It is a question we often get from our customers – and maybe you have even experienced a ring leaving a greenish mark on your finger. It can raise doubts about the quality of the jewellery, but in fact it is a completely normal and harmless phenomenon.

What is 925 sterling silver?

When we talk about silver jewellery, it is almost always 925 sterling silver that is meant. This alloy consists of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper.

Pure silver is too soft to be used in jewellery, and that is why copper is added so the material becomes 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, copper salts can form. These can settle on the skin and cause a temporary greenish discolouration.

This does not mean that the jewellery is not genuine silver – on the contrary, it is proof that it contains copper, which is precisely what makes sterling silver stronger and more durable. The reaction is completely harmless and easily washes off again 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 people get green marks while others never do:

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

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

• Lifestyle and surroundings: Using lotion, perfume, cleaning products, or frequent handwashing 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.

• Wear and tear on the jewellery: If a gold-plated ring begins to show a little of the copper base underneath after a long period of use, it can increase the likelihood of green marks.

So it is a combination of chemistry, biology, and environment that determines whether you experience discolouration or not.

How to avoid green marks from rings

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

• Take off your jewellery when washing your hands, bathing, or exercising.

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

• Store the jewellery in a dry place and polish it regularly with a soft cloth.

• You can also apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or jewellery sealant to the inside of the ring so the skin does not come into direct contact with the metal.

A greenish colour on the skin is therefore a well-known and harmless phenomenon that can occur when wearing 925 sterling silver or jewellery with a copper base and gold plating. The jewellery is still genuine and of high quality – and the discolouration can easily be avoided or removed.

We always use carefully selected materials such as 925 sterling silver, copper base plated with 14K/18K gold, copper plated with S925 sterling silver and S925 silver needle – all to ensure maximum durability, beauty, and comfort in our jewellery.