Does 14K Gold Tarnish? If Yes, Why?

The quick answer is yes, 14K gold tarnishes. 14K gold has 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% metals. So, they are sturdy but very prone to tarnishing. 

Out of various gold karat weights, 14K gold is a popular choice as it offers a perfect blend between quality and price.

While 14K gold is renowned for its durability, there’s one particular question that we get asked a lot: Does 14K gold tarnish?

Although gold itself doesn’t tarnish, its alloys do develop some discoloration over time. As 14K gold is only 58.33% pure gold, it may tarnish when exposed to chemicals or various environmental conditions.

So, what causes 14K gold to tarnish, and how to prevent that stubborn discoloration in the first place?

In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through the factors that lead to 14K gold tarnishing and share some helpful tips to retain the nice yellow color and lustrous finish of your precious jewelry.

The short answer is, Yes, 14K gold can tarnish. In fact, it’s not the pure gold content that changes color but the other metals in the alloy instead. Here’s why.

In its pure form, gold doesn’t tarnish or corrode, thanks to the low reactivity of gold as an element. However, pure gold is hardly ever used in jewelry due to its malleability. Rather, jewelers use gold alloys to make various pieces, with 14K gold being one of the most desirable options.

14K gold is an alloy consisting of 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% other metals, such as silver, copper, zinc, nickel, palladium, and cobalt.

The composition of a 14K gold alloy explains why 14K gold jewelry sometimes undergoes specific changes in appearance over time.

For example, silver tarnishes and the color changes to red-brown or blue as it reacts with oxygen and sulfur-containing gases in the air. Similarly, copper can develop a black, brown, or green tarnish from exposure to certain chemicals and moisture.

All things considered, the tarnishing of 14K gold jewelry is caused by the presence of silver and copper in the alloy. The higher the weight percentage of silver and copper in a gold alloy, the higher the chances of the jewelry to tarnish.

If you compare 10K vs 14K gold , you’ll notice that 10K gold is more prone to tarnishing due to its lower pure gold content.

What makes 14K gold tarnish exactly?

Several factors can cause your gold jewelry to deteriorate over time. While some of them are inevitable, others can be avoided with proper care and maintenance.

Here are some common reasons why your 14K gold jewelry might have developed discoloration.

Yes, 14k gold can turn green. The gold itself doesn't turn green; the metal and the oxidation do.

Pure 24k gold never tarnishes. But 14k gold is only about 58% actual gold. The rest are other metals like copper, silver, zinc, and sometimes nickel.

That green mark comes from copper in the mix. When copper meets certain things, it oxidizes. Think of it like how a penny turns greenish over time.

When copper reacts with these, it creates copper salts. Those salts stain your gold green. It’s not harmful, just annoying.

This happens more with 14k and 10k gold because they have more copper and less actual gold. If you bump up to 18k gold, you'll see this way less often.

14K gold doesn’t tarnish or lose luster easily. In fact, 14K gold jewelry with a smooth and uniform finish is less prone to tarnishing.

Contrarily, 14K gold jewelry with cuts and grooves is more likely to tarnish. This is due to the increased exposure to air, moisture, and chemicals, which in turn accelerates the tarnishing process.

Generally speaking, 14K gold jewelry is quite durable and not easy to scratch or tarnish. You can even maintain the original color and shine if you take proper care of your jewelry.

Here are 3 solid tips to prevent your 14K gold from tarnishing.

14K gold has a nice yellow color and exceptional durability. It is a very popular choice for all types of chains, bracelets, rings, earrings, and more.

But does 14K gold tarnish? Or, does it maintain its lustrous finish and luxurious appearance?

As 14K gold is an alloy of pure gold and other metals like silver and copper, slight discoloration and tarnished gold can be expected. While solid gold doesn’t tarnish, silver and copper do corrode over time.

14K solid gold tarnishing can happen due to exposure to moisture, chemicals, and sweat. Besides, improper storage and lack of maintenance can also deteriorate 14K gold jewelry.

To prevent 14K gold from tarnishing, store the jewelry in a dry place and consider regular cleaning using mild household products, including dish soap, white vinegar, and baking soda.