Why Sterling Silver May Leave Green or Dark Marks on Skin – and Why It's Normal
If you've noticed a green or dark mark on your skin after wearing a sterling silver ring - especially in the summer - don't worry. This is a common and completely harmless reaction, not a sign of poor quality or fake jewelry.
Why does this happen?
Our jewelry is made from solid 925 sterling silver, which is 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper. Copper is an essential part of the alloy that adds strength to the silver. However, when copper comes into contact with:
- Sweat, especially if your skin has higher acidity
- Moisture, humidity, or heat
- Lotion, soap, or cosmetics
it can cause a natural chemical reaction that results in a faint green or dark discoloration on the skin.
Is it dangerous?
No - not at all. This is a normal and temporary effect.
It does not mean you're allergic, and it certainly doesn't mean the jewelry is fake.
The mark usually washes off easily with soap and water.
How to reduce or prevent this reaction:
- Remove your jewelry before washing hands, showering, swimming, or applying lotion.
- Avoid wearing rings during heavy sweating or in hot, humid weather.
- Wipe your jewelry with a soft cloth after each use.
- Store in a dry place - ideally in a zip bag or anti-tarnish pouch.
- Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the inside of the ring to create a skin barrier.
More common in summer. This reaction is especially common in the summer, when your skin is warmer, sweatier, and more reactive. Even the finest sterling silver jewelry can leave a mark under the right conditions - and this is perfectly normal.
Is Tarnish a Sign of Low Quality?
Even the highest-quality sterling silver will tarnish eventually — it’s simply a result of chemistry. In fact, if silver doesn’t tarnish, it may be a sign that it’s rhodium or nikkel plated or not real silver.
💬 Final thoughts
Every person's skin is different. Some people may never notice any reaction, while others are more sensitive due to natural body chemistry.
This is not a defect - it's a natural interaction between real silver and your skin.
We take pride in crafting high-quality 925 sterling silver jewelry. If you ever have questions or need advice, our team is always here to help.