with your 14k ring? Can 14k ring tarnish? To know a detailed answer to this question, all you have to do is continue reading this article.
Can 14k Ring Tarnish?
Yes, your 14k ring can tarnish. To support this claim — pure gold does not tarnish, but your 14k ring is a composition of 58.3% pure gold and the rest of the 41.7% is composed of other base metals, like zinc, nickel, copper, silver, and more.
These base metals can tarnish depending on how you care for them, with many factors supporting the action, like chemical reaction – oxidation of these metals with oxygen or sulfur compounds
As for why your gold does not tarnish – it is a noble metal and rarely reactive to chemical reactions and such components.
Factors Contributing To Tarnishing
Exposure
First, exposure to chemicals like chlorine, which is found in cleaning products, pools, and other sources, can contribute to tarnishing.
Household cleaning agents like ammonia and bleach can also lead to tarnishing, while, if you use stuff like lotion, hairspray, and perfume, these items can also easily cause damage.
Skin Chemistry
When a base metal comes in contact with your skin/body, it can have reactions like tarnishing, while for some people with sensitive skin, this can also affect their skin.
Different individual pH levels can lead to tarnishing sooner or later, while bodily fluids like sweat can also support this reaction.
Environment
Certain environmental factors such as high humidity and air pollution that contains sulphur can easily help your 14k gold ring tarnish
Also, if you visit a beach or someplace where you come in contact with water, and the water is contaminated, then that can also easily damage your jewelry.
Storage
Storing your jewelry where it is easily exposed to air can lead to tarnishing, and the same will happen if you store it with other tarnishing jewelry.
Preventive Measures
Frequent Cleaning
Frequent and proper cleaning can help you save your 14k jewelry from tarnishing, and for starters, you can use mild soap and warm water to clean it thoroughly.
Secondly, use a soft cloth to dry it off completely, and we also suggest you opt for professional cleaning once in a while.
Good Storage
You are required to store your 14k ring in an air-tight bag or jewelry box where it is not exposed to air, and if possible, keep it separate from other jewelry, especially the ones that are prone to tarnishing.
Avoid Exposure
To avoid exposure to different chemicals, we suggest you avoid using them before exercising, swimming, cleaning, and applying cosmetics.
Final Words
At the end of the day, your 14k ring can tarnish, but you always have the option to prevent that from happening by using the preventive measures mentioned above.
That is all from our side, and we hope you have the detailed answer to your question – Can 14k ring tarnish?
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is it normal for 14k gold to tarnish?
Yes, it is normal for 14k gold jewelry to tarnish because, although pure gold does not tarnish, your 14k gold jewelry consists of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% base metals, where base metals can tarnish.
2. Does 14k jewellery tarnish?
Yes, 14k jewelry tarnishes because it contains 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% base metals, where pure gold will not tarnish and base metals might.
3. Will 14k gold tarnish?
Yes, 14k gold tarnishes, but you can always prevent that from happening by frequently cleaning it and avoiding exposure to air and other things that support chemical reactions.
