Losing Shine? Here’s Why Your Gold Jewellery Turns Black

You have a function to attend. You take out your favourite gold necklace to wear. What if you notice that it has lost its shine or turned black? It can feel disappointing, right? You buy gold jewellery with so much love and hope to keep it bright for years. But don’t worry – you’re not alone. Many women face this problem. It happens with daily-wear chain, bangles, and even Kerala traditional ornaments kept safely in lockers.

Why does your gold jewellery turn black? Let’s understand the reasons behind it. This will help you take better care of your precious ornaments.

1. It’s All About Purity and Alloys

Pure gold (24K) is very soft and not used for jewellery making. This is because it bends easily. So, gold is mixed with small amounts of other metals like silver, copper, or zinc. This way, it's made strong enough for daily wear. As a result, 22K or 18K gold jewellery is created.

These added metals react with moisture, sweat, and chemicals in the air. This leads to blackening over time. It doesn’t mean your gold is fake. It just means the mixed metals are reacting with the environment.

2. Sweat and Skin Reaction

Due to Kerala’s hot and humid climate, we tend to sweat a lot. This happens more during functions when you wear heavy Kerala traditional ornaments. Sweat contains salt. When it stays in contact with gold jewellery, it causes a chemical reaction. This results in black patches or dullness.

Also, every person’s skin has a different pH level. Some people’s skin reacts more with the metals mixed in gold. So, faster tarnishing results.

3. Cosmetics and Perfumes

The creams, perfumes, makeup, and even soaps that you use contain chemicals. These can settle on jewellery and reduce its shine. Perfumes especially have alcohol. It reacts with the alloys in gold and causes blackness.

If you want your jewellery to remain glowing, always apply makeup and perfume first. Then, let them dry. Wear your ornaments last before stepping out.

4. Exposure to Air and Moisture

If your gold jewellery is kept unused for long periods, especially in moist places, it tends to lose its colour and shine. Kerala’s humidity can easily cause tarnish if jewellery is not stored properly.

5. Pollution and Dust

If you wear gold jewellery every day, dust and pollution can settle on it and make it look dull.

You might see that your daily-wear rings or bangles turn black or dark brown, especially if you cook or work outside often.

How to Keep Your Gold Jewellery Shining Bright?

Here are simple tips to prevent your precious Kerala traditional ornaments from turning black:

Store properly:

Keep gold jewellery in air-tight boxes or zip-lock pouches. This helps avoid moisture. You can also place a small silica gel packet in your jewellery box.

Clean regularly:

Soak your jewellery in mild soap water for a few minutes. Gently clean with a soft toothbrush. Wipe with a soft cloth. Let it dry completely before storing.

Avoid chemicals:

Remove your jewellery before using lotions, perfumes, and hair sprays. Don’t swim in chlorinated water wearing your jewellery.

Use it often:

Jewellery kept unused for long tends to tarnish faster. Wearing it often helps maintain its shine. This is because it stays dry and gets cleaned by the friction of daily use.

When Should You Take It to a Jeweller?

If your gold jewellery has turned too black and home cleaning doesn’t work, it’s time to take it to a trusted jeweller like Rajakumari Gold and Diamonds. We use professional ultrasonic cleaners and polishing methods to restore your jewellery’s original shine safely.

Final Thoughts

Gold has been part of our culture for centuries. You wear grand Kerala traditional ornaments for weddings and simple chains or studs every day. Each piece has a special meaning. When you understand why gold turns black, you can take better care of it and pass it on to your daughters and granddaughters with pride.

If you’re planning to buy new jewellery in Thrissur or want to refurbish your old pieces, visit us at Rajakumari Gold and Diamonds. Our experienced team will guide you in choosing the right purity, design, and care tips to keep your jewellery glowing beautifully forever.

Because every woman deserves to shine – just like her gold.