Does 14K Gold Turn Green?

While discoloration is uncommon for gold jewelry, lower purity gold alloys may tarnish over time, particularly when exposed to moisture and chemicals.

But does 14K gold turn green? If yes, why?

14K gold is only 58.33% pure gold, meaning that the remainder of the alloy consists of other metals, primarily silver and copper. Pure gold is a noble metal that doesn’t react with chemicals. However, copper and silver can tarnish, giving 14K gold a green color.

To understand why 14K gold can potentially develop a greenish color and how to prevent this from happening, it’s important to explore the composition and properties of the alloy itself.

In this ultimate guide, we share some common causes of 14K gold discoloration and the role of copper in the process. To help you protect your precious jewelry, the article covers some helpful maintenance and cleaning tips.

If you have no idea why gold jewelry can develop a green color, it’s most likely because you don’t understand the composition and properties of 14K gold. Here’s what you need to know.

The “14” stamp on gold indicates the karat weight of an alloy that consists of 58.33% pure gold and 41.67% other metals. Gold is commonly alloyed with silver and copper, along with a much lower percentage of zinc, cobalt, and nickel.

Cherished for its gorgeous luster, corrosion resistance, and hypoallergenic nature, gold is too soft to be utilized in its pure form. Whether it’s jewelry-making or dentistry, gold is alloyed with other metals, mainly silver and copper, to create a stronger and more durable alloy.

While gold alloys are easy to work with, they also exhibit different colors based on their composition. For example, white metals like palladium, nickel, zinc, or silver are added to 24K yellow gold to create a white gold alloy.

When comparing 14K gold to 24K gold, 14K gold is much harder and has exceptional scratch resistance, whereas 24K gold is a malleable metal prone to dents and scratches.

Read more about gold karats to get a better idea of the properties and applications of gold alloys.

If you’ve noticed discoloration on your 14K gold jewelry, keep in mind that it’s not rust . Rather, it’s simply a tarnish caused by exposure of the alloyed silver and copper to oxygen, moisture, and chemicals.

Tarnished 14K gold has a dull appearance, with some hues of gray, green, or blue.

Here’s why 14K gold jewelry gets tarnished.

Although gold is the least chemically reactive noble metal, other metals in the 14K gold alloy are quite reactive.

When wearing a 14K gold chain , ring, or bracelet, silver and copper in the alloy can be affected by your skin chemistry.

For example, silver can easily be damaged by the presence of sulfur compounds in sweat.

And if you tend to apply body lotions or perfumes, your 14K gold jewelry may deteriorate even faster.

When silver and copper are exposed to moisture, they react with oxygen, causing silver to tarnish and copper to corrode.

While silver is immune to corrosion and copper corrodes at insignificant rates, polluted air can accelerate the process.

In areas with sulfur-containing gases ( particularly hydrogen sulfide ) in the air, silver and copper deteriorate more rapidly, forming a layer of tarnish and developing a green color.

As discoloration, in general, isn’t commonly observed in 14K jewelry, many still don’t know what the culprit for the green tarnish is. It’s not silver, and it’s definitely not gold.

Yes, you got it right! Copper is what leads to a green discoloration in lower-purity gold jewelry.

Despite the fact that 14K gold doesn’t tarnish, copper in 14K gold can react with moisture and acids, leading to a green discoloration.

Scientifically speaking, copper reacts with oxygen in the air to form copper oxide. Then, copper oxide reacts with carbon dioxide and water, forming a coating with a blue-green patina color on a 14K gold surface.

As a result, 14K gold will not only change its color, but jewelry may also turn your skin green. This is especially common for gold rings, as people often forget to take them off when doing household chores.

While copper is the primary source of green discoloration, other alloy metals can also contribute to the process.

For example, silver tarnishes when exposed to humid environments, changing its color to yellow, red-brown, or blue.

Discoloration might be inevitable when 14K gold jewelry is used daily or under certain conditions. However, there are a few easy ways to protect your cherished accessories from tarnishing, corrosion, and discoloration.

First things first, make sure to regularly clean your gold jewelry to prevent oil and residue buildup. This will not only protect 14K gold from discoloration but also maintain its shine and luster.

Despite the fact that 14K gold is resistant to water, it’s still not recommended to get your gold jewelry wet , especially in pool water.

Chlorine in pool water can be too harsh for 14K gold, accelerating the process of tarnishing, discoloration, and deterioration.

Showering with gold jewelry has less impact on discoloration, but you should still try to take off your accessories before getting into the shower. This will increase the longevity of your jewelry and help you keep the pieces in pristine condition.

Gold can withstand exposure to chemicals as it’s a noble metal. However, silver and copper in 14K gold are quite reactive, so it’s important to avoid wearing your gold jewelry right after applying a body lotion or a perfume.

Ideally, you should wait for about 15-20 minutes for your skin to absorb moisture and then proceed with your favorite jewelry pieces.

