How to Clean Gold Earrings That Have Turned Black?

Gold is renowned for its ageless beauty and durability, but over time, you might notice your gold earrings dull or black in color. You might be worried about it, especially if you're wearing BIS-hallmarked gold earrings of a well-known brand like Aviana.

Why Do Gold Earrings Turn Black or Dull

While gold is itself a non-reactive metal, pure gold (24K) is very soft and not normally employed in jewelry. 18K or 22K gold, with tiny amounts of other metals like silver, copper, or nickel, is utilized to create most earrings.

These other metals are the main reason for discoloration.

Common Causes:

Sweat and Skin Oils: Daytime wear and tear lead to sweat, oil, and skin cell build-up.

Cosmetics and Perfumes: Chemicals found in makeup and sprays can react with metal alloys.

Pollution and Humidity: Air pollutants and humidity can tarnish the surface of the earrings.

Hard Water: Minerals dissolved in water can deposit on the earrings and form residue.

Storage: Poor storage among other jewelry items can result in scratches and black spots.

How to Clean Gold Earrings That Have Turned Black – At Home

You don't need to break the bank on cleaning kits to restore your gold earrings to their former glory. These are the top home remedies recommended by professionals at Aviana.

1. Soap and Warm Water Solution

Best for: Light tarnish or normal wear and tear.

Instructions:

Place warm water in a bowl.

Add a few drops of mild liquid soap (like baby shampoo).

Soak the earrings for 10–15 minutes.

Brush away dirt gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Rinse with warm clean water and dry with a soft cloth.

2. Baking Soda Paste

Best for: Deep cleaning black spots that are stubborn.

Instructions:

Combine baking soda and water to form a thick paste.

Use the paste on the earrings with a soft cloth or fingers.

Leave it on for 10 minutes.

Brush gently with a toothbrush and rinse with warm water.

Dry thoroughly with a microfiber cloth.

Note: Steer clear of this method if your earrings contain delicate gemstones.

3. Vinegar and Water Soak

Best for: Breaking grime and dullness.

Steps:

Mix equal parts white vinegar and warm water.

Soak the earrings for 15–20 minutes.

Rinse under a faucet and dry gently.

This method is ideal for plain gold earrings without stones or enamel.

4. Toothpaste Polish

Best for: Quick fixes and shine revival.

Steps:

Apply a small amount of non-gel, non-whitening toothpaste to a toothbrush.

Gently massage the earrings.

Wash and dry with a lint-free cloth.

Don't use this method for stud earrings with gems or intricate pieces.

5. Professional Jewelry Cleaning (Best for Delicate Earrings)

In case you're unsure or your earrings have gemstones, kundan work, or filigree work, we recommend professional cleaning.

You can contact Aviana's support team for advice or visit a trustworthy jeweler for ultrasonic or steam cleaning.

What NOT to Use on Your Gold Earrings

Protect your gold earrings from the following common errors:

Harsh chemicals like bleach or acetone

Alcohol-based hand sanitizers

Whitening toothpaste

Heavy brushes with scrubbing pads or bristles

Kettle-boiled water
Applying the same cleaner to both gold and silver
These can strip the gold surface or dull shine, especially if your earrings are 22K gold.

Preventing Gold Earrings from Getting Black
Regular care and proper storage are the keys to making your gold jewelry appear like new.

Tips:
Always remove earrings when applying perfume, lotion, or makeup.

Do not wear gold earrings for swimming or bathing.

Wipe clean with a soft cloth after each use.

Store earrings in a soft-lined case or fabric pouch.

Store each pair of earrings separately to prevent scratching.

Clean once a month by using the mild soap method for maintenance.

How Aviana Keeps Gold Earrings Shining Long-Term

At Aviana, we design earrings using high-grade gold alloys and BIS hallmarking for genuineness. Our quality inspection and polishing processes provide you with jewelry that remains durable for decades — with proper care.

When you shop at www.avianastore.com, you're making an investment in:

Earrings that have been purity-assured

Handcrafted expertise

Value for durability and long-term wear

Finest Gold Ear Ring Designs Available at Aviana

Want elegant designs that are simple to clean and take care of? Check out these top-sellers:

Round plain gold studs (low and daily-friendly)

Gold floral earrings with filigree (occasion-specific)

Light gold hoop studs

Fine gold-polished drop-type earrings

All are made with long-lasting shine in mind and being low-maintenance.

View all at www.avianastore.com.

FAQs – Gold Earrings Cleaning and Care

Q1: Is it possible to clean gold earrings at home?
Yes, if you use low-key methods of cleaning like mild soap or vinegar. Make sure not to use harsh chemicals.

Q2: Can toothpaste be used on gold earrings?
Only sparingly and on plain gold jewelry. Not recommended on gemstone or enamel pieces.

Q3: Why do my gold earrings turn black?
Usually because of sweat, cosmetics residue, pollution, or oxidation of the alloy in humid conditions.

Q4: How often should I clean my gold earrings?
For those who wear daily, clean every 2–3 weeks. For those who wear occasionally, monthly cleaning is adequate.

Q5: Blackening means the gold is fake, right?
No. Even real gold can become tarnished by the metals alloyed within it. All Aviana earrings are BIS-certified genuine.

Conclusion: Restore Shine and Keep Your Gold Earrings Glowing

Blackened gold earrings may be a disappointment, but with the right cleaning techniques and care, it is easy to restore them to their former glow in the comfort of your home. With gentle methods like soap, vinegar, or baking soda, and Aviana's guidelines, your dearest earrings will shine as vibrantly as when you first bought them.

For our latest BIS-hallmarked gold earrings, visit:
www.avianastore.com

Stay classy. Stay classic.
Only with Aviana.