When you invest in high-quality jewellery, you want it to remain stunning for years to come. At Monster Piercing, our jewellery is crafted from solid 9K, 10K, and 14K Gold. This ensures that you won't experience the fading often seen with plated gold pieces. However, proper care is essential to prevent tarnishing.
Here's a quick guide to understanding 9K, 10K, and 14K gold, why it tarnishes, and how to properly care for and clean your gold jewellery.
Here's a quick guide to understanding 9K, 10K, and 14K gold, why it tarnishes, and how to properly care for and clean your gold jewellery.
What the different Gold Karats mean and why do we use it in Body Jewellery?
Gold is available in different Karat types, indicating its purity. 24K gold is pure gold (24 out of 24 parts are gold) and the purity decreases from there. The next level is 18K gold (18 out of 24 parts are gold), followed by 14K gold (14 out of 24 parts are gold). Additionally, 9K and 10K gold contain 9 and 10 parts gold out of 24, respectively.
Gold is often mixed with different alloys for various reasons. While pure gold is associated with opulence, it isn't ideal for jewellery due to its malleability. Pure 24K Gold is easily damaged, making it unsuitable for everyday wear. Therefore, jewellery is rarely made from gold purer than 18K.
For body jewellery, which is often worn continuously and in areas with lots of movement like the face and ears, 14K gold is an excellent choice. It is nickel-free, durable, and retains its beautiful appearance without easily fading. Similarly, 9K and 10K gold options provide durability and affordability while maintaining a lovely gold sheen.
However, it's important to note that even these gold types can tarnish over time.
Does tarnishing in gold jewellery mean it is fake or gold plated?
One of the biggest misconceptions about jewellery is that tarnishing indicates a piece is fake. The truth is, if your 14K, 10K and 9K gold jewellery is tarnishing, it doesn't mean it's not real gold.
Pure gold, such as 24K gold, does not tarnish. However, it's rare to find jewellery made from pure 24K gold because it is so malleable and easily damaged. High-quality jewellery is typically made from 18K, 14K, 10K, or 9K gold. These gold types are mixed with alloys to enhance their strength. While the gold itself doesn't tarnish, the alloys used to strengthen it can.
So, if your 14K, 10K and 9K gold jewellery is tarnishing, it's a sign that the alloys are reacting, not that the gold is fake. This simply means your jewellery needs cleaning. It's also important to consider your habits and avoid factors that can accelerate tarnishing.
How to avoid your Gold from tarnishing
Just like any form of aging, some tarnishing of your 14K gold is inevitable, especially with daily wear. Exposure to oxygen, hair dyes, bleach, peroxide, oils from your skin, and even food can accelerate this process.
To minimise tarnishing, it's important to avoid these common causes:
- Keep your jewellery away from lotions, perfumes, and other products.
- If you swim, remove your jewellery before entering the water.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to water.
- Refrain from touching your jewellery while cooking or eating, particularly with acidic foods.
- Minimise handling your jewellery.
- Store your jewellery in a separate bag in a cool, dark and dry place.
- Remove your jewellery when working out, as sweat can cause tarnishing.
- Take off your jewellery during chemical hair treatments.
- Clean your jewellery regularly.
To maintain the lustre of high-quality jewellery, including 9K and 10K gold, proper care is essential. By avoiding harmful chemicals, cleaning regularly (Monster Piercing’s Jewellery Care Kit) and storing your pieces correctly, you can ensure your jewellery stays beautiful for years to come.
