Did you know silver jewelry can make your skin turn green? Let's learn how silver jewelry can make your skin turn green and figure out how you can avoid this occurance.
Mixed Metals
The typical silver ring is not made of pure silver, but rather it is an alloy or mixed metal. Sterling silver more commonly contains a small percentage of copper to add additional strength the what is essentially a very soft metal. If you were to wear a pure silver ring you would find that it would knick very easily, bend in some cases, and tarnishes. Sterling silver is has a 7.5% copper makeup and it cannot be called sterling if this requirement is not met.
Why Sterling Silver Greens
The reaction that takes place on your finger, causing a green color, is actually caused by the trace copper found within sterling silver. Copper reacts, oxidizes, behaves in ways that can affect your skin that it is in contact with. So in essence it is the copper that causes the silver blemishes, not the silver.
To Remove Green Coloration From Your Skin
Don't worry. The green coloration that contact with your ring causes is not harmful, you can easily wash off the effects of the metals with soapy water. It is more annoying to have a green finger than anything else. If you want to avoid this problem with your jewelry consider the following:
Gold or platinum do not cause the same green coloration. Karat determines the purity of the gold in question, but the mix does not cause the same green skin discoloration.
Your sterling silver rings can be coated to prevent the reaction that causes the green color, you can consult your local jeweler for this process.
Lastly, you can avoid this reaction if you choose not to wear your sterling silver in warm conditions or wet conditions. The process requires water to cause the green discoloration so by only wearing sterling silver in contact with dry skin you can reduce the chances of having a green finger.
Wearing Silver Jewelry
Silver is becoming more and more in vogue as the price of gold continues to sky rocket. It is a beautiful sheen that complements diamonds well and is more cost effective than its alternatives. Affordable and stylish, you can still will your silver rings, just know these tips to prevent green fingers and you will have nothing to worry about.
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