How Can I Stop My Ring From Turning My Finger Green?

If you find your ring is turning your finger green, you're experiencing a fairly common phenomenon. It's really a matter of body chemistry. People with higher acidity levels in their skin may react to certain alloys in silver or gold jewelry, causing an oxidation effect that gives that green hue. If it happens suddenly with a ring you've had for some time, it may mean the precious metal plating is wearing off, exposing a more reactive alloy underneath. Also, cheaper jewelry made of nickel may cause an allergic reaction that looks similar in some people. Thankfully, there are a number of fixes for the problem.

Instructions

1

Clean your rings regularly with a soft polishing cloth. Wiping them each time you take them off will remove any oils or sweat from the jewelry, and will stop the reaction from building up.

2

Change your hand lotion or other cosmetic products you wear on your hands. This may help to alter the chemical balance of your skin, and lessen the effect. You may need to experiment with different products to find one that is less reactive.

3

Coat the inside of the ring with a layer of clear nail polish. This will stop the reactive metal from touching your skin, and causing the green color. You may have to replace this from time to time if it wears off.

4

Ask your jeweler if your ring can be plated on its inner surface with rhodium. Seek this solution if your problem is really persistent. Rhodium is a completely nonreactive metal, and will not produce the green effect.