Introduction
Gold jewelry is the most sought-after precious metal adornment that people from all walks of life enjoy wearing. Its beauty, timelessness and ability to represent everything from luxury to a person’s identity adds to its impeccable appeal. Gold has a shiny yellow luster that shines when refracted with light and can be mixed with other metals to form an array of colors such as white gold and rose gold. But, if exposed to certain elements for too long, it may start to discolor or tarnish, resulting in its surface turning silver. If your prized gold piece starts displaying silver spots or tones, then you’ll want to take action on fixing it.
Fixing Gold Jewelry That Turned Silver:
The first step in fixing gold jewelry that has turned silver is to clean it with a mild soap solution warm water mix. Gently scrub the item with a soft cloth or brush and make sure all of the dirt and debris are gone prior to taking any further measures. You may also need to dry the item thoroughly after rinsing it off. The next step is dipping the piece in an ultrasonic cleaner which uses high frequency sound waves that act as micro explosions creating suction across surface areas dislodging any built up residue on the top layer of the jewelry piece. Finally, coating the item in a tube cleaner such as Hagertys’ Jewelry Cleaner for Gold will help keep away oxidation that could cause future discoloration. Follow up each cleaning session with a polishing cloth so your piece looks like new again!
Identifying the Problem
If your gold jewelry that has turned silver, it’s important to identify the cause before attempting to fix the issue. Silver discoloration, tarnish, and oxidation are all signs of discoloration present on gold jewelry that can occur over time or due to environmental conditions. Discoloration is usually a grey-toned film that coats the entire surface of the jewelry. Tarnish leaves a dark streak or pattern and appears yellow, orange, black or green in color. Oxidation is more severe than tarnish and can leave an abrasive, gritty texture on the surface of the jewelry.
Once you have identified the cause for discoloration and tarnish on your gold jewelry, you can begin taking steps to repair it. Before cleaning any piece of gold jewelry that has turned silver, be sure to take it to an experienced jeweler for proper evaluation. A professional may use an acid test to examine the jewelry’s contents and determine if there is any risk involved with restoring its original condition. Additionally, they might choose to replate the item using special tools and equipment designed specifically for this purpose. If necessary, some jewelers might also advise having your piece repaired or replaced altogether.
Avoiding Further Damage
Before attempting to fix jewelry that has turned silver, it is important to prepare it for cleaning. To prevent possible further damage, the surface of the jewelry should be inspected for signs of wear and tear. These could include scratches, dullness or discoloration from dirt or oils. Any bits of dirt and debris should carefully be removed using a soft bristled brush such as an old toothbrush. Use warm water and liquid dish soap to gently create some suds on the surface of the jewelry, being sure not to scrub too harshly. This can remove any dirt particles that may scratch the metal during the cleaning process if left in tact. After scrubbing away any dirt, dry off the damp jewelry with a lint-free cloth after rinsing off the soap solution.
Taking Immediate Action
If your gold jewelry has suddenly turned silver, the first step should be to take steps to ensure that the color change is only temporary. Gold can be damaged by sweat and cosmetics, so it pays to check what you were wearing at the time and look out for any changes. If this damage is present, rinse the jewelry off in warm water with a mild detergent. This can sometimes be enough to restore the original color – if not, proceed to further cleaning methods.
A paste of baking soda and toothpaste (or water) can fairly easily be used to achieve restoration. Simply mix equal parts baking soda with either toothpaste or water until achieving a thick paste-like consistency; rub it gently on the affected areas with a soft bristled brush or rag for up to 2 minutes before thoroughly washing completely off.
The final solution would be using a non-abrasive metal cleaner like Brasso or Wright’s Silverware Cleaner – these solutions won’t damage well cared for gold but may leave a slight white residue afterwards so ensure all traces have been washed away from the surfaces before drying completely. Applied as directed on their labels and rubbed gently into affected areas with a clean cloth or rag, these cleaners should restore the original shine of your gold jewelry after only a few uses!
Maintaining the Shine
To protect your gold jewelry from turning silver, it is important to store it correctly. This can help keep its original shine and luster without the discoloration. Jewelry boxes with a lined interior are ideal for longer term storage, as many of them can absorb any dampness in the air, which helps protect the piece from tarnishing. Additionally, using sealed plastic cases or bags specifically designed for storing jewelry is also recommended, as these can further protect your golden pieces from humidity and oxidation. When not in use, all jewelry should also be stored away from direct sunlight as this can cause fading or discoloration over time. If you’re traveling with sensitive items such as delicate gold pieces, then always make sure they are stored in protective containers to avoid scratches and cracks that may occur due to transportation shocks or bumps. Taking these steps will ensure that your gold jewelry maintains its original shine for years to come!
DIY Repair Methods
Fixing gold jewelry that has turned silver can be a tricky task, but with some patience and the right materials, it is possible to restore your piece of jewelry back to its original color.
First and foremost, you will need to purchase some gold cleaning solution from your local jewelry supply store. This should contain sulfuric acid, a mild detergent, and some other chemical ingredients. Once you have the cleaning solution ready, it’s time to start restoring your gold jewelry.
Start by filling a bowl with warm water and submerging your piece in it for about 10 minutes so that any dirt or grime can easily be removed. Next, take a few drops of the cleaning solution onto an old toothbrush and gently scrub away at the tarnished areas of the piece to help remove any tarnish residue. Rinse off any excess cleaning solution before drying thoroughly using a soft cloth.
Once you have finished scrubbing away at the tarnished areas with the cleaning solution, it’s time to bring back its natural color! Take some special gold polish cream or gold plating paste onto a soft Bristol board and use some gentle force as you rub it into the areas which had turned silver. Do this until all of the detail on your jeweler is revealed again. Finally, rinse off any remaining cream or paste using warm water and then buff up your piece with a soft cloth for a beautiful finish!
Professional Options
If you have noticed that your gold jewelry has turned silver and you think the piece may be damaged, it is a good idea to seek out the help of an experienced jeweler. When visiting a professional jeweler, make sure to bring your item in for a full appraisal. This will allow them to determine the level of damage, assess whether repair is possible and provide an estimate on what costs would be involved. Often times, they may provide cleaning or polishing services to restore luster and color. They may also suggest plating or coating the item with new alloys which could help prevent further oxidation, wear and tear. Finally, they can advise on if it’s necessary to completely remake the piece if it’s beyond repair.
Conclusion
To prevent your gold jewelry from turning silver again, make sure to properly store and maintain it. Be mindful of chemicals and substances that could cause the gold to tarnish or discolor. To protect your jewelry before wearing, it’s recommended to use a sealant such as wax or lacquer. This will act as a barrier between the jewelry and the environment and lessen the chances of discoloration. Once you’ve taken off your jewelry, always clean it with a mild soap solution and water, then dry well before storing away from direct light sources, dust, heat and dampness. Additionally, avoid using chemical-based cleaning products on your gold jewelry that can cause damage. Finally, ensure that you regularly inspect for signs of wear and tear so any necessary repairs can be made in a timely manner.
Welcome to my jewelry blog! My name is Sarah and I am the owner of this blog.
I love making jewelry and sharing my creations with others.
So whether you’re someone who loves wearing jewelry yourself or simply enjoys learning about it, be sure to check out my blog for insightful posts on everything related to this exciting topic!
