✨ When Jewelry Changes Color (And Why It’s Totally Normal)

By Leah Lawrence

If you’ve ever noticed darkening or discoloration on the part of an earring that sits inside your ear — don’t panic. Even solid 14k or 18k gold jewelry can experience oxidation over time. And the good news? It’s completely normal and easy to fix.

Let’s break down why it happens — and how to bring your jewelry back to its shine in just a few minutes.

Why Gold and Silver Earrings Oxidize

Pure gold is naturally resistant to tarnish, but jewelry isn’t made from pure gold alone. To make pieces strong enough for everyday wear, gold is blended with small amounts of other metals (called alloys), like copper or silver. These alloys add durability — but they can also react with your environment and body chemistry.

Here are the most common causes:

💧 Body Chemistry & Moisture

The skin inside your ear naturally produces sweat, oils (sebum), and fatty acids. When these come into contact with alloy metals, they can cause oxidation — which may appear as darkening or sometimes reddish or greenish discoloration on the earring post.

This reaction varies from person to person, which is why one wearer may never notice it while another does.

🧴 Hair & Skincare Products

Shampoo, conditioner, hairspray, lotions, and even sunscreen can collect behind earrings. Over time, these residues react with metal and accelerate tarnishing — especially on pieces worn daily (which we fully support, by the way).

How to Clean and Restore Your Jewelry

The best part? Oxidation isn’t damage — it’s surface buildup. A quick clean usually brings your jewelry right back to life.

✨ Use a Jewelry Polishing Cloth

A polishing cloth is the easiest and safest way to remove tarnish. Gently rub the affected area to restore shine without scratching the metal.

🫧 Gentle Soap + Baking Soda Method

For deeper cleaning:

  1. Mix warm water with a few drops of gentle dish soap (we like Dawn).

  2. Add about one teaspoon of baking soda.

  3. Soak the jewelry for about one minute.

  4. Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush away buildup.

  5. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely.

That’s it — shiny again.