QuestionHi, I was using sno-white water to clean, and I had 2 9c gold rings on, this morning I noticed they both have a tarnished look which is dissappointing as one ring is new. The jewellery stored in my jewellery box is also tarnished looking and I wonder is there a way to get all of my pieces back to shiny gold? Would you agree that cleaning products can have an effect on the gold?
Thanku Chris
AnswerChris,
I certainly do agree that cleaning products can have an effect on gold jewelry. The effect can range from discoloration to actual cracking and similar serious damage. Keep in mind, while white gold containing nickel is most susceptible to damage, all gold alloys may be damaged or affected in some ways. Generally lower karat (you say carat, we say karat) gold is most at risk but considering the variables of what metals are mixed with pure gold to make the jewelry alloys all gold jewelry should be treated with care when in the presence of certain everyday cleaning products.
Not all cleaning products are going to bother your gold jewelry but the ones which do can bring about damage. The primary culprit is chlorine. This is a snippet from a Sno-White site:
"Treat water with a preservative, such as Sno-White Chlorine Bleach..." You see, the cleaner you were using is a chlorine bleach and if exposed to the cleaner I am 99.99% sure that is the reason for the discoloration on the rings you wore. I do not know why the ring in the box was tarnished unless it has been exposed to chemicals in the air or sea air for a good while.
Don't worry at the moment because there is very likely a fix to the situation for all the rings.
First, understand that 9 ct jewelry has 0.375 or 37.5% gold in the jewelry metal mix. The rest is other metal, mostly silver and copper. If white gold, nickel is likely present. Whether 9ct or a higher karat, it is these alloy metals which react with the cleansers to bring about tarnish or damage.
Now, here is what to avoid with jewelry. First, anything with chlorine is a huge NO with jewelry, meaning cleaners or even chlorinated water in swimming pools. Ammonia can cause damage in brass items and will tarnish or spot silver but generally will not damage gold jewelry in household strength. In fact, household ammonia is a good jewelry cleaner as long as softer stones such a pearls, turquoise, etc. are not in the jewelry. (Of course, ammonia and chlorine together will create a very dangerous gaseous condition an should never, never be brought together.) Iodine as used in the past to treat cuts and skin injuries can stain gold jewelry and lead to some internal damage if exposure is severe or repeated.
Chris, this is what to do. Take your rings to a jeweler and ask for the the items to be professionally cleaned and polished. This will remove the discoloration. At the same time, the jeweler can check to see if any damage is apparent.
Damage which can happen from more extended chlorine exposure is called stress corrosion cracking. The chemicals weaken the metal at granular levels and if stress is applied to those areas the metal can crack. Without stress, no cracking is likely at all. Chris, this is a warning and is not reason to believe your jewelry is ruined. I believe it is likely only tarnished and that is easily taken care of by polishing. The idea is not to expose the jewelry to chlorine again and certainly not for an extended period of time.
I do hope this answer will help you. If you need more on this subject, please feel free to use the follow-up option. Also, if you get a chance and want to do it, please rate the answer so I can know how I am doing. Fair enough?
Best Wishes. God Bless and Peace. Thomas.
