Which precious metal does not tarnish?
Many jewelry wearers sooner or later ask themselves this question: Which precious metal does not tarnish? Discoloration, dull surfaces or dark spots are often perceived as a quality defect. In practice, however, these are usually natural surface reactions that vary depending on the precious metal.
The decisive factor is therefore not only the precious metal itself, but also its alloy, surface treatment, wearing habits and contact with environmental substances. From the perspective of the jewelry workshop, it is easy to explain which metals can tarnish - and which cannot.
What does "tarnishing" mean in jewelry?
Tarnishing is a chemical reaction on the surface of a metal in which compounds form with oxygen or sulphur. This reaction usually only affects the outermost layer and has no influence on the stability or value of the piece of jewelry.
Typical triggers for tarnishing are
- Air and humidity
- Sweat and skin contact
- Cosmetics, perfume or hairspray
- Household chemicals
- certain environmental influences (e.g. sulphur compounds)
Important: Tarnishing is not a sign of inferior quality, but a typical property of certain precious metals.
Silver - why it tarnishes particularly often
Silver is the precious metal most frequently associated with tarnishing. Sterling silver (925), which consists of 92.5% silver, is usually used in jewelry production.
Silver reacts particularly sensitively to sulphur compounds in the air. This produces silver sulphide, which appears as a dark coating on the surface. This reaction can already occur during normal storage - even if the jewelry is not worn.
It is important to know from a workshop perspective:
- Tarnishing is superficial
- It can be easily removed
- The substance of the piece of jewelry remains completely intact
With suitable cleaning or professional refurbishment, silver jewelry can be restored to its original condition at any time.
Gold - very durable, depending on the alloy
Gold is one of the most chemically stable metals. Pure gold (fine gold 999) does not tarnish and does not change its surface. In jewelry, however, gold is almost always alloyed, as fine gold would be too soft for everyday use.
Whether gold tarnishes therefore depends primarily on the fineness and the metals added:
- Gold 750 and gold 585 are very stable
- Very low purity (e.g. 333) may show slight changes
- White gold can react somewhat more sensitively due to alloy components
In practice, gold jewelry is usually extremely easy to care for. Changes are caused more by mechanical stress (scratches, loss of shine) than by chemical tarnishing.
Platinum - extremely resistant and non-tarnishable
Platinum is one of the most resistant precious metals of all. It does not react with oxygen or sulphur and therefore does not tarnish.
In jewelry, platinum is usually processed with a very high fineness (e.g. 950). The material is dense, heavy and extremely durable. Changes to the surface are only caused by mechanical action.
These are expressed as a so-called patina: a fine, even surface structure that many wearers even find particularly precious.
Palladium - a light-colored precious metal with high stability
Palladium belongs to the platinum group and has similar properties to platinum. It is chemically very stable and also does not tarnish.
Palladium is often used in jewelry as an alternative to white gold. The natural, light color is permanently retained without the need for additional surface finishing.
Palladium also shows signs of wear exclusively through mechanical stress, not through chemical reactions.
What role does the surface finish play?
Whether changes are visible depends not only on the precious metal, but also on the chosen surface finish:
- Polished surfaces show scratches more quickly
- Matt surfaces appear more even
- Textured surfaces conceal signs of wear
From the workshop's point of view, the surface can be selected in such a way that it optimally matches the wearing behavior.
Conclusion from the jewelry workshop
The question "Which precious metal does not tarnish?" can be answered clearly:
- Silver can tarnish - but is easy to clean
- Gold is very stable, depending on the fineness and alloy
- Platinum and palladium do not tarnish
The decisive factor is always the interplay of material, alloy, surface and everyday use. Expert advice will help you choose the right precious metal for long-term enjoyment of your jewelry.
We have summarized basic information on precious metals in everyday life for you in our central guide from the perspective of the jewelry workshop.