Protecting your 14K gold jewelry is key to minimizing the risk for discoloration. Here are two easy ways to keep your jewelry all sparkly and lustrous.

Gold-plated jewelry is more prone to tarnishing compared to accessories made of solid gold. And the reason why 14K gold-plated jewelry turns green is copper again.

While the longevity of 14K gold-plated jewelry depends on the way you use and take care of your accessories, they might need to be re-plated once in a while.

Knowing how to store your jewelry allows you to maintain its lustrous finish and bright yellow appearance. Proper storage techniques also significantly reduce the chances of your jewelry tarnishing or developing discoloration.

To store your 14K gold jewelry the safest way, use compartmented jewelry boxes or individual anti-tarnish jewelry bags.

Additionally, you should store 14k gold jewelry in a dark and dry area to minimize exposure to oxygen, direct sunlight, and moisture.

If you notice slight discoloration on 14K gold, or you want to restore the original beauty of vintage gold jewelry, here’s what you should do.

Cleaning gold jewelry is a straightforward task, as you don’t really need special equipment or harsh chemicals. Rather, you need a few household products and a soft-bristle toothbrush.

To remove discoloration from 14K gold jewelry, consider using some warm soapy water or a baking soda solution. Gently apply the solution to the jewelry with circular motions and let it soak for 15-30 minutes. Rinse your jewelry with water and pat the pieces dry using a soft, lint-free cloth.

For delicate pieces or jewelry with a complex design, it’s better to visit a jewelry store for a professional cleaning session. Jewelers can restore the appearance of 14K gold without damaging the metal or gemstones.

Seeking professional help is especially important when cleaning diamond chains or other precious jewelry.

Removing tarnish or discoloration from 14K gold is possible, but preventing this from happening should be your priority.

By regular cleaning, proper maintenance, and safe storage, you can protect your beloved jewelry from deterioration.

Besides, you should also take care of your jewelry as you wear it. Avoid using gold accessories when exercising, swimming, tanning, or showering. This will prevent discoloration, ensuring that your jewelry stays in sparkly condition for a longer period.

People are often skeptical about the authenticity of 14K gold when they see a layer of tarnish or discoloration. In fact, 14k gold can change its appearance when exposed to humidity, polluted air, water, and chemicals.

Luckily, there are a few easy ways to identify authentic 14K gold jewelry, such as checking the hallmarks and certification or purchasing from reputable sources.

When buying gold jewelry, you should always check the hallmarks. They indicate the purity of gold, ensuring the authenticity of jewelry. For 14K gold, there should be a “14K” or “585” stamp on the jewelry.

In addition, jewelry that incorporates precious metals and gemstones often comes with certifications and grading reports. Make sure the certificate corresponds to a given piece of jewelry. For diamonds, only rely on grading reports from unbiased gemological laboratories, such as GIA or AGS.

The safest way to invest in authentic 14K gold jewelry is to buy from reputable sources only. Whether it’s a local jeweler or an online store, check how well-established and trustworthy they are.

Besides, many jewelers offer identification and verification services, allowing you to check the quality and composition of gold jewelry.

14K gold is suitable for all sorts of occasions, including daily wear and formal events. Explore these styling tips to elevate your look in just a few quick steps.

For daily wear, it’s important to choose accessories that suit everyday activities. For example, a plain Cuban link bracelet can enhance your outfit without making you look overdressed.

For a trendy style, consider mixing metals with different colors, such as silver and yellow gold. It’s a great way to make your jewelry stand out from the crowd.

14K gold jewelry complements any type of formal attire. Whether it’s a minimalistic necklace or a sparkly moissanite watch , these accessories can make a statement.

To add a sophisticated touch to your look, consider wearing stud earrings that match with your chain or bracelet.

To ensure your 14K gold jewelry stays in pristine condition, thoroughly clean the pieces as soon as you get home. Some warm soapy water will do the job as long as you avoid buildup formation.

Many opt for gold jewelry as it offers durability, scratch resistance, and minimal chemical reactivity. Since gold is prized for its ability to retain the original appearance in the long run, people often assume that 14K gold will never deteriorate.

So, why does 14K gold turn green?

The truth is that gold doesn’t tarnish, nor does it change the color. However, copper and silver in 14K gold are prone to both tarnishing and discoloration.

That being said, the layer of green tarnish you see on the surface of your gold jewelry is caused by silver and copper.

While the main reason why 14K gold turns green is exposure of copper to oxygen and moisture, improper usage, lack of maintenance, and unsuited storage can also contribute to discoloration.

Luckily, discoloration can be prevented by regular cleaning and reduced exposure to humidity, polluted air, and chemicals.

If your 14K gold jewelry still turns green, consider using a baking soda solution or white vinegar to restore its gorgeous appearance.

Although quite uncommon, 14K gold can turn green, so this type of discoloration doesn’t necessarily indicate that the jewelry is fake. Always check for hallmarks and certifications to ensure authenticity.