Does low karat gold tarnish?

[CoinHunterAZ]

I found this ring in a very old part of town with my Equinox. I hit it with some fine sandpaper to reveal "gold" color. It's tarnished though...so I just wondered if 8K or 10K gold would tarnish like this? It feels pretty heavy. Thanks in advance!

 

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[pat-tekker-cat]

Oh yeah, old low grade gold mixes will tarnish & even deteriorate, to some degree (not the gold, but the other metals mixed with it).
I've found old 10k rings, looked like junk, they were so tarnished.
I've also found old 10k rings, the metal mixture in the gold was corroding or rusting away.
I've even had 14k rings, where they may have been resized, the metal mixture in the resizing may have been inferior and started degrading.
I figure these type rings I find in the ocean, have been there a really really long time.

 

[gunsil]

Even 9 or 10K gold will normally be marked. Brass shines just like gold with fine sandpaper. Low karat gold can tarnish but it has to be in a very harsh environment to do so. To be 100% sure take it to a jewelry or pawn shop and have it professionally tested.

 

[CoinHunterAZ]

The ring appears to be hand made, and has no markings that I can see. Looks like I need to get it tested.... Thanks for the replies.

 

[A2coins]

I need to recheck some of my rings

 

[BC1969]

I found a real honker gaudy men's 18k ring a long time ago.
It was way too big for the finger that I wanted to wear it on.
When I had a buddy size it down, he cut out the area with the stamp and never replaced it.
I've found my share of sized down rings that aren't marked.