The authoritative public forum
  for Metal Finishing 1989-2025
  

  -----

Black stains on my Gold

I have a 14 carat gold chain (thick) about 2 feet long, chain link.
Where the links connect, I have black stains that I can't seem to remove.
I've used a jewel steam cleaner ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] , but things seem to have worsen.

Let me know what's wrong and what I can do to correct it. I do not get stains on the skin, only on the chain.

Thanks,

Joe Rodz
consumer - Orlando, Florida
2005

Bet it is gold plate and not pure gold. Take it to a local firm that makes jewelry or repairs it. Pay a small amount to have them ultrasonically clean it. If the black still comes back it probably a corrosion product. Not much that you can do except use a toothbrush on it and hold the black to a minimum.

James Watts
- Navarre, Florida
2005