yellow gold oxidation?

[sumbride]

The posts of my diamond studs have turned sort of blackish bronze. These are yellow gold, maybe 14k, not sure. I've had them 8 years and have worn them most of that time, only taking them out for cleaning. I just shined them up, but the color of the posts is bothering me... nobody can see them, but... So what's up with my posts? Does yellow gold oxidize? Is this some sort of reaction from my skin?

I was thinking about having them reset eventually since I rarely wear yellow gold (my mom picked these). Is this a good excuse to get platinum settings? They are approx. .75 ct. each and absolutely gorgeous, so I would reset vs. upgrade. What would something like that cost?

thanks!

 

[oldminer]

Gold itself does not oxidize, but the alloy in it that makes it 14K does. Your skin can be acidic and very slowly darken the alloys. Different people have differing amounts of acid in their systems. you might try 18K or stainless steel hypo-allergenic posts next time if the discoloration bothers you. It is probably of no importance.

 

[sumbride]

Thanks Oldminer! Would platinum change? I would rather not go the stainless steel route if I switch to white metal.