Why does some jewellery leave you with green fingers?

Finding the right jewellery to complement your style is a thrilling experience, but the only thing that can rain on your parade is noticing a green tint on your finger. This common issue, while harmless, has more to it than meets the eye. Let's unravel the mystery of why some jewellery turns your skin green and explore ways to address this inconvenience.

The Copper Connection:

A major culprit behind green skin is the presence of copper in jewellery. The chemical reaction between copper and moisture leads to a green mark on your skin. What happens is an oxidation process, with the copper reacting with chemicals, oils, or moisture from your skin or from the environment. The green mark is the corrosion left over from this process. Have you seen the greenish colour at the Statue of Liberty? Or the greenish colour of antique silver? This is what, in essence, happens to our fingers.

Not Just Copper:

While copper is a frequent offender, other metals can also cause skin discoloration; it's just less frequent with those. Gold and silver jewellery, despite being popular choices, can also cause discoloration. Why? Well, rarely are gold and silver jewellery made entirely of one material. They are simply too soft on their own to be used in jewellery. This is why it’s standard to mix metals with alloys to strengthen them. Which metals are used in alloys? Bingo! Copper.

Sterling Silver Surprise:

Despite its popularity, sterling silver, a beloved jewellery metal, can also contribute to skin discoloration. This is due to the alloying process where copper is added to harden the silver. Is that a bad thing? Not at all. Especially considering the percentage of copper used is less than 8%, which is really not a lot - and this is why for sterling silver, these reactions are rare. Thank god!

Cheap Jewellery and Discoloration:

Costume jewellery, primarily made from copper and nickel, is known to lead to skin discoloration. Why? Inexpensive jewellery contains a higher percentage of copper or nickel. Additionally, silver plating can wear off, exposing the underlying metals and restarting the chemical reactions.

Biological Factors:

Interestingly, not everyone experiences skin discoloration. Biological responses and genetic chemistry play a role. For example: Two friends, wearing the same jewellery, may have different reactions; one will have green discolouration, the other one will show no signs. (Maybe its karma or just gods having a laugh, who knows!)

Understanding the chemistry behind jewellery and skin interaction is crucial. It's not just about the price; it's about the metals used. Next time you notice a green tint, remember it's a natural reaction. BUT - choosing high-quality jewellery with minimal reactive metals can help you enjoy your favourite pieces without any unwanted surprises.

Always choose high-quality sterling silver and you’ll be fine!