Recently, Ms. Cheng, a citizen of Zhongshan, said that the pure gold ring she bought at Chow Tai Fook jewelry store in Youyue City, Zhongshan City, faded after less than 2 months of wearing, and she suspected that she had bought a fake ring. Ms. Jin, the substitute head teacher of Chow Tai Fook Jewellery Store in Zhongshan Youyue City, said that the fading of the ring was a normal oxidation reaction and did not accept Ms. Cheng's request for a refund.
This incident caused heated discussions among netizens, with some netizens saying that "gold can be oxidized." Deceived that I haven't studied chemistry?" "Gold, it's a fairly stable metal, two months of oxidation to play that, support to make things bigger, see if it's Chow Tai Fook's problem or the problem of the store selling fakes privately, but it can never be the problem of gold oxidation, I love the Chow Tai Fook brand very much, see how to deal with this matter" Some netizens said, "Gold may also be like this with mercury-containing cosmetics, so check your own cosmetics." This also makes many netizens wonder, will gold change color?
Does gold oxidize?
First of all, we need to understand what oxidation is. Oxidation is the process by which a substance reacts chemically with oxygen to produce oxides. Many metals are exposed to oxygen in the natural environment and gradually form oxides, a process known as oxidation.
Well, with regard to gold, the chemical properties of gold are quite stable and it is difficult to react with oxygen even if it is exposed to air for many years. Gold is not easily oxidized at room temperature, which is an important reason why it is a precious metal. Gold's oxidation resistance makes it widely used in jewelry, investment, and other fields.
However, it is important to note that while gold itself is not susceptible to oxidation, if it is alloyed by mixing it with other metals such as copper or silver, these alloying components may oxidize, altering its appearance. In addition, gold may also undergo some chemical changes under certain conditions, such as high temperature or humidity, but this is not the same as a conventional oxidation process.
If gold jewelry is exposed to moisture for a long time, or if it comes into contact with certain chemicals such as perfumes, cosmetics, detergents, etc., it may cause discoloration or darkening of the surface. Some highly acidic and alkaline cleaners can cause damage to gold, causing it to discolour or fade because other metal components in gold (such as copper, silver, etc.) may chemically react with these substances, resulting in dark or speckled surfaces. Gold can also react chemically with certain substances such as mercury to form a new substance called gold amalgamation, which adheres to the gold and makes it appear to be discolored and oxidized.
Does discoloration or fading of gold affect its value?
It is important to note that although gold may change color and fade, this does not mean that its value will be affected. The value of gold is determined primarily by its purity and weight, rather than its appearance.
First of all, it is important to understand that the value of gold is mainly based on its purity and weight. Even if there is a certain discoloration or fading on the surface of gold jewelry, as long as its gold content and manufacturing process are not affected, then its actual value will not decrease significantly. This is because a professional cleaning service can often restore the luster and color of gold jewelry.
However, if the discolouration or discolouration is due to severe chemical corrosion or physical damage, it may affect the appearance and structure of the gold jewellery, which in turn can affect its value. In particular, when these changes result in the loss or deformation of gold, its value may be reduced.
In addition, market acceptance is also an important factor. While the purity and weight of gold are the main factors that determine its value, consumer acceptance of the appearance of jewelry can also affect its value in the market. If the discoloration or fading is severe, it may affect the market appeal of the jewelry, which indirectly affects its value.
How to care for gold jewelry?
If gold jewellery is discoloured or faded, it can be restored to its original luster and colour through professional cleaning and maintenance services.
1. Clean regularly: Regularly wash your gold jewelry with mild soapy water and a soft-bristled brush, which will help remove stains and dust from the surface.
2. Avoid chemicals: Try to avoid contact with chemicals such as perfumes, cosmetics, detergents, etc., which may cause gold discoloration.
3. Proper storage: Place gold jewelry in a dry, ventilated place, away from moisture and direct sunlight. At the same time, it is recommended to store gold jewelry separately to avoid damage caused by friction with other metals or hard objects.
4. Professional maintenance: Regularly send gold jewelry to professional jewelry stores for maintenance and maintenance, jewelry stores usually provide cleaning, polishing and other services to ensure that gold jewelry is kept in good condition.
Please note that while these measures can help alleviate gold discoloration, they do not completely prevent gold discoloration. Because the discoloration of gold may be related to a variety of factors, such as environmental factors, personal usage habits, etc.
Finally, we remind you that as a valuable investment and jewelry material, the price of gold is affected by a variety of factors, including the global economic situation, monetary policy, geopolitical events, etc. Therefore, it is necessary to be cautious when buying gold, and consider the market conditions, purchase channels, personal investment goals and other aspects to ensure that you can purchase suitable gold products and achieve a good return on investment.