Why does Jewelry Turn My Skin Green?

Some people experience a reaction to some types of jewelry, especially costume jewelry, which manifests as a greenish discoloration of the part of the skin which is in direct contact with the article of jewelry.

This causes some concern and confusion among jewelry wearers. Understandably they want to know why a patch of their skin has discolored and whether this has any health implications.

The good news is that this discoloration caused by wearing jewelry; it is not an allergic reaction. Rather, it is caused by the skin oxidizing copper.

Oxidization is when a substance has a chemical reaction with oxygen. In other words, the oxygen from the skin and the copper are combining to produce an effect.

The oxidization of copper - and the greening of the skin - will often be more pronounced when the temperature is hot or when undertaking vigorous exercise. That is, when the body sweats, acidity in the sweat could increase the oxidization of copper and, in turn, increase the green patch on the skin.

Usually, the greening of the skin occurs when some people wear costume jewelry. This is because costume jewelry is sometimes made, either partially or wholly, using copper.

However, this is not to say that silver or gold jewelry will not turn your skin green. This is because silver and gold jewelry are not 100% silver or gold.

Take silver, for example. Most silver jewelry on the market is 925 silver. Nine-two-five silver means that an item of jewelry is made from 92.5% silver.

Silver is too soft a metal to be 100% silver, so 7.5% of a silver item is made from another metal to add strength to the silver. Most of the time copper is used to strengthen the silver.

It should be noted, therefore, that if an item of jewelry turns your skin green is not necessarily an indicator of how valuable it may or may not be.

It is important to stress that while a greenish reaction to copper is usually nothing to worry about, if your skin reacts to jewelry in other ways - by turning red, for instance - this may be indicative of an allergic rash. In which case, discontinue using the item of jewelry.

However, where the skin has turned green through oxidising with copper there is no harm done. It is simply a minor cosmetic blemish which will disappear when you take the item off.

If you find green skin objectionable but still wish to wear the jewelry, the simplest solution is to put nail varnish onto the surface of the jewelry where it touches your skin. This will create a barrier so as to prevent your skin from oxidizing the jewelry.

Note that this method is recommended only for less expensive jewelry. Putting nail varnish onto silver jewelry will probably devalue and damage it.