Why Does Jewellery Turn Your Skin Green or Black?
Jewellery has long been cherished for its beauty, elegance, and ability to enhance personal style. However, many wearers experience an unexpected and often frustrating side effect—skin discolouration. Some pieces leave behind green, black, or even red marks on the skin, leading to concerns about metal quality and potential allergic reactions. If you’ve ever wondered why this happens, here’s what you need to know.
Russian Wedding Band in Three Colour 9k Gold £330
Understanding Jewellery-Related Skin Discolouration
Green marks = Copper reactions
Black marks = Tarnish and oxidation
Red marks = Allergic reaction or irritation
Most noble metals, such as silver, gold, and platinum, are naturally hypoallergenic in their pure forms. These metals resist corrosion and oxidation, making them ideal for jewellery. Allergies to pure noble metals are extremely rare; when reactions occur, they are usually caused by alloy metals mixed into jewellery rather than the noble metals themselves.
If you’ve read our previous article on gold purity and carat values, you know that higher-carat jewellery contains more gold or silver, making it a better choice for sensitive skin. Lower-carat jewellery and base metals—often found in fashion jewellery—contain more alloy metals, which are more likely to react with chemicals, moisture, and oxygen, increasing the risk of skin irritation or allergic reactions.
How well do you know your gold? might also be an interesting read for those who wear plated gold jewellery.
Why Does Jewellery Cause Skin Discolouration?
The primary cause of skin discolouration from jewellery is a chemical reaction between the metal and skin. The most common culprits are copper, silver, and nickel.
1. Green Marks: Copper Reactions
Many jewellery alloys contain copper, which reacts with sweat, lotions, and natural skin oils to form copper salts, which are green in colour and transfer onto the skin.
Other contributing factors:
Perspiration & humidity: Acidity in sweat varies by person. High salt or acid content can intensify the reaction.
Environmental exposure: Humidity, chlorine, and even medications can contribute to metal discolouration.
Sometimes copper though is a good thing—some gemstones obtain their colour from copper such as turquoise, malachite, blue azurite, blue-green chrysocolla and blue-green dioptase.
2. Black Marks: Tarnish & Oxidation
Sterling silver, an alloy of silver and other metals (often copper), can tarnish when exposed to oxygen and moisture, leaving black or green residue on the skin.
Key factors influencing tarnishing:
Oxidation: Moisture and acidic substances (sweat, lotions, perfumes) speed up oxidation, forming dark-coloured compounds.
Sulfur exposure: Sulfur in the air accelerates silver tarnishing, leaving black stains.
Skin pH levels: More acidic skin increases oxidation, making tarnishing more likely.
Chemical exposure: Lotions, perfumes, and soaps can accelerate metal corrosion and leave residues on the skin.
Sometimes oxidisation helps to bring out a design and can look great with within pieces to add texture, dimension and an antique look like in this keyring and signet ring. Explore more of our signet ring range here.
3. Red Marks: Allergic Reactions & Irritation
Red marks, rashes, or irritation typically indicate an allergic reaction, often caused by a metal allergy or contact dermatitis. Some metals can also cause far more serious reactions as the BBC has recently reported in this article: Jewellery seized at airport over cancer concerns after extremely high levels of cadmium and nickel were found. Trading Standards said "Cadmium and nickel are cumulative toxins which means that exposure to small amounts over a long period of time can cause health problems."
It urged people to avoid purchasing cheap jewellery and only buy from "reputable sources".
Symptoms include:
Rash or bumps on the skin
Severe itching
Redness or skin discolouration
Dry patches resembling burns
Blisters or fluid drainage (severe cases)
Nickel Sensitivity: Nickel is a common allergen used in inexpensive jewellery and as an alloy in white gold. The UK introduced nickel regulations in 2000 and 2007, limiting the amount of nickel released from jewellery that comes into contact with the skin. It is not banned per se but is more regulated. New white gold items sold in the UK though, should be nickel free. However, nickel is still commonly found in fashion jewellery, but likewise in white gold especially in countries like the US and Canada. If purchasing jewellery abroad or from international online retailers, be mindful of nickel content.
Contact Dermatitis & Tight-Fitting Rings
Some jewellery, especially rings when worn very tight, can cause irritation due to trapped moisture, soap, or bacteria, leading to redness and inflammation. People with sensitive skin may react to various materials, including metal and silicone. If you notice persistent discomfort, opting for hypoallergenic metals and ensuring a proper fit can help prevent these reactions.
Jewellery Fit Tip: Your ring should be able to turn at the base of your finger to allow for cleaning and drying but should have slight resistance at the knuckle to prevent it from slipping off.
How to Prevent Jewellery-Induced Skin Discolouration
Choose hypoallergenic metals: Opt for pure gold, platinum, or silver, which are less likely to cause reactions.
Check for nickel content: Always ask jewellers about the composition before purchasing.
Clean your jewellery regularly: Wash with mild soap and water to remove buildup.
Use a barrier layer: Apply a hypoallergenic barrier cream or underlay before wearing jewellery.
Keep jewellery dry: Remove it before swimming, showering, or exercising to minimise moisture exposure.
Store jewellery properly: Use anti-tarnish pouches or airtight containers to reduce oxidation.
Ensure the correct fit: Avoid tight-fitting rings that trap moisture and irritate the skin.
Invest in quality jewellery pieces: Avoid buying cheaper fashion jewellery made from base metals. These can contain other chemicals and cannot be recycled ending up on landfill after being discarded. Precious metals can be recycled and are safer for your skin and the environment.
Conclusion
Jewellery-induced skin discolouration is a common yet manageable issue. Understanding the science behind these reactions can help you make better choices when selecting and caring for your jewellery. By opting for high-quality metals, choosing higher carat values, and following preventative measures, you can continue to enjoy your favourite pieces without worrying about green, black, or painful red marks on your skin.
