Does Sterling Silver Turn Your Skin Green?

As a jewelry wearer, one of your biggest fears is slipping off your ring only to find it left your skin green! It’s easy to feel embarrassed, as we have been led to believe that this must mean the ring is fake and cheap.

Our team here at Boho Magic has put together a guide to help you better understand why this happens and steps you can take to avoid it!

Breaking Down a Common Misconception

Perhaps the biggest misconception regarding jewelry is that green marks left by the jewelry must mean that the jewelry is fake and made from cheap materials. The reality is, regardless of quality, jewelry can turn your skin green. Oxidation (that gives the jewelry an antique look) can cause silver to turn your finger green.

It doesn’t matter how high-end your jewelry is, many people can have a sensitivity to it. Even jewelry made of sterling silver or gold can produce some discoloration for some people. Advice for preventing your skin from turning green isn’t as simple as avoiding less costly jewelry.

Does Sterling Silver Turn Green?

The real reason behind a green tint on your skin lies in the ring’s metal composition. That’s why even sterling silver rings, made out of expensive materials, can turn your skin green. Here are some important things to know about sterling silver rings:

• Pure silver takes a liquid form
• Because of this, silver jewelry needs to be blended with another metal
• The most common metal for mixing is copper

While copper plays a key role in the creation process, it has a tendency to result in the green coloring on your fingers. It’s important to note that everyone’s skin reacts differently to copper. So while a certain ring may turn your finger green, it may not turn your friend’s finger green. This is largely where the ‘fake’ misconception came from.

How Can I Prevent My Fingers from Turning Green?

Now that you know it’s not just fake jewelry that can turn your skin green, it’s time to take action to try and prevent this from happening. There are multiple ways to prevent your fingers from turning green. These methods include:

1. Keep Your Fingers Dry
   Wearing a ring over wet or damp skin increases the likelihood of a noticeable green tint. Try to remove your rings before washing your hands or taking a shower. There are chemicals in beauty and cleaning products that prompt oxidation, which will accelerate the deterioration of your rings.
2. Use Clear Nail Polish
   An easy tip to avoid that ugly green hue is to coat the inside of your sterling silver rings with clear nail polish. Simply paint the inside of your rings with the nail polish, applying it to any part that touches your finger. Leave it on a dry surface for at least 20 minutes and you should be good to go!
3. Use a Polymer Barrier
   Something like a Jeweler’s Skin Guard is often used to protect your finger from green colors. These barriers are specifically designed to seal the metal and prevent staining. All you need to do is apply the barrier and you should be good for about two months. Apply the barrier as much as needed in relation to how often you wear your rings.

 Sterling Silver Rings for Sale

If you’re looking to upgrade your jewelry drawer with some new sterling rings than our team here at Boho Magic is here to help! We offer a wide range of styles, sizes, colors, and stones that are sure to make any outfit stand out. We also offer a wide range of sterling silver rings. We’re ready to help you get the most out of your outfits!