In the jewelry market, various types of gold jewelry, including yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold, have always been cherished for their beauty, value, and the luxurious feel they provide. However, some people may encounter an unexpected and somewhat concerning phenomenon: their gold jewelry turns green and stains their skin. This can be quite perplexing, especially given the durability and corrosion resistance of gold. Why does your gold jewelry turn green? Is it fake? In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and offer practical solutions for preventing and removing green discoloration.
Table Of Contents:
- Why Does Gold Jewelry Turn Green?
- Differences in Green Discoloration Across Gold Purities
- Differences in Green Discoloration Across Different Colored Gold Jewelry
- How to Remove the Green Discoloration
- Measures to Prevent Gold Jewelry from Turning Green
- Not Only Turn Your Skin Green But Also Red and Itchy?
- Related Q&A
Why Does Gold Jewelry Turn Green?
First, let’s clarify one thing: the green discoloration of gold jewelry does not necessarily mean it’s fake; gold jewelry can turn green, which is normal. The reasons for this include:
1. Alloy Composition
The most common cause of gold jewelry turning green lies in its alloy composition. Pure gold (24K) is a very soft metal, so to make it suitable for various jewelry designs, it is often alloyed with other metals to increase its hardness, forming what we commonly refer to as 14K, 18K, etc.
Common alloy metals include copper, nickel, zinc, and silver. When copper or nickel is present in large amounts, they can react with substances in the environment, particularly moisture and acids, causing green compounds to form on the jewelry’s surface. For example, copper oxidizes in the presence of air and moisture, producing copper oxides and hydroxides, which appear green. Nickel can also react with sweat (which contains salts and acids) to form nickel salts, leading to green discoloration.
2. Skin Chemistry
Our skin also plays an active role in this process. Everyone’s skin has unique chemical properties, secreting a mixture of oils, salts, acids, and moisture.
People with more acidic skin or those who sweat heavily are more likely to experience green discoloration on their gold jewelry. The acids and salts in sweat can accelerate the chemical reaction between the alloy metals and the environment, promoting the formation of green substances. Additionally, certain lotions, perfumes, and other personal care products that we apply to our skin may contain chemicals that interact with the metal in the jewelry, further exacerbating the issue.
3. Environmental Factors
The environment we live in can also affect whether gold jewelry turns green. High humidity, exposure to airborne pollutants, and contact with substances like chlorine (found in swimming pools and some cleaning products) can all contribute to this phenomenon.
Chlorine is highly corrosive and can quickly react with alloy metals, causing discoloration. In areas with high industrial pollution, sulfur dioxide and other harmful gases in the air can also react with jewelry, increasing the likelihood of green discoloration.
Differences in Green Discoloration Across Gold Purities
Karat (K) is the unit used to measure gold purity. Generally, gold is classified as 24K, 22K, 20K, 18K, 14K, 10K, etc.
The higher the karat (K) value is, the higher the gold content will be, and correspondingly, the lower the proportion of other alloying metals will be. Conversely, the lower the K value is, the lower the purity of gold will be, and the proportion of alloying metals will increase significantly. Since the main factors contributing to the greening of jewelry are copper or nickel in the alloy, gold jewelry with a lower K value has a higher probability of turning green.
24K gold, also known as pure gold (approximately 100% gold content), theoretically will not turn green because it does not contain other alloy metals that are prone to chemical reactions. However, in reality, it’s difficult to achieve absolute 100% purity, so it may still contain trace amounts of other elements, which could cause some discoloration. Compared to lower-purity jewelry, the chance of 24K gold turning green is very minimal, and even if color changes do occur, the process is extremely slow and typically happens only after long-term exposure to extreme environments, such as prolonged immersion in highly corrosive chemicals.
Other karat golds contain certain proportions of copper, nickel, and other alloy metals, all of which may turn green. The chance of turning green: 22K<20K<18K<16K<14K<10K……
Related: 10K Vs. 14K Vs. 18K Vs. 24K Gold
Differences in Green Discoloration Across Different Colored Gold Jewelry
Gold jewelry is not just limited to yellow gold; popular options also include white gold and rose gold. These three colors are currently the most sought-after types of gold jewelry in the market. But do you know which one is the most likely to turn green?
Yellow Gold Jewelry
Yellow gold is the most traditional form of gold jewelry, with other metals like copper, silver, and zinc mixed in. Under certain conditions, these metals can oxidize and turn green.
White Gold Jewelry
White gold jewelry is also made from gold and other metals, but it is typically rhodium-plated to give it a white luster. Rhodium has high oxidation and corrosion resistance, so it generally does not turn green. If the rhodium layer wears away and exposes the internal alloy, metals such as copper and nickel in the alloy can react with external substances and turn green. If the white gold is not rhodium-plated, its speed of turning green is similar to that of yellow gold. However, since white gold itself has a lighter color, once there is a slight color change, it will be more noticeable than yellow gold or other types of gold jewelry.
Rose Gold Jewelry
Rose gold has a relatively higher copper content than the first two colors. —Copper is the main contributor to the color of rose gold, and it is also the main cause of greening. Therefore, rose gold jewelry is more likely to turn green than yellow or white gold jewelry.
Black Gold
Black gold is similar to white gold in that it also uses a rhodium plating process. If the rhodium layer remains intact, it will not turn green, but if the rhodium wears off, green discoloration can occur.
Thus, among the common colors of gold jewelry, rose gold is the most likely to turn green, followed by yellow gold, and then white gold and black gold.
