Why Do Rings Turn Your Finger Green?
Jewelry faux pas are extremely frustrating and, honestly, more common than you might think. Chances are, you’ve been there before. From missing pieces or gemstones to tarnished metals, there’s definitely a lot that can go wrong with your jewelry – and rings tend to be the most common victim. The dreaded green (or even black or red) finger brings on rolled eyes and sighs from ring-wearers everywhere, and it can happen as a result of a few things. Here’s a look into the reasons why your finger might become discolored while wearing a ring, as well as how you can fix and even prevent it from happening again.
Why It Happens
A ring might turn your finger green for a variety of reasons. For fashion jewelry and once-in-a-while worn rings, this might be an annoying but generally okay thing because it’s not something you put on every single day. For more important rings like your engagement ring, this is definitely not something you want to deal with.
The main culprit is usually a chemical reaction between the metal in your ring and your skin. One of the most common reasons why rings turn your finger green is the metal composition. Specifically, copper.
Copper is often mixed with other metals to create alloys. For example, there is copper in sterling silver to make it stronger and more durable. While this reaction is harmless, the result is an unsightly green stain on your skin. This green layer is technically called 'verdigris,' which is formed when copper oxidizes and creates a layer of copper salts.
Your skin's natural chemistry also plays a big role here. Factors like sweat, lotions, humidity, and even your unique skin pH can accelerate this reaction. When the acidic elements on your skin mix with the copper, it essentially creates those green-colored copper salts. This is why you might notice the green stain is worse on hot, humid days or after a workout.
Then there's the issue of nickel. For some people, a green or red mark is a sign of a nickel allergy. This is different from the simple green stain caused by copper. A nickel allergy vs. green stain is easy to tell apart: the allergy typically involves redness, itchiness, swelling, or even a rash. If you’ve ever had a bad reaction to a pair of inexpensive earrings, it’s probably the same thing.
You might notice a discoloration on your skin that isn’t green. Don’t worry! These are generally harmless as well if not associated with itching, swelling or major irritation. Tarnish of most any metal can leave a discolored look on the wearer’s skin. This happens when your ring oxidizes, or reacts with the air or salts on your skin, causing a greyish or even black mark where the ring once was.
Even gold rings can cause a green finger, and it often comes down to the karat. Karats measure the purity of gold. 24k gold is pure gold, but it's too soft for everyday jewelry. So, it's mixed with other metals for durability. 18k gold is 75% gold, while 14k gold is about 58% gold. The remaining percentage is a mix of other metals, which can include copper. A 14k vs. 18k gold ring will have a higher concentration of other metals, increasing the chance of a reaction if copper is in the alloy.
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How to Stop My Ring from Turning My Finger Green
Now that you know why your ring is causing a discoloration on your finger, here’s how to help prevent that from happening despite sensitivity, oxidation, skin reactions or metal mixtures.
Perhaps the most common solution is the clear nail polish ring trick, which is great if you’re in a pinch or need a quick fix. Simply brush on a clear polish or top coat inside the ring (where your skin comes in contact) and then let it dry before wearing. This creates a virtually unnoticeable barrier between your skin and the metal itself. There are also specialized barrier coatings available from jewelers that do the same thing but last longer.
If you think your finger is becoming discolored due to a product you apply to your skin, like an oil, perfume, soap or lotion, clean your finger with water before putting on your ring. It's also a good idea to remove your ring before swimming or using hand sanitizer, as chlorine and alcohol can speed up the oxidation process.
For those looking to rid themselves permanently of this issue, consider a change in material altogether. Hypoallergenic metals are your best friend here. Stainless steel, titanium, and platinum are excellent hypoallergenic options because they contain little to no nickel or copper and are highly resistant to corrosion and tarnish.
When it comes to wedding rings, this could mean switching to something new like silicone wedding bands, which are not only more comfortable but also safe and flexible, making it easy to stay dedicated to your partner while doing most any activity.
Is a Green Finger Dangerous?
For the most part, a green finger is not dangerous. The green stain from verdigris is simply a chemical reaction on the surface of your skin and will fade once you remove the ring and wash your hands. However, if the discoloration is accompanied by redness, itching, blisters, or swelling, you may have a nickel allergy. In that case, it's best to stop wearing the ring and consult a doctor or dermatologist to confirm the allergy and get advice.
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The Good News
If you already have a ring that interacts with your skin or turns your finger green, there are (thankfully) a few ways to prevent this from happening. It’s also good to know that if you are considering purchasing a statement ring, wedding band or an affordable engagement ring, Modern Gents has you covered. The best part? Our rings won’t turn your finger green!
We craft our rings with high-quality materials designed for sensitive skin. Instead of copper-heavy alloys, we use a 925 sterling silver base and finish our rings with a thick layer of rhodium plating (for a silver tone) or 18k gold plating (for a gold or rose gold tone). Rhodium is a precious metal from the platinum family that is hypoallergenic and highly tarnish-resistant, acting as a durable shield between the base metal and your skin. This means you can wear our rings every day without worrying about a green finger or an allergic reaction.
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