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Does gold change color over time?

Under normal conditions, gold should not change color. However, due to use and time, it can be scratched and tarnished, which can damage the aesthetic appearance of gold. Yellow gold is a very traditional color for both wedding bands and engagement rings, and the stunning yellow color won't change over time. The color doesn't change because when gold is mined, it's naturally yellow.

When creating a wedding ring, the yellow gold you see is obtained by combining pure yellow gold with other alloyed metals such as zinc and copper. This process helps to further emphasize the yellow color that we have come to know and love and also hardens an otherwise soft metal. Pure 24-carat gold is biocompatible and is the least reactive element that barely reacts with other chemicals, never changes color and always remains shiny. It is also a hypoallergenic metal that never affects skin color.

Gold is one of the least reactive chemical elements. As such, pure gold or 24-karat gold doesn't react easily with oxygen, meaning it won't tarnish, rust, or change color. Pieces of jewelry with gold-plated finishes are more fragile and susceptible to refining bronze due to the thin layer of gold present in their surface layer. When you have naturally acidic skin, the copper in your gold jewelry oxidizes and forms copper oxide.

These jewelry will tarnish over time after the gold coating disappears and the base metal appears on the surface. Many people can't tell the difference between pure and fake gold, which is why the dilemma of whether real gold turns green is often raised. Pool water contains high levels of chlorine, which is corrosive to metals and causes gold to discolor. The general rule is that you are less likely to experience this inconvenience when you wear jewelry with a higher percentage of gold.

Therefore, more acidic skin will be prone to discoloration and you may notice green traces after wearing gold jewelry containing nickel or copper. Gold tarnishing refers to the slight corrosion of the surface layer of gold jewelry and is evident by the dark discoloration of the item. Fortunately, you can restore your gold necklace to its former glory by following the cleaning procedure mentioned above. However, you can protect its shine and care for your gold jewelry by purchasing a solution that removes the rusty layer that builds up over time.

Although 14-carat and even 12-karat gold jewelry is beautiful, they are made up of a large amount of alloy that causes jewelry to tarnish and discolor the skin after a while.