14K Gold properties and care

A question we often get asked is “Will my 14K gold earrings tarnish?” In short, the answer is yes, gold can tarnish. All gold (except 24K gold) is mixed with varying levels of alloys which make it a stronger metal to work with, whilst still having the benefit of gold. In this blog we will talk about the properties of 14K gold, why it tarnishes and the proper care for your gold pieces. 

14K gold is made up of around 58.3% pure gold and 41.7% alloys. The pure gold itself does not tarnish however the alloys do. Gold alloys usually consist of metals like silver, copper, zinc, palladium, nickel and cobalt. This composition explains why 14K Gold products may have some changes to their appearance over time. 

The tarnishing of 14K Gold jewellery is mainly caused by the properties of silver and copper within the alloys. Silver usually tarnishes to a red-brown or blue colour as it reacts with things like oxygen and sulphur-containing gasses. Similarly, copper can develop a black/brown or green tarnish from exposure to moisture and chemicals. Hence, the higher the weight percentage of silver and copper in a gold alloy, the higher the chances of the jewellery to tarnish. 

'14K Gold jewellery is very durable and is difficult to scratch or tarnish, however, it is not impossible.'

There are many reasons why your 14K Gold jewellery might have discoloured and whilst some of them cannot be avoided, there are some that can with proper care. Some common reasons why include; exposure to things like oxygen, hair dyes and products, bleach, peroxide, oils (like the ones on your hands), and even food. These factors only aid in speeding up the tarnishing process when they react with the alloy metals within the gold, they are not a direct cause of discolouration.

14K Gold jewellery is very durable and is difficult to scratch or tarnish, however, it is not impossible. On our earrings, we can occasionally see slight discolouration on the labret post in the section of it that goes through the ear, never on the front pendant or the circular plate on the back of the post. We find that it is often caused by everyday beauty/hair products, chlorine, sweat and other chemicals that can get trapped in the piercing channel.

Our jewellery is designed in-house and made with 14K gold and lab-grown diamonds with the intention of making your dream ear stack last a lifetime. By purchasing high-end quality products you are investing in yourself and we want to help you to look after your investments. Here are our best tips to prevent your jewellery from tarnishing or scratching. 

When your jewellery isn’t in your ears, it must be stored correctly. Ideally, it should be a dry, dark place to minimise exposure to light and moisture. Compartmentalised jewellery boxes will be your best friend as they offer a dry, dark space as well as a way to keep your pieces separate to prevent scratching. 

When washing your hair, if you have access to a removable shower head, hold it near your ear and allow the water to wash over your piercings and earrings lightly to remove any product build-up. Any build-up of shampoo, conditioner or any other beauty products will increase the risk of infection and irritation as well as aid in speeding up the process of discolouring the jewellery, so ensuring its removal is essential. 

If you are finding that your earrings are collecting a lot of build-up and dirt, you can remove them from your ears and give them a clean. A solution of warm water and a couple of drops of dish soap can be amazing for removing surface dirt. Submerge your earrings in a bowl filled with the solution and then use a soft toothbrush to scrub away any build-up. Gently pat dry with a soft towel or paper towel and then re-install into your ears. 

If you want to further invest in the life of not only your Covetear pieces but all of your jewellery, an ultrasonic jewellery cleaner is perfect for you. They use high-frequency sound waves and microscopic bubbles to generate a powerful cleaning action that reaches deep into even the tiniest nooks and crannies of your jewellery, removing dirt and tarnish. For a small price, it can be a mighty helper for keeping your jewellery in the best condition.