Wondering how to keep sterling silver from turning your finger green? We’ve got you covered. Discover why it happens and how to prevent it right here!
Keyword(s): Turning Your Finger Green
After a long day at work, you slip into comfy pants and remove your jewelry, only to spot a green stain on your finger where your favorite ring used to be. The ring turned your finger green!
Firstly, don’t panic – this isn’t a rash or allergic reaction, and you absolutely don’t need to throw away your beloved ring.
Does Sterling Silver Turn Your Finger Green?
Sterling silver is made up of 92.5% silver, which is too soft on its own (it tends to liquefy). Therefore, 7.5% of it is comprised of other metals, mainly copper and zinc, making it durable enough for jewelry, silverware, and plates.
If your ring turns your finger green, it doesn’t necessarily indicate cheap jewelry. This is a common misconception – all metals may oxidize over time, regardless of the piece’s value.
The green color appears on your finger due to a chemical reaction between the metal and your skin, often involving copper. The copper reacts with your skin’s pH levels, resulting in the green stain where the metal contacts your skin.
Hand creams can also cause this by oxidizing the metal, even if your skin isn’t particularly sensitive.
Keep reading for solutions on preventing a ring from turning your finger green.
The Clear Nail Polish Approach
Clear nail polish is a versatile fixer in fashion, including for sterling silver jewelry. Applying it to the inside of your ring creates a barrier between the silver and your skin. Keep in mind, though, it’s a temporary fix and requires reapplication as needed.
Keep Hands Dry
The simplest solution is to remove your rings before showering, washing hands, swimming, etc. This may be easier said than done, but it’s beneficial.
Swimming is particularly harmful due to chlorine, which can damage your jewelry.
Apply a Polymer Barrier
This method is often more effective than clear nail polish and isn’t too expensive. Similar to nail polish, you will need to reapply it periodically.
Polymer barriers are designed specifically for jewelry and won’t damage your rings.
Pickle That Ring!
Yes, you read correctly, but hold off on raiding your fridge for dill pickles.
Mix a 50/50 solution of water and ammonia (available at grocery stores) and soak your sterling silver ring in it for two full days.
Removing Green Finger Stains
Looking at your green-stained hand while reading these tips? Wondering how to remove the existing stain?
Don’t worry; the stain isn’t permanent. Untreated, some rare cases may lead to a copper allergy.
Typically, the skin should return to normal within a few hours. If not, or if you can’t stand the sight, you can remove the stain yourself.
Use warm water and liquid soap on a washcloth and rub the area gently. Rinse your hands afterward.
If that fails, rubbing alcohol on a cotton ball should take care of it.
Green gunk, known as verdigris (pronounced ‘verda-greez’), can form inside your ring.
To clean it, use a toothbrush (for its soft bristles) or a toothpick for small spots. A pencil eraser works on newer spots.
A white vinegar and water mixture can handle tough stains, soaking jewelry for half an hour before scrubbing. Avoid this on pieces with foil backings or pearls.
Once cleaned, use a metal polish to restore the shine.
Applies to All Sterling Silver Jewelry
These tips aren’t just for rings; you can use them for necklaces, bracelets, and other sterling silver pieces.
If all else fails, consider switching to jewelry made from rhodium-plated, stainless steel, or platinum, which won’t turn your skin green despite frequent hand washing.
The best long-term strategy is regular cleaning of your sterling silver jewelry and removing it to keep your hands dry.
Still Feeling Green?
For more tips on caring for sterling silver items, visit our Artful Bracelets blog.
If you have questions about sterling silver turning your finger green, contact us or call us at +84 931 83 65 78. Happy shopping, jewelry lovers!
