Colognes And Gold: A Risky Combination?

Gold is a timeless metal that has been used for jewellery for centuries. It is a soft metal, making it susceptible to scratches and dents, and is mixed with other metals to make it more robust. While pure gold does not tarnish, the metals that are mixed with gold can react with cologne, perfume, hairspray, and detergents, causing discolouration. The chemicals in cologne can dull the sheen of gold and cause erosion of metal coatings. To avoid this, it is recommended to apply cologne first and let it dry before putting on gold jewellery.

Pure gold is unaffected by cologne

Gold is a highly delicate, ductile, and malleable metal. To build a strong structure, manufacturers add different types of adhesives to create a polished gold jewel. Over time, the sharp molecular elements and alcohols in fragrances can destroy this mixture, breaking the shape of the jewellery.

Gold in its purest form does not tarnish. However, gold used for jewellery is often mixed with other metals, allowing some tarnish to develop. Pure gold must be alloyed with other metals to form more robust and durable jewellery. The metals that mix with the gold usually have properties that make it tarnishable. This is why gold jewellery tarnishes if not cared for.

Perfumes contain essential oils, ethyl alcohol, and some colour dyes in their molecular composition, which can damage the shine and original colour of gold. With time, the glossy effect of gold ornaments can be permanently diminished. The perfume's chemical reacts differently with the various jewellery materials.

To prevent damage to gold jewellery, it is recommended to apply cologne before putting on the jewellery. Allowing the cologne to dry before wearing gold jewellery can reduce direct contact between the chemicals and the metal. Avoid spraying cologne directly onto gold jewellery. If you notice any discolouration or changes in the appearance of gold jewellery, clean it gently with a mild soap and water solution, and dry it thoroughly.

Cologne can damage the metal alloys in gold jewellery

Gold is a highly ductile and malleable metal. In its pure form, it doesn't have the strength to hold the intricate shapes of jewellery, so almost all gold jewellery contains a small percentage of metal alloys such as silver, copper, palladium, and zinc. These alloys give gold jewellery its shape and prevent it from bending, cracking, or breaking easily.

While cologne doesn't have a direct reaction with pure gold, it can corrode the metal alloys that gold jewellery comprises. Cologne contains essential oils, ethyl alcohol, and colourants, which can damage the shine and original colour of gold ornaments. The synthetic materials used in colognes can prove to be corrosive to the alloys used in gold jewellery. The alcohol and other chemical compounds in cologne can react with the metal components of gold jewellery, leading to tarnishing, discolouration, or even surface damage over time.

If you regularly apply cologne to your gold ornaments, it will directly affect their appearance by discolouring them. The glossy effect of your ornaments can be permanently diminished over time. The sharp molecular elements and alcohols in fragrances can, over time, destroy the mixture that forms the shape of the jewellery.

To minimise potential damage to your gold jewellery from cologne, it is recommended to:

• Apply cologne before putting on your jewellery and allow it to dry.
• Avoid spraying cologne directly onto your gold jewellery.
• Clean your gold jewellery gently with a mild soap and water solution and dry it thoroughly if you notice any discolouration or changes in appearance.
• Remove your gold jewellery before contact with colognes, lotions, and other chemicals.
• Store your gold jewellery in a soft pouch or jewellery box to prevent scratching and reduce exposure to outside elements.

Gold is a soft metal

The softness of gold is due to two main factors: its atomic structure and the way its atoms bond together. Gold has a face-centered cubic crystal structure, meaning each atom is surrounded by 12 neighbouring atoms. This arrangement allows for easy deformation without disrupting the overall structure. Additionally, as a metal, gold has metallic bonds, where the outermost electrons of each atom are free to move around the overall structure. This delocalized electron cloud allows the atoms to slide past each other, contributing to the softness and malleability of the metal.

