If you have ever pulled a ring off your finger after a long day and found that it has turned your skin green, then this post is for you. We explain why your ring turned your finger green, how to get the discoloration off, and how to avoid the problem in the future.
Why Did My Jewelry Turn My Finger Green?
Everyone has different chemical makeups in their bodies, and everyone perspires differently and abides by different diets. These characteristics often play a role in how the skin becomes discolored—whether it be around the finger, the earlobes, the wrist, or the neck—because of a piece of jewelry that was worn for some time.
Image by Elle Magazine
Gold in its purest form is 24K, yellow, and hypoallergenic. Pure gold is very soft and is not often made into rings or jewelry; it has to be alloyed with other metals to make it more durable. The gold to alloy ratio is measured by karats: the most popular karat levels are 10K, 14K, 18K, or 22K. The lower number karat, the less pure gold is used. Precious metals like white gold or rose gold are made by alloying pure gold with metals like nickel and manganese or copper, respectively. When it comes to skin discoloration, copper would be the biggest culprit.
Copper, even in small percentages, can still create an oxidation reaction on the skin, and not because the wearer is allergic. What happens is that the alloy—combined with oxygen in the air, perspiration, and natural oils in the skin—creates a layer of copper carbonate, which discolors the skin and makes it look green. Not to worry, though: the green color will usually disappear within a few hours, or sooner with the aid of rubbing alcohol or nail polish remover.
How Do I Prevent Jewelry from Discoloring My Skin?
There are a few tips and tricks that experts recommend when trying to avoid skin discoloration. First of all, you should take into account the value of your jewelry. Costume jewelry can be professionally enameled by your local jeweler, or, for a cheaper fix, you can coat the inside of the ring with clear top coat nail polish. The best way to avoid discoloration, however, regardless of the value and quality of your jewelry, is simply to keep it clean and away from chemicals.
Our experts are particularly adamant about keeping your jewelry away from cleaning supplies and beauty supplies, as they will make your piece tarnish faster. In addition, we recommend that you leave your jewelry at home when heading to the gym, and take them off when you’re going to get your hands wet. In short, keep your jewelry dry so the water doesn’t get trapped between the metal and your skin and tarnish your jewelry.
At the end of the day, some green discoloration isn’t usually dangerous, and it happens more commonly than you think. Whenever you can, buy higher karat gold, and skip the cheaper, inexpensive jewels altogether.
Main image by The Fashion Medley.