Picture this: You have spent a whole day wearing your favorite jewelry, running errands and feeling great. You return home, remove your accessories only to discover an unwelcome sight: Green Finger.
Green finger, otherwise known as skin discoloration, is a common occurrence that happens when your jewelry leaves behind a greenish or black tint on your skin. Contrary to popular belief, the minor stain on your skin isn't harmful at all. Skin discoloration occurs when your jewelry metal oxidizes and reacts to the pH levels of your skin, hence tarnishing and leaving behind a stain.
While green fingers are relatively harmless, it is still important to take preventative actions from such occurrences and better enjoy your jewelry. Here are five tips on how you can keep your fingers and jewelry green-free: -
Check the Jewelry Metal
Skin discoloration happens in many types of jewelry that are both high and low quality, but lower quality jewelry is more likely to leave a stain. Therefore, the most important factor in preventing green fingers is by checking the jewelry metal before buying them. Lower quality metals like copper with plating can react with the acids in your skin and tarnish. Choosing higher quality hypoallergenic metals like sterling silver, solid gold or stainless steel are better long-term investments. Learn more about the different types of hypoallergenic metals here.
Use Clear Nail Polish
Another efficient method to prevent skin discoloration is by applying a layer of nail polish on your jewelry. Applying a layer of nail polish effectively creates a barrier between your skin and the jewelry, it also prevents staining and tarnishing. Clear nail polish is cost efficient, and you will only need to reapply every few weeks. While effective, this method also has its disadvantages and is prone to wear off after a while. You can read more about the pros and cons of applying nail polish on jewelry here.
Consider Rhodium Plating
Many pieces of jewelry are coated with a thin layer of protective plating which can help prevent the underlying metal from reacting with your skin, such as gold or rhodium. If you notice that your jewelry is causing green fingers, consider having it re-plated with a protective coating. This process can be done by a professional jeweler and will add an extra layer of protection against oxidation and tarnishing.
For a protective shield of coating that not only prevents discoloration but also gives the jewelry an extra sheen, you could opt for rhodium plated jewelry. Learn more about rhodium plating here.
Remove Stains with Rubbing Alcohol
To remove discoloration stains from your fingers, try rubbing alcohol. Rubbing alcohol is a strong astringent that removes tough stains quickly and thoroughly. Simply dampen a rough rag with rubbing alcohol and scrub it back and forth over your green fingers until the stain is gone. Be sure to wash and lotion your hands afterwards as rubbing alcohol is known to be extremely drying.
Accessorize Shorter
Wearing jewelry for extended periods, especially in humid or sweaty conditions, can increase the chances of green fingers. If you know you’ll be in a situation where your skin might sweat or come into contact with moisture, it’s best to limit the time you wear your jewelry. This is especially important for rings, which are more likely to cause discoloration due to their constant contact with your skin.
Green fingers may be a common occurrence for many jewelry owners, but it’s one that can be easily prevented with a few simple precautions. By keeping these tips in mind, you can enjoy your favorite pieces without worrying about unsightly green stains. Jewelry is an investment that requires care and maintenance: by keeping your jewelry beautiful, your skin will stay clear and comfortable.
