Keeping a yellow gold ring in a safe -- a bad idea?

[jellybean]

I have a sentimental yellow gold ring with no gemstones or diamonds in it that I do not wear and for whatever reason, I decided to put it in my home safe about 4 years ago, as opposed to keeping it in my jewelry box.

I just took it out of the safe today and it looks like the gold is turning a pinkish-redish color, almost like the color of rust. The ring is still smooth; it''s just the color that''s different.

I kept the ring in a small fabric bag with no other jewelry in the bag.

Any thoughts on what could cause this? Have I ruined the ring?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Kaleigh]

Did you try cleaning it??

 

[jellybean]

Kaleigh -- I used a jewelry cloth and it didn''t help.

 

[pyramid]

Feydakin

What would the jeweller clean the ring with to remove tarnish?

 

[jellybean]

Thanks! I''ll bring it to my local jeweler and have them take a look.

 

[karenleah15]

Let us know how it turns out.

 

[jellybean]

Update -- took it to the jeweler and they were able to polish it with the buffing wheel.

He said what he thinks caused the tarnish was that in the safe we had also had an old leather wallet. I don''t remember his "chemical" explanation, but basically the wallet caused the tarnish. I did put the ring in my jewelry box.

So, at least we have a happy ending.