Does Real Gold Change Color?

Gold has been around since the dawn of time, and it never ceased to mesmerize different civilizations with its brilliance, durability, and elegant appearance. Even now gold still remains a symbol of wealth thanks to its different styles and colors such as; white, yellow, black, purple, and rose gold. Each gold color presents a different feeling and style however the most popular ones have always been yellow, white, and rose gold.

An important fact about gold to keep in mind is that real gold does not change color. If you observe discolored gold, then your jewelry is not real gold. 

With its ever-increasing popularity, a more affordable and faux version of gold-colored jewelry has also become a global trend. As hard as it seems, you can tell the difference between real gold and fake gold jewelry through a few simple steps you can do at home. Here we have compiled a list of useful steps to test the genuinely of any gold jewelry.

How to Test if Gold is Real at Home?

If you have come across a piece of jewelry that you're unsure not sure of, like a vintage gold piece of jewelry, here are some of the easy tests you can do at home to find out:

All in all, gold does not really change its color. But since it is quite a soft metal, it is mixed with other metals to create an alloy. Therefore, gold can show its base elements’ color if it is deeply damaged. However, under normal conditions when it is maintained properly, the surface of the gold can only get oxidized. This layer can be cleaned by jewelry stores.

How to tell if gold is real?

Real gold jewelry pieces are always stamped with a 'hallmark', either on the clasp or on one of the ends of the piece. This hallmark should contain numbers or letters to indicate the composition of the jewelry piece and its karat value. 

How to know if gold is real?

If there isn't a hallmark on your gold, check for any discoloration on your jewelry. Real gold does not change color, so if your gold exposes different colors or leaves green marks on your skin, it is not real gold. Alternatively, you can test your gold with a magnet or by dropping it in water. 

How to check if gold is real with a lighter?

Gold is an incredibly durable and resistant metal. To test your if your gold is real, you can try holding a lighter to it. If the piece turns black, it is not real gold.

How to tell if a gold chain is real?

Before purchasing a gold chain, always make sure to check the clasp for a hallmark. Real gold chains will always have their karat value stamped on the back of the lock. If there isn't a hallmark, there is a high chance that the chain is not real gold. If you're buying vintage jewelry, we would advise bringing your chain to your local jeweler. 

How to tell if a necklace is real gold?

Real gold necklaces will almost always have a hallmark stamped on the clasp of the necklace. If your necklace is missing a hallmark, you can try the lighter technique. If you hold a lighter to your necklace and it changes color, it is not real gold. 

How to tell if a ring is real gold?

If you're not sure about whether your necklace is made of real gold, one at-home way to check is to drop it into a jug full of water. Gold is a dense metal so your necklace should fall directly to the bottom of the jug. Additionally, you can hold a magnet to your necklace. If there is a magnetic pull, your necklace is probably not real gold.

Does 14K gold tarnish and lose its color?

Gold can lose its shine and vibrant yellow color in time due to daily wear and the chemicals and water it is exposed to. However, gold is a highly durable metal that is resistant to tarnishing and corrosion. If your 14K gold is alloyed with high quality metals, it should not tarnish. 

Does 18K gold tarnish?

Real gold is highly tarnish-proof. Since gold is a soft and malleable metal, it is mixed with other metals to create an alloy. The lower the karat value, the more other metals there are in the alloy. 18K means that 75% of the alloy is pure gold. With such a high percentage, your 18K gold can protect its form and brilliance if it is looked after properly. Otherwise, it can get tarnished over the years.

Does gold oxidize?

Pure gold is a highly resistant metal that does not oxidize. However, gold can get darker in time due to its alloy metals' exposure to oxygen and wet seasons as in summer; gold earrings changing color might be a common issue for many during this season. However, you can protect its shine and take care of your gold jewelry by purchasing a solution removing oxidized layer that builds up in time.

Does white gold change color?

Under normal conditions, gold should not change color. However, due to use and time, it may get scratched and tarnished which can damage the cosmetic look of the gold.

Does gold plated jewelry change color?

Plated gold should rub off after a while and lose its color.

Can you change white gold to yellow gold?

White gold cannot be changed to yellow gold. 

Can you change yellow gold to white gold?

White gold is actually an alloy of yellow gold with another white metal, generally rhodium. Although you cannot change the the chemical structure, you can always get your yellow gold jewelry dipped in rhodium to get a white gold effect. 

Does 14K gold change color?

No matter the karat value, gold does not change color. 

Does 10K gold change color?

Pure gold is a very soft metal. To make it durable enough for daily wear, it must be mixed with other metals to create a stronger alloy. Although pure gold does not change color, if your jewelry gets tarnished, the other metals in the alloy may show signs of color. 

Does real gold turn green?

Real gold does not turn green. If it also leaves a green mark on your finger, it is likely that its base material is copper. 

Does 18K gold tarnish and can you shower with gold on?

Gold is a metal that's resistant to corrosion. Water does not damage gold however it may cause it to lose its shine over time. You can definitely shower with your gold jewelry, but it may need to be polished once in a while.