Gold is one of the most cherished metals in the world, loved for its warmth, lustre, and timeless beauty. When you buy a necklace, bangle, or ring from one of the Best Jewellers in Nagercoil, you expect to remain lustrous for years on end. However, many customers return us with one similar question, “Why Does my Gold Turn Black?” The nature of 22k Gold Black Marks or the fading shine of 22k ornaments can seem alarming, but rest assured this is not the gold oxidizing. Genuine gold inherently does not tarnish on its own. The black marks that are seen are actually due to the reaction with a small percentage of metals introduced with pure gold which gives it strength. With the right knowledge and proper care, your jewellery can remain as brilliant as the day you bought it.

Why does gold jewellery discolour over time?

Pure 24k gold is too soft to be shaped into durable ornaments. This is why jewellers craft 22k or 18k pieces, which contain gold mixed with small amounts of copper, silver, or other alloys. These additional metals react to environmental factors and daily wear, leading to black marks or dullness. Gold Jewellery Discoloration is not a sign of fake jewellery; it is simply part of the natural ageing process of alloys.

When purchasing jewellery from the Best Jewellery Shop you can trust the purity and hallmark of your jewellery is genuine. However, even fine jewellery will need cleaning in order to retain its shine.

What are the common reasons for gold ornaments to turn black?

What does sweat do to gold?

Your body chemistry contributes to the discolouration of jewellery. Sweat contains salts, ammonia, and acids. When these substances come into contact with gold alloys, they trigger chemical reactions that leave dark stains, especially on rings and chains. If you often notice black marks from 22k gold, chances are it is due to sweat interacting with the copper content in the alloy.

Do cosmetics and perfumes cause jewellery to tarnish?

Yes, they do. Everyday products, such as deodorants, perfumes, makeup, and lotions, contain chemicals which can attach to your jewellery. This residue can eventually cause discolouration. Some examples of this interaction include spraying your perfume directly on your necklace, or putting on lotion before putting on your ring. Over time, this residue can make your jewellery appear cloudy and discoloured.

How do environmental factors play a role?

Humidity, air pollution, and even the water you use can affect gold. Exposure to chlorine from swimming pools or harsh cleaning agents at home accelerates tarnishing. Coastal towns with higher moisture in the air also make jewellery more prone to losing shine unless it is cleaned regularly.

What role do alloys play in black marks?

Gold jewellery with a higher purity will require less care than gold jewellery with a lower purity. This is one reason why 22k jewellery retains its shine longer than 14k and 18k jewellery. The metals used for durability, such as copper and silver, are more reactive. These metals will oxidise when exposed to sweat, perfume, or pollution, causing dark compounds to form on the surface of your jewellery.

Can improper handling of gold jewellery cause damage?

Yes. Wearing your jewellery while working out, cooking, or cleaning exposes it to sweat, oils, and harsh chemicals. All of these conditions can cause black marks and scratches which dull the surface of the gold. One of the best ways to help control this is to remove your jewellery before exerting yourself.

How can you clean gold jewellery that has turned black?

What are simple home cleaning methods?

For minor discolouration, you can restore shine using items from your kitchen.

Here are some Jewellery Care Tips – Fill up a bowl with some warm water, and add a few drops of a mild dish soap. Let the jewellery soak for 15 to 20 minutes in the soapy water, then take a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the item. Rinse the jewellery thoroughly and pat it dry with a clean towel. This is absolutely safe even for delicate pieces, and could be used to clean jewellery every day.

Another safe method would be to get the piece completely wet with water, and add a few drops of ammonia. Let the jewellery soak briefly, then rinse and dry. Always ensure there are no traces of the solution left behind.

Should you take jewellery for professional cleaning?

Absolutely. At times, home cleaning may not be enough to restore the original brilliance. Jewellers use ultrasonic machines and professional polishing techniques to bring back the lustre safely. Taking your jewellery to the Best Jewellery Shop once or twice a year for professional cleaning ensures it remains flawless.

What should you avoid when cleaning gold?

Never use toothpaste, baking soda, or harsh cleaners on gold. They have the ability to scratch or damage the surface. Shun the use of abrasive cloths or accidently spiky brushes. A clean gentle approach is most effective for keeping jewellery stunning for decades.

How can you avert gold jewellery from tarnishing? What are the best habits for daily care?

After you wear your jewellery, clean it with a, soft, lint-free cloth to rid the item of perspiration and oils. Remove your jewellery before bathing, exercises or doing household chores. Allow jewellery to air out before placing it in storage to lessen any moisture build-up.

How should you keep gold ornaments?

Proper storage is just as important as proper cleaning. Always keep your jewellery in fabric-lined boxes or soft pouches. Storing each piece separately prevents scratches and tangling. Avoid leaving jewellery exposed to air or in humid environments.

Does the quality of gold matter?

Yes, absolutely. When you buy from known and reliable jewellers, you can be confident of the purity they tell you – often guaranteed by hallmarks. The Best Jewellers ensure that not only the purity is guaranteed, but also the alloys that are used. This will thoroughly enhance your jewellery in terms of durability and eliminate black marks.

What habits should you change to protect your gold?

Limit direct contact with cosmetics, perfumes, and harsh chemicals. Always wear jewellery last when getting ready, after applying makeup and perfumes. Regular cleaning, even if only once a month, goes a long way in maintaining shine.

How long does blackened gold last?

The black marks caused by sweat or alloys are not permanent. With proper cleaning and polishing, jewellery can look as good as new. The longevity of shine depends on the purity of gold, the environment in which you live, and how well you follow care practices. Customers who maintain their ornaments carefully often enjoy their original lustre for years without frequent polishing.

Why choose the Best Jewellery Shop for your ornaments?

When you enter into a jewellery store you have learned to trust, you are not just buying a piece of jewellery; you are buying workmanship, value, and trust. Each piece has a fingerprint that verifies you are receiving the genuine purity of the piece. At George and Sons Kallarackals Jewellers, there is a piece of jewellery from beautiful pieces for a bride too everyday wear that is lightweight all the way to temple items, antique, and contemporary styles that appeal from generation to generation.

Generations of families in Kanyakumari district trust George and Sons Kallarackals Jewellers because we combine craftsmanship with integrity. Whether you’re buying your first pair of earrings or a formal bridal set, our team of experts will assist you step by step as patiently and kindly as possible. Every design embraces the essence of tradition and invention, opposition and longevity.

We call ourselves the Best Jewellery Shop, not only based on the variety of our selection; we owe our title to the trust we’ve built with fair pricing, honest dealings, and good quality. Our customers know that they are purchasing jewellery that will last — in purity and value.

Final thoughts: how do you keep your gold jewellery shining?

Gold jewellery can ultimately lose some of its shine over time due to sweat, makeup, and environmental conditions; however, this doesn’t mean your piece isn’t worth anything. If you want to understand why ornaments tend to turn black, you only need to integrate simple habits with regularance into your care routine for your pieces to remain bright for years to come. Simply purchase your pieces from quality sources, take care of those pieces, and store them. You can wait to get your jewellery professionally clean if your have tried everything, and the piece hangs dull.

At George and Sons Kallarackals Jewellers, we are more than just a jewellery store — we are custodians of your memories and celebrations. From weddings to anniversaries, from gifts to personal treasures, we ensure every ornament you buy remains a source of pride and joy. Visit us today and experience why generations of families call us the Best Jewellery Shop in Nagarcoil.

Contact  us at +91 04651 272239 or email us at info@kallarackalsjewellers.com.