Have you ever worn a beautiful sterling silver ring and the next morning notice a greenish tint to your finger? This phenomenon has therefore left many jewelry lovers in the dark. Sterling silver finish valued for its luminous brilliance and versatility is used in ornaments, but it is notorious for a green finger effect that mystifies and concerns the users.
In this piece, we will demystify why at other times, sterling silver can result in green staining, what this is, and what needs to be done to prevent it. At the end of the page, you will understand why and how to wear your sterling silver pieces without any hesitation.
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.
VISIT FOR :: jewelry manufacturers usa
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
VISIT FOR :: 9 carat gold jewellery in india
If you’ve developed a fondness for sterling silver jewelry but wish to avoid the green finger effect, here are some useful tips to remember:
Actually all sterling silver items are not of the same standard. Select reliable jewelers, and of course, check whether an item is marked with “925” or “Sterling”, which defines the product’s composition. Some low quality bits may be containing more copper or some other reactive metals.
Thus, oxidation is highly contributed by the presence of dampness. Do not wear sterling silver rings to wash your hands, bathe, swim or workout. Make certain your hands are absolutely dry whenever you put on your jewels.
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.
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.
Some of the sterling silver pieces are plated with rhodium which is another metal with neutrality to tarnish. This plating can also be useful in preventing any oxidation and help to reduce the chance of your finger turning green.
If you have particularly acidic skin then try to avoid wearing sterling silver accessories and opt instead for hypo allergenic metals like platinum or titanium.
To brighten the atmosphere, here are some intriguing facts regarding sterling silver:
Although sterling grew to popularity in the 12th century in Europe, it has been in use for hundreds of years.
Sterling silver is used not only to make jewelry but it can also be used to fabricate utensils, musical instruments or even medical equipment.
If you notice that your silver looks greenish or has a tarnish, it’s not because it is of bad quality; it is the nature of the metal.
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!
READ MORE :: Vedic Astrology and Its Perks Due to Wearing a Silver Ring
Please get in touch with us and share your ideas if you have personalized jewelry or are searching for a private label jewelry manufacturer. In accordance with your suggestions, we will make and present genuine jewelry.
for immediate contact