Related: White Gold vs Yellow Gold vs Rose Gold
How to Remove the Green Discoloration
1. Gentle Cleaning with Soap and Water
One of the simplest and safest methods to start with is a gentle cleaning using mild soap and water.
Mix a small amount of mild liquid soap with warm water in a bowl. Gently place the green-tinted gold jewelry into the solution and let it soak for a few minutes. Then, using a soft-bristled toothbrush, very gently scrub the jewelry, paying particular attention to the areas with the most discoloration. Rinse the jewelry thoroughly under running water to remove any soap residue and pat it dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.
This method is suitable for light discoloration and helps remove surface dirt and some of the compounds causing the green color.
2. Baking Soda Paste
For more stubborn green stains, a baking soda paste can be effective.
Make a paste by mixing baking soda with a small amount of water until it reaches a thick, creamy consistency. Apply the paste to the affected areas of the jewelry using a soft cloth or a cotton swab. Gently rub the paste onto the surface in a circular motion for a few minutes. The mild abrasive action of the baking soda helps to break down and remove the green compounds. After rubbing, rinse the jewelry thoroughly with water and dry it as described above.
3. Lemon Juice or Vinegar Solution
Lemon juice and white vinegar are both acidic substances that can react with the green compounds and help dissolve them.
For lemon juice, soak a cotton ball in freshly squeezed lemon juice and gently dab it onto the green areas of the jewelry. Let it sit for a few minutes, then rinse with water. You can repeat this process if necessary.
With white vinegar, create a solution by mixing equal parts of white vinegar and water. Soak the jewelry in the solution for about 15-20 minutes, then remove and scrub gently with a soft toothbrush. Rinse thoroughly and dry.
However, be cautious when using these acidic solutions as they can potentially damage any gemstones or delicate finishes on the jewelry if used too aggressively.
4. Professional Cleaning
If the green discoloration persists despite your best efforts at home cleaning, or if the jewelry is of high value and you are concerned about damaging it, it may be advisable to seek professional cleaning services. Professional jewelers have specialized tools and cleaning agents that can effectively remove the discoloration without harming the jewelry. They can also assess the condition of the jewelry and provide advice on any necessary repairs or further maintenance.
Measures to Prevent Gold Jewelry from Turning Green
Avoid Contact with Chemicals
When doing household chores such as washing dishes or laundry, it’s best to remove gold jewelry, as detergents, laundry liquids, and other chemicals can react with the alloy metals in the jewelry.
Before swimming, also make sure to take off your jewelry to avoid prolonged contact with chlorine in the pool water.
When applying products like perfume or hairspray, wait until these products are fully dry on your skin before wearing jewelry, to prevent the chemicals from eroding the metal.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance
Even if there are no signs of discoloration, it’s recommended to regularly clean your jewelry. For example, washing with mild soapy water every one to two weeks can help remove dirt and substances that might trigger a chemical reaction, reducing the risk of green discoloration.
Proper Storage
When storing gold jewelry, place it in a dry, cool, and separate jewelry box, away from items that could release chemicals. For instance, don’t store it with rubber items, as the aging process of rubber can release substances that might affect the jewelry.
Using a specialized jewelry pouch or a jewelry box with compartments can prevent jewelry from rubbing against or colliding with each other, while also offering better protection from external environmental factors.
Why Does Wearing Gold Jewelry Not Only Turn Your Skin Green But Also Red and Itchy?
As mentioned above, the primary cause of gold jewelry turning green is the presence of copper or nickel in the alloy, and nickel is a common allergenic metal. For people with sensitive skin, especially those who are allergic to nickel, wearing gold jewelry that contains nickel can not only cause the jewelry to turn green more quickly, but also trigger skin reactions such as redness, itching, rashes, etc. Therefore, this group of people should pay special attention to the composition of the jewelry when purchasing, opting for pieces that are nickel-free or have very low nickel content. If any discomfort occurs after wearing the jewelry, they should immediately stop wearing it, clean both their skin and the jewelry promptly.
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Final thoughts
Although seeing gold jewelry turn green can be disturbing, understanding the reasons and knowing how to resolve this issue should no longer leave you feeling confused. By properly maintaining your gold jewelry, being mindful of its environment, and following appropriate cleaning methods, you can ensure that the gold jewelry continues to shine and retain its charm for many years to come.
Related: Does Sterling Silver Turn Green? Why and How to Remove It
Related Q&A
Apply a layer of clear nail polish to the metal surface that will come in contact with your skin, creating a barrier.
Pure gold(24K) is the best choice, as it doesn’t contain metals like copper or nickel that oxidize and turn green. If you’re concerned that pure gold might be too soft and cause your jewelry to deform, you can opt for 14K or 18K gold and have it rhodium-plated. However, rhodium plating needs to be redone periodically, as once the rhodium layer wears off, the underlying metals may oxidize and turn green.
Real gold, that is, gold with very high purity (gold content above 99.9%), generally will not turn green in theory, but it may still turn green if it comes into contact with special chemical substances (such as mercury, sulfur, etc.).
Not necessarily. Many K gold jewelry pieces contain alloys like copper and nickel, which can oxidize and turn green.
Yes. Typically, the green discoloration on gold jewelry is caused by the oxidation of copper to form copper salts, which can be removed through cleaning.
Related: Which Jewelry Metals Tarnish? Why and How Is It Restored?