Why Does Fine Jewelry Sometimes Turn My Skin Green or Black?
Finding a green or black tint on your finger after wearing a favorite piece of gold jewelry can be surprising and even concerning. While harmless (if not a little annoying), this common occurrence is usually due to simple chemical reactions between your skin and the metals in the jewelry.
Let’s explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and how you can protect your cherished pieces and your skin.
Green and Black Discoloration Explained
The discoloration comes from the presence of metal alloys like copper, nickel, silver, and zinc.
By itself, pure gold does not discolor. However, many gold jewelry pieces also include metal alloys in varying amounts to add strength and durability.
Copper can cause your skin to turn green because it reacts with acids on your skin (often produced through sweat) or from external sources like lotions and soaps. This reaction forms copper salts, which are green, which then transfer onto the skin.
Similarly, black discoloration can occur with silver jewelry. Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in the air and on the skin (often from foods or beauty products), forming silver sulfide, which is black.
After a viral TikTok trend, people also assumed that black stains from gold jewelry indicated an iron deficiency or anemia. However, you can rest assured that this claim was ultimately proven false.
4 Factors That Influence the Reaction
1. Skin Acidity
Higher acidity can accelerate the chemical reactions that lead to discoloration.
2. Sweat
Sweat can increase the likelihood of discoloration due to its acidic nature and the presence of salts.
3. Different Body Chemistry
While inexpensive costume jewelry is often associated with stains, different people can have varying reactions to even high-quality fine jewelry.
4. Environmental Factors
Humidity and pollution can accelerate the tarnishing of silver and the formation of copper salts, leading to more rapid discoloration.
How to Prevent Jewelry Discoloration
Keep these tips in mind when building and maintaining your fine jewelry collection to keep your pieces and skin looking beautiful.
Embrace Different Metals
Because everyone is different, you might want to try experimenting with different metal types to see what looks and feels best for you.
Keep Your Jewelry Clean
To keep your pieces looking good as new, clean your jewelry about once a week.
Consider Resizing
When jewelry is too tight, it’s easier for particles to get stuck, causing reactions. Leaving some wiggle room gives both your piece and your skin some room to breathe.
Avoid Humidity and Chemical Exposure
Try to keep your jewelry away from water, lotions and harsh chemicals. Remove your jewelry before swimming or showering.
