It's often been said that cheap jewelry turns skin green, black or some other weird color. And, while it is true that some jewelry turns skin green, jewelry being cheap is only part of the story.
Metals both expensive and inexpensive can turn your skin green. Before you write off piece of jewelry, consider some of the possible reasons why jewelry turns skin green.
[caption id="attachment_220" align="alignnone" width="300"] Source: Fashion Industry Network[/caption]
Skin Acidity. When metals come in contact with acids in your skin (through sweat for example) it causes a reaction called oxidation. As the metal oxidizes, discoloration occurs. Please note that each person's body acidity is unique. People with a higher PH-balance may experience less oxidation. Likewise, people with higher acidity experience more oxidation and deeper discoloration.
Chemicals. Soaps, lotions, cleaning solutions and other chemicals can react with the metal in your jewelry. The result is darkening and a green color. Be sure to remove jewelry before using lotions, perfumes or other bath and beauty products and also before cleaning the house.
A copper base. Some metal jewelry is silver- or gold-plated and has a copper base. Copper is a great metal for making jewelry. Still, it will turn your skin after a while, especially if you apply lotions, use cleaning chemicals, or work up a sweat in the jewelry.
Saltwater and chlorine. If you are a swimmer, beware of saltwater and chlorine. They will cause your metals to turn. Remove jewelry before taking your next swim.
Improper storage. Failure to store jewelry in pouches or a jewelry box can result to tarnishing. Make sure you put your jewelry away. Storing it properly will preserve your jewelry and prevent green ring finger. Even sterling silver will tarnish and turn if it is not stored properly or is exposed to chemicals. Make sure you do all you can to protect your investment.
Have you ever had an expensive piece of jewelry turn? If so, what did you do about it?
2 thoughts on “Why Some Metal Jewelry Turns Skin Green”
Jack Palmer
I had no idea that improper storage of rings could be a factor of why it turns your finger green. I find that to be really interesting! My wife and I have been bouncing around to different jewelers lately to try and find her a anniversary gift. We will have to keep that in mind in case we get her a ring. Thanks for the heads up!
October 6, 2016 at 10:36am
Ayana
Yes improper storage surely can. It can cause jewelry to fade, tarnish, become scratched and more. Thanks for your comment. I’m glad this post was useful to you. Good luck on your anniversary gift search. Let me know if I ca assist.
Source: Fashion Industry Network[/caption]
Skin Acidity. When metals come in contact with acids in your skin (through sweat for example) it causes a reaction called oxidation. As the metal oxidizes, discoloration occurs. Please note that each person's body acidity is unique. People with a higher PH-balance may experience less oxidation. Likewise, people with higher acidity experience more oxidation and deeper discoloration.
Chemicals. Soaps, lotions, cleaning solutions and other chemicals can react with the metal in your jewelry. The result is darkening and a green color. Be sure to remove jewelry before using lotions, perfumes or other bath and beauty products and also before cleaning the house.
A copper base. Some metal jewelry is silver- or gold-plated and has a copper base. Copper is a great metal for making jewelry. Still, it will turn your skin after a while, especially if you apply lotions, use cleaning chemicals, or work up a sweat in the jewelry.
Saltwater and chlorine. If you are a swimmer, beware of saltwater and chlorine. They will cause your metals to turn. Remove jewelry before taking your next swim.
Improper storage. Failure to store jewelry in pouches or a jewelry box can result to tarnishing. Make sure you put your jewelry away. Storing it properly will preserve your jewelry and prevent green ring finger. Even sterling silver will tarnish and turn if it is not stored properly or is exposed to chemicals. Make sure you do all you can to protect your investment.
Have you ever had an expensive piece of jewelry turn? If so, what did you do about it?
