It is a question we often get from our customers – and perhaps you have experienced that a ring leaves a greenish color on your finger. This can create doubt about the quality of the jewelry, but in fact, it is a completely normal and harmless phenomenon.

What is 925 sterling silver?

Når vi taler om sølvsmykker, er det næsten altid 925 sterling silver, it is meant. This alloy consists of 92.5% pure silver og 7.5% copper.

Pure silver is too soft to be used in jewelry, which is why copper is added to make the material more durable without losing its shine and beauty.

Why does the skin turn green?

When the copper in the silver comes into contact with the skin's natural acid, sweat, or moisture, can be formed copper salts. These can settle on the skin and cause a temporary greenish discoloration.

This does not mean that the jewelry is not genuine silver – on the contrary, it is proof that it contains copper, which actually makes sterling silver stronger and more durable. The reaction is completely harmless and easily disappears again with washing with water and soap.

Why does it only happen to some people?

The reaction depends on a number of individual factors, which is why some experience green marks while others never do:

• Skin pH value: People with more acidic skin (lower pH) are more likely to dissolve small amounts of copper, which increases the risk of discoloration.

• Sweat production: The more you sweat, the more moisture and salt come into contact with the metal, which promotes the reaction.

• Lifestyle and surroundings: The use of lotion, perfume, cleaning agents, or frequent hand washing can accelerate the reaction. Climate and humidity also play a role.

• Skin chemistry and mineral content: Each person's skin has a different composition of minerals and salts (e.g., sodium, magnesium, calcium), which can affect how easily copper reacts.

• Jewelry wear: If a gold-plated ring after extended use starts to show some of the copper base underneath, it can increase the likelihood of green marks.

It is therefore a combination of chemistry, biology and environment, which determines whether one experiences discoloration or not.

How to avoid green marks from rings

If you want to reduce the risk, you can follow these simple tips:

• Tag off your jewelry when washing your hands, bathing, or exercising.

• Avoid exposing the rings to creams, perfume, and cleaning agents.

• Store the jewelry in a dry place and polish them regularly with a soft cloth.

• Optionally apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or jewelry sealant on the inside of the ring to prevent the skin from coming into direct contact with the metal.

Conclusion

A greenish color on the skin is a known and harmless phenomenon that can occur with the use of 925 sterling silver eller smykker med copper base and gilding. The jewelry is still genuine and of high quality – and discoloration can easily be avoided or removed.

With us, we always use materials such as 925 sterling silver og copper bases with 14K/18K gold plating, which are selected to ensure durability, beauty, and comfort.