Why is my ring turning my finger green?

Sometimes you can remove your ring and find that your finger looks slightly green. If this is the case, then do not fret!

It is a common misconception that this means that your ring is made from cheap materials. This is not the case, however.

Sterling silver and gold vermeil are compound metals. This means that besides the silver within them or their gold plating, there are other metals such as copper and zinc that make up a small portion of the metal.

For this reason, metals like copper within your ring can sometimes mix with the PH of your skin to create a chemical reaction, which usually creates the green colour. Other chemicals, such as in hand cream, can also cause the metals in your rings to oxidise.

Simple solutions to prevent this from happening

To avoid this reaction from occurring, there are a few things that you can do:

• Ensure to take off your rings before washing your hands, bathing or showering 
• Avoid coming into contact with hand creams and other chemical-based products when wearing your ring 

How to remove the discolouration from my skin

The colour of your skin should naturally return to normal after a few hours once you remove your ring. If it doesn’t, however, there are a few steps that you can follow:

• Use some mild soap, some warm water and a cloth to gently rub of the stain 
• Wash your hands afterward

How to remove the discolouration from my ring

Sometimes the green colour can be stuck inside your ring. If this happens, use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently remove the colour. For tougher stains, you can soak your ring in a mix of water with white vinegar for around half-an-hour before scrubbing.

Once you have removed the stain, pat your jewellery piece dry with a soft cloth.