However, some experts question whether these factors fully explain gold's softness. For example, copper and silver share a similar electronic configuration but are harder than gold, suggesting that other factors may also be at play. The size of the grains that gold forms and the absence of tarnishing due to its lack of chemical bonding with other elements may also contribute to its softness.

The softness of gold has important implications for its use in jewellery. Pure gold (24 karat) is very soft, making it challenging to work with and prone to scratching or damage. Therefore, gold jewellery is typically made from alloys that mix gold with other metals to increase its strength and durability. However, these alloys can react with chemicals in perfumes, lotions, and other substances, leading to tarnishing or discolouration. To minimise potential damage, it is recommended to apply perfumes and lotions before putting on gold jewellery and to store gold items in a soft pouch or jewellery box.

Chlorine is bad for gold

While pure gold is not easily damaged by chlorine because it is a precious metal that does not react with other chemical substances, the alloys mixed with gold to make it suitable for jewellery manufacturing are vulnerable to chlorine. Chlorine is mostly found in swimming pools and household bleach.

Chlorine is public enemy number one for gold alloys. While pure 24-karat gold will not tarnish or be affected by chlorine, lower-karat gold used in jewellery, such as 10k, 14k, and 18k gold, will be damaged by chlorine. This is because the alloys mixed with gold to make it suitable for jewellery are vulnerable to chlorine.

One jeweller recounted a story about a 14k gold ring placed in a container of chlorine bleach. The chlorine began to react with the alloys in the ring almost immediately, creating a wash of bubbles. Within three days, the ring had completely dissolved in the solution.

Chlorine in swimming pools and household bleach can cause gold alloys to discolour. It is a good idea to remove your gold jewellery before swimming in a chlorinated pool or coming into contact with bleach. If your gold jewellery does come into contact with chlorine, rinse it immediately with clean, fresh water.

In addition to chlorine, perfumes can also damage gold jewellery. The chemicals in perfumes, such as alcohol and other compounds, can react with the metal components of gold jewellery, leading to tarnishing, discolouration, or surface damage over time. To minimise potential damage, it is recommended to apply perfume before putting on your jewellery and to avoid spraying it directly onto gold pieces.

How to store gold jewellery

Gold is a precious commodity, and it is important to store your gold jewellery properly to prevent its condition from deteriorating. Here are some tips on how to store gold jewellery:

Separate by Metal

Gold, silver, fine and costume jewellery should be kept apart as different types of metal can interact and tarnish each other.

Clean and Dry

Ensure your jewellery is clean and dry before storing it. Dirt and moisture can cause the metal to tarnish and rust. If storing for a long time, give your jewellery a deep clean beforehand.

Avoid Humidity

High humidity can increase the rate of tarnishing. Keep a dehumidifier nearby to help keep humidity levels low.

Avoid Heat

Do not place jewellery above a heat source, such as a radiator. Maintain consistent temperatures to ensure your jewellery stands the test of time.

Store in a Jewellery Box

Keep jewellery boxes inside cupboards or wardrobes to protect your jewellery from dramatic temperature changes. Choose a box with a fabric lining to keep certain metals and stones from chipping and scratching.

Store Small Pieces in Trinket Dishes

Small trinket dishes and ring holders are perfect for storing earrings and rings. They are also great for displaying stylish jewellery and keeping a close eye on your most delicate pieces.

Hang Necklaces on a Jewellery Stand

Jewellery stands are great for hanging necklaces and bracelets, preventing them from getting tangled and helping to stop long chains from touching surfaces and tarnishing.

Store at Home or in a Safe

Storing gold jewellery at home allows you to keep a close eye on your pieces and gives you easy access to your collection. However, for high-value items, consider storing them in a safety deposit box at a bank or a home safe to protect against theft.

Insure Your Jewellery

Make sure to insure your gold jewellery in case of damage or loss. Take photos and collect serial numbers as proof of purchase when making an insurance claim. Keep these documents separate from your jewellery.

Frequently asked questions