Ask A Jeweler: Why Does Some Jewelry Turn My Skin Green?
When certain jewelry turns your finger green, it is usually due to a chemical reaction between the metal in the jewelry and your skin.
This discoloration is more common with lower-quality or inexpensive jewelry, especially when it is made from base metals or alloys that contain elements like copper. Here's why this happens:
1. **Metal Composition:**
The most common reason for jewelry turning your finger green is the presence of copper in the metal alloy. Copper is used in many lower-quality jewelry because it is affordable and gives a gold-like appearance when used as an alloy with other metals. However, copper can react with the natural salts and oils in your skin.
2. **Acidic Environment:**
The acidity of your skin varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as diet and individual body chemistry. When copper (or other metals) reacts with the acidic environment of your skin, it can produce copper salts. These copper salts are green and can transfer onto your skin, causing the greenish discoloration.
3. **Moisture and Friction:**
Sweat and moisture can accelerate the reaction between the metal in the jewelry and your skin. Additionally, friction between your skin and the jewelry can exacerbate this process, making it more likely for the green color to develop.
4. **Quality of the Jewelry:**
High-quality jewelry made from pure metals or alloys with minimal reactivity is less likely to cause this green discoloration. In contrast, cheaper, lower-quality jewelry with a higher copper content is more prone to this issue.
5. **Coating or Plating:**
Some jewelry, even if it contains copper or other reactive metals, may have a protective coating or plating that reduces skin contact with the base metal. Over time, this coating may wear off, exposing the underlying metal and increasing the risk of skin discoloration.
Here are some ways to avoid green fingers:
- Choose higher-quality jewelry made from materials less likely to react with your skin, such as gold, silver, surgical stainless steel, titanium, or hypoallergenic metals.
- Opt for jewelry labeled as "nickel-free" and "hypoallergenic." TorchFire Studio jewelry is NEVER made with nickel bearing metals and is never plated or coated.
- Apply clear nail polish to the inside of any problem jewelry, forming a barrier between your skin and the metal.
- Keep the jewelry clean and dry, as moisture can accelerate the reaction.