Is this gold tarnished or intentional?

[nala]

I didn’t know gold could tarnish and am wondering if it can be or should be plated again? I would not want to change the color and am afraid that it will. Thoughts?

 

[pearlsngems]

Gold itself does not tarnish but most jewelry is not made from 24K gold, but rather an alloy-- i.e. a mixture of gold with other metals, some of which can tarnish.

All you need to remove the tarnish is a cloth or pad impregnated with a tarnish removing compound (one brand I like is called Sunshine cloth). Do you have a silver polishing cloth?

 

[nala]

Gold itself does not tarnish but most jewelry is not made from 24K gold, but rather an alloy-- i.e. a mixture of gold with other metals, some of which can tarnish.

All you need to remove the tarnish is a cloth or pad impregnated with a tarnish removing compound (one brand I like is called Sunshine cloth). Do you have a silver polishing cloth?

I do have a silver polishing cloth! Ty!

 

[Karl_K]

hmm sorry someone was burning their food, fire alarm was going someplace but it stopped so I am back
Soak in warm water with dawn soap, swoosh around some with fingers in plastic glass.
Ideally blow off with canned air.

It looks dirty and it is scratched from either improper cleaning or storage, or just wasn't polished that well to start with.
Consider a professional steam clean and polish.

I can see the dust on it and that dust will scratch it up even worse if you rub it with something.
If your going to try a polishing clothe make sure its completely dust free first and the clothe has no embedded dust.

 

[pearlsngems]

It's certainly always a good idea to rinse and dry the item first if it's dirty.
I routinely use a polishing cloth on my jewelry and find it works well. Yellow Sunshine cloth if it's a bit scratched and Blue if it's just a bit tarnished. I store the polishing cloths in a clean plastic bag.

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

hmm sorry someone was burning their food, fire alarm was going someplace but it stopped so I am back
Soak in warm water with dawn soap, swoosh around some with fingers in plastic glass.
Ideally blow off with canned air.

It looks dirty and it is scratched from either improper cleaning or storage, or just wasn't polished that well to start with.
Consider a professional steam clean and polish.

I can see the dust on it and that dust will scratch it up even worse if you rub it with something.
If your going to try a polishing clothe make sure its completely dust free first and the clothe has no embedded dust.

Sorry Karl.
1. the glues in boxes often attack gold alloys, especially 14K and 9-10K.
This is mostly a problem if the box is closed for a long time, or left in a hot place - sunshine, near heater etc.
2. the silver cloth is the best idea. You may not get into all the tight spots but that can add character if there is a little darkness in those spots (patina).
3. then clean it with very hot water, a dash of ammonia and dish detergent.
Use a stiff toothbrush.

 

[nala]

It worked!!! I had already rinsed it and cleaned it before and then I did the silver polishing cloth! Yay! Ty all!

 

[Garry H (Cut Nut)]

It worked!!! I had already rinsed it and cleaned it before and then I did the silver polishing cloth! Yay! Ty all!

clean it again now