9ct white changing colour ?

[enigma]

Just had a message from a customer who bought a 9ct white gold ring in June very upset as the gold is changing colour?
Any ideas ?

[LydiaNiz]

What is the colour change? (And am assuming not plated). Was it a polished finish?

[enigma]

Hi Lydia

Im not sure, she sent me a photo but its a blurry one and I can't tell.
Its not plated, no and yes a polished finish.

[metalsmith]

Hi Lydia

Im not sure, she sent me a photo but its a blurry one and I can't tell.
Its not plated, no and yes a polished finish.

I can't really help, but to add just beware blurry photos...

[Dennis]

Just had a message from a customer who bought a 9ct white gold ring in June very upset as the gold is changing colour?
Any ideas ?

I've used lots of 9ct white, and it eventually tarnishes just like silver, due to sulphides in the air. The colour varies but is sort of brownish.
Not to worry, because just like silver it is quickly restored in a dipping solution.

Goddards has been discontinued for commercial reasons, but there are still HG, Hagerty and Town Talk.

You can also use the electrolytic method with aluminium foil, salt and soda crystals, or baking soda described here: http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/how-...-silver-131048 Dennis.

[LydiaNiz]

I would be asking for specifics and suggest she use a cleaner as Dennis says. A cleaning cloth (one of the impregnated ones) should be fine.

[enigma]

Thanks Dennis and Lydia.
She's only had it since June, seems very quick to tarnish ?
Its hallmarked of course so there can't be any argument about purity, just not sure what to say to her really
Maybe just suggest she get a cloth then?
It can't be dipped as it has horsehair inlaid but it would be fine to wipe.

[Dennis]

It's less than 40% gold. Maybe she cuts up onions wearing it. Dennis.

[CJ57]

I was also going to say what is she maybe doing while wearing it

[Aurarius]

I'd tell the customer it's in the nature of low carat golds like 9ct to discolour quite quickly, that you're happy to polish it for her on this occasion if she sends it back to you, but that when it discolours again in another 3 months or so polishing will cost £10 plus postage. Sympathize with her in her disappointment, by all means, but don't forget to plug 18ct as the better option on her next order.