Why Does Sterling Silver Turn My Finger Green?

What is the Composition of 925 Sterling Silver?

To understand how it is possible for sterling silver to make your finger turn green we need to know what it is made of. Jewelry silver in its pure form is not practical due to its softness which is only 99. 9% silver; it is combined with other metals to form sterling silver. From the experience most sterling silver alloys comprise of at least 92. 5% of silver and remaining 7. 5% comprises the other alloys of which the most frequent is copper.

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It blends the strength to the shine at the same time giving sterling silver its potential for chemical reactions. Unfortunately, copper is the main culprit for the greenish hue that might appear from time to time on your skin.

What can happen if your finger turns green?

As we know that every piece of sterling silver contains metal alloys, the greenish smear on the finger is due to a chemical interaction of that metal alloys with some elements present in our surroundings or on our skin. Let’s break this down:

1. Oxidation

Sterling silver is also an alloy that turns black or tarnished when exposed to air and moisture penetrates its surface. Copper in the alloy combines with oxygen forming copper oxide, a compound that acts as a ‘patina’ on the oxide formed after sometime on the surface of silver. When this tarnish touches your skin, it can easily transfer and leave a green mark.

2. Reaction with Skin 

Cognitive and physical maturity is relative to everybody and everybody’s skin has its own unique pH. If the skin has even a slightly uncomfortable pH level, there is a greater chance of a reaction between the metals used in sterling silver and copper. This reaction can produce copper salts which are green and may color your skin when you get in contact with them.

3. Sweat and Lotions

Deodorants, perfume and other body fragrances also complicate the problem of the green finger effect, increasing it from sweat, body oils, lotions and other similar substances. These substances could catalyse the oxidation process thereby making it easy for copper to react with your skin.

4. Environmental Factors

It could be as a result of; high humidity, exposure to chemicals such as detergents, and even air borne chemicals such as fumes could trigger the chemical changes that leads to discoloration of the skin to that greenish hue.

Is It Harmful?

While the green compound mark left by sterling silver may cause an unpleasant sight it is mostly reversible. It is not allergic but a chemical reaction which produces colors and the image shows sections of the crayons got burnt. However if the skin reaction changes to itching, reddening or red skin irritation then it may indicate an allergic reaction to one of the metals that is featured in the alloy namely, nickel contents present in some sterling silver or copper.

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How to Avoid Your Finger Turning Green from Sterling Silver?

1. Keep Your Jewelry Dry

Do not wear sterling silver rings to wash your hands, bathe, swim or workout.

2. Use a Protective Coating

Even though you may like the feel of the metal against your skin, getting a clear nail polish as well as any jewelry sealant and using it on the inner side of your ring will assist in not allowing the two to mix.

4. Clean Your Jewelry Regularly

Sterling silver can tarnish and any tarnish may transfer to your skin thus the need to clean your jewelry . Tarnish can easily be eliminated with the help of a soft cloth and a special solution – silver polishing solution. For a homemade remedy, you merely mix baking soda and water then make a paste then apply it gently to the jewelry before rinsing.

5. Think about giving it a Rhodium-plated sterling silver

Some of the sterling silver pieces are plated with rhodium which is another metal with neutrality to tarnish.

Why Can a Green Tint Be a Good Sign?

More intriguing is that the green tint may mean the authenticity of the bought product. Pure silver does not tarnish or act like this but most ‘pure silver’ jewellery is an alloy. If your sterling silver has a greenish tint to it then it is probably genuine and consists of the standard 92. While this may not help beautify the discoloration in any way, it is at least something!

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