Does rose gold tarnish? Rose gold is a very attractive metal that is used to make different types of jewelry.
There are three common types of gold metal and they include: white rose gold, yellow rose gold, and, of course, rose gold. All of these have their features and advantages in use.
You can make your choice of rose gold depending on your jewelry needs and also your taste.
Rose gold does not tarnish even though it is made with a mixture of different alloys. It has a mixture of copper, silver, and gold alloys, making up a single metal known as “rose gold.”
The rose gold may change its color after a long time of use, but that is not considered to be tarnished.
The precious metal of rose gold is actually formulated from silver, copper, and gold, and these can all experience corrosive reactions if they are combined with any harsh cleaners or hard cleaning methods, making it rust and not fit for use anymore.
Does Rose Gold Tarnish Over Time?
When your rose gold jewelry changes color, do not panic, as it may just be a color change. Rose gold does not tarnish but may change its color over time due to its mixture of copper and silver.
If your rose gold jewelry tarnishes after a little time of use, it may be considered fake and not real rose gold.
Over time, rose gold will appear darker in its color than usual. It is not getting tarnished and the color change would make it more appealing with a vintage feel.
The color change in rose gold jewelry is due to the copper, which is turning dark.
When a piece of jewelry becomes tarnished, it loses its natural appearance and luster. The metal surface of the jewelry also gradually starts to rust, making it less useful, and then it cannot be worn again.
How to Prevent Rose Gold Tarnishing?
When stored in the wrong atmosphere or container, your rose gold jewelry may begin to have some form of color change, which may affect the appearance and shine of the jewelry. Learn to keep your jewelry with different metals separate to avoid rusting or tarnishing.
Also, keep your rose gold jewelry away when you want to take a bath with soaps or body wash. When you want to do any form of sport or workout, remove your jewelry to prevent it from coming in contact with sweat which will affect the corrosive nature of your rose gold jewelry making it tarnish or lose its shine.
Does Rose Gold Tarnish in Water?
Rose gold does not tarnish, as was stated earlier. However, there should be adequate care and caution applied when using rose gold jewelry.
Rose gold does not tarnish in water and can be used in the shower, provided no soap or harsh cleaners are used.
When cleaning or making use of water with any type of cleaner, the rose gold jewelry should be removed because contact with these harsh cleaners and soaps can lead to corrosive reactions on the jewelry, making it rust or tarnish in no time. When cleaning rose gold, it can be done with water alone, with no soap, or harsh cleaners.
Does Rose Gold Fade?
Rose gold does not fade as it is made to be long-lasting. Unlike white gold, rose gold will never fade, and it also requires low maintenance to keep it clean and shining.
Keeping your jewelry safe and in the right conditions would prevent it from fading or tarnishing.
Does 14k, 18k, or 10k Rose Gold Tarnish?
Karat with the symbol “K” is an internationally widely accepted method for measuring gold purity. For the 14k, 18k, and 10k rose gold, the numbers are used to represent the amount of gold available in the metal.
They are commonly used for earrings, rings, and also necklaces. Among the three types of rose gold mentioned, the 14k and 10k rose gold is harder than the 18k type. Let’s discuss some of the pros and cons of each of these rose gold types.
1. 10k Rose Gold
10k rose gold is widely available in the market and is frequently used for earrings, rings, and necklace jewelry.
Pros of 10k Rose Gold
- 10k rose gold is very durable as it has a higher density.
- The rose gold is scratch-resistant and does not get damaged easily.
- The cost of maintenance is lower because of the higher percentage of copper used in its alloy mixture.
Cons of 10k Rose Gold
- Its purity level is lower and of lower quality.
- The 10k rose gold can cause skin allergies and sensitivity.
2. 14K Rose Gold
14k rose gold is very popular and is also used in the production of pieces of jewelry like rings and earrings.
Pros of 14k Rose Gold
- It has a high silver and copper alloy, making it very durable.
- It has a higher level of gold purity and a beautiful appearance.
- There is a limited risk of skin sensitivity and allergies.
Cons of 14k Rose Gold
- Its color is not attractive and can appear too deep on the skin
- The 14k rose gold is a little less durable than the 10k rose gold.
3. 18K Rose Gold
This type of rose gold has a higher percentage of gold mixed with silver and copper.
Pros of 18k Rose Gold
- It gives a beautiful appearance with a vintage look.
- It is suitable for everyday use and is also long-lasting.
- They are made for trendy jewelry because of their appeal, and they are also skin-friendly.
Cons of 18k Rose Gold
- The 18k rose gold jewelry can become darker over time because of the high level of copper.
- It is not readily accessible as it is limited in supply.
The 10k, 14k, and 18k rose gold do not tarnish regardless of the level of the alloy mixture. Due to the copper infusion, rose gold may experience color change, making it appear darker, but it will not tarnish or become rusted.
Rose gold is a very attractive jewelry material and can be used for different types of jewelry making due to its luster appearance.
Does Rose Gold Rust?
Just as it is with any other type of jewelry when properly cared for, rose gold also does not rust. It may change color because of its copper alloy, but this would not allow it to get its sheen disrupted.
It instead appears cooler and more appealing with a vintage look.
How to Clean Rose Gold?
Rose gold cleaning does not need too much material as it is very easy to carry out. However, there is a need to be careful with the materials used, as harsh materials would affect the metal and allow it to get tarnished almost immediately.
Cleaning your rose gold jewelry with just a piece of cloth may not clean the depth perfectly as you want. So, here are some of the ways to ensure that your jewelry is well cleaned:
1. The Use of Water and Mild Soap
Here is how to clean your rose gold jewelry with mild soap and water by following these steps:
- Make use of lukewarm water and mild washing soap mixed and soak your rose gold jewelry for a few minutes.
- Next, take out the jewelry and rinse it thoroughly with lukewarm water. Ensure that all the soap is washed out until it is no longer slippery.
- Take it out of the water and dry your rose gold jewelry carefully with a soft cloth to prevent scratches or the removal of its designs and stones.
- Do well not to make use of harsh cleaners for your rose gold jewelry or any kind of soap that has not been verified to be safe and mild on jewelry.
2. The Use of White Distilled Vinegar
Another way to care for and clean your rose gold jewelry is through the use of white distilled vinegar. This method of cleaning can also be used for other types of jewelry, including diamonds.
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to clean your rose gold jewelry using this method.
- Pour the white vinegar into a container that has a lid, and add a few teaspoons of salt, stirring until it is completely dissolved.
- Drop your jewelry into the container for just a few seconds and remove it immediately. When left for a longer time in this mixture, it can tarnish your jewelry.
- Rinse your rose gold jewelry in lukewarm water thoroughly.
- Dry the jewelry with a soft cloth to prevent it from getting scratched up or losing its shine.
Conclusion
Rose gold does not get tarnished, nor does it rust if properly cared for. Jewelry also needs to be maintained as they are used.
Sweat, harsh conditions, cleaners, and soap are some of the things that can make your rose gold go bad and become useless. If you want to preserve your rose gold and allow it to be used for a long time, you need to keep it safe and maintain it regularly.
