Reddish brown tarnish on 18k yellow gold/diamond necklace?

[Beeby]

I have a Cartier style link necklace that is 18k yellow gold with diamond pave. I do not wear it very often. It is showing some discoloration that is reddish brown especially in the pave area. I think it is tarnish because with my jewelry cleaning cloth I get black residue on the cloth when I rub.

Does anyone know why the yellow gold would do this? What is best way to clean? I've tried normal jewelry cleaner and ammonia diluted. These helped only a little.

 

[Karl_K]

Re: Reddish brown tarnish on 18k yellow gold/diamond necklac

Sounds like hair spray.
Have it professionally steam cleaned and inspected.

 

[liloette]

Re: Reddish brown tarnish on 18k yellow gold/diamond necklac

If you came into contact with any sulfur, that definitely does discolor rings. I often use a soap with sulfur and try to remember to remove my jewelry. I keep a very fine steel wool handy and buff it out when needed. Works every time.