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?

When we talk about silver jewelry, 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 jewelry, so 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, copper salts can form. 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 makes sterling silver stronger and more durable. The reaction is completely harmless and easily disappears again with washing using water and soap.

Why does it only happen to some people?

The reaction depends on a number of individual factors, so 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, increasing 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 environment: Use of lotion, perfume, cleaning products, 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 prolonged use begins to show some of the copper base underneath, it can increase the likelihood of green marks.

So it is a combination of chemistry, biology, and environment that determines whether you experience discoloration 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 jewelry when washing your hands, bathing, or exercising.

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

• Store the jewelry dry 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 so the skin is not in direct contact with the metal.

A greenish color on the skin is thus a known and harmless phenomenon that can occur when using 925 sterling silver or jewelry with a copper base and gold plating. The jewelry is still genuine and of high quality – and the discoloration can easily be avoided or removed.

With us, we always use carefully selected materials such as 925 sterling silver, copper base coated with 14K/18K gold, copper coated with S925 sterling silver and S925 silver posts – all to ensure maximum durability, beauty, and comfort in our jewelry.