Gold jewellery is known for its timeless beauty and durability. However, if you’ve ever noticed a piece of your gold jewellery losing its shine or darkening, you may have experienced tarnishing. While 9K gold is less prone to tarnishing than other metals, it’s not immune. Let's explore why tarnishing happens, how to prevent it, and what to do if your 9K gold jewellery tarnishes.

What Types of Jewellery Can Tarnish?

Most types of jewellery are susceptible to tarnishing, except for stainless steel and pure gold (24Kt or higher). Tarnishing is less common in 9K and 14K gold, but it can still occur. Fortunately, tarnishing in these gold types is usually reversible with proper care and cleaning.

Why Does 9K Gold Tarnish?

Although 9kt gold is strengthened by alloying with other metals, these metals are also chosen to achieve a specific colour, such as yellow, white, or rose gold. However, these same metals can sometimes react with environmental factors, causing tarnishing. Factors that may lead to tarnishing include:

Contact with Harsh Chemicals: Exposure to substances like chlorine, hair products, perfumes, sunscreens, and lotions can trigger chemical reactions with the metals in your gold jewellery.
Improper Storage: Keeping jewellery in humid or damp conditions can encourage tarnishing.
Skin Reactions: Individual skin chemistry varies, and some people have more acidic skin, which can increase the chances of tarnishing where the jewellery touches the skin.

How Does Skin Chemistry Affect Tarnishing?

Skin chemistry plays a bigger role in tarnishing than most people realise. If you have highly acidic skin, 9kt gold might not be the best choice, as it’s more likely to tarnish with frequent contact. Additionally, certain medications can change the skin’s chemistry, increasing the likelihood of tarnishing. However, in our experience, this affects less than 0.01% of customers, making it a very rare occurrence.

How to Clean 9K Gold

Tarnishing in 9kt gold is usually reversible with a bit of care. Follow these steps to keep your jewellery looking its best:

1. Mild Soap and Warm Water Method

Mix a few drops of mild dish soap with warm water.
Soak your jewellery for a few minutes to loosen any dirt or buildup.
Use a soft toothbrush to gently scrub the jewellery.
Rinse with clean water and pat dry with a soft cloth.
Spend 5 minutes gently polishing your jewellery with the Luna Rae polishing cloth included with your purchase to restore its shine.

2. Gold Cleaning Solution

For tougher tarnish, you can use a cleaning solution specifically designed for gold.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
Important: These solutions are safe for gold and diamonds, but should not be used on softer gemstones like opals or gems.

How to Prevent Tarnishing

Preventing tarnishing is easier than treating it, so here are some tips to keep your 9K gold jewellery in top condition:

Store your jewellery in a clean, dry place: Use a jewellery box or a soft pouch to keep it away from moisture.
Polish regularly with your Luna Rae cloth: Regular polishing will help remove any oils or residue that could lead to tarnishing.
Avoid contact with harsh chemicals: Remove your jewellery before using products like perfume, lotion, or hair spray.