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Everyone's experienced it — after a day of wearing your favourite ring, you notice an unsightly green stain on your skin. Contrary to popular belief, this "green finger" isn't due to poor-quality jewellery, and it's harmless. It simply happens when certain metals oxidise upon contact with your skin's pH or other substances. Here's what you need to know.
Why Does My Finger Turn Green From Rings?
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Here are the most common reasons why your ring might be staining your finger:
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Copper Content in Alloys
Most rings aren't made from 100% pure metals. Even high-quality materials like sterling silver (92.5% silver, 7.5% copper) or gold-filled/plated jewelry often contain copper, which reacts with the acids in your skin. The more copper in a ring, the higher the likelihood of staining.
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Skin Acidity (pH Levels)
Some people naturally have more acidic skin, which accelerates metal oxidation. Your body chemistry, diet, medications, and even hormonal changes can influence this. That's why a ring might turn your finger green one day, but not the next.
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Moisture, Sweat, and Skincare Products
Wearing rings while washing your hands, applying lotion, using hand sanitizer, or sweating can speed up the green reaction. Water and skincare products trap moisture under the ring and activate the oxidation process.
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Chlorine or Harsh Chemicals
Swimming pools, hot tubs, cleaning products, and other harsh chemicals can strip away protective plating and react with metals — especially gold-plated or sterling silver rings — causing tarnish and skin staining.
Which Metals Are Most Likely to Cause Green Finger?
Brass & Bronze
Alloys that often contain high copper levels.
Gold-Plated Jewelry
Overtime, the gold layer can wear down, exposing copper or bras underneath.
Copper
The primary culprit. It oxidizes easily and transfers green salts to your skin.
Sterling Silver (925)
Contains 7.5% copper. Tarnishing and green finger are possible, especially if not properly cared for.
Nickel
While nickel can cause
irritation or allergic reactions, it doesn't usually turn your finger green. (Objkts Jewelry is 100% nickel-free.)
How to Stop Your Ring From Turning Your Finger Green
Want to keep your rings looking beautiful — and your fingers stain-free? Follow these preventative tips:
1. Keep Your Hands Dry
Take rings off before:
- Washing your hands
- Applying lotion or hand sanitizer
- Swimming or showering
- Exercising or sweating
2. Let Skincare Products Absorb First
Always wait for hand creams, sunscreen, and other products to fully dry before putting your rings on. Residue trapped between skin and metal increases oxidation.
3. Use a Jewelry Barrier (e.g. Jewelry Shield)
A clear, hypoallergenic polymer coating like Jewelry Shield creates an invisible barrier between the metal and your skin. It's especially useful for copper or plated rings. Reapply every few wears for continued protection.
4. Try Clear Nail Polish
A quick DIY solution: apply a thin layer of clear nail polish to the inside of your ring. It works similarly to Jewelry Shield, though it may need more frequent reapplication.
5. Rotate Your Rings
Wearing the same ring every day can increase wear and exposure. Rotate between pieces to give metals a break and reduce tarnish buildup.
How to Clean Green Stains Off Skin
If you notice a green mark on your skin, don't panic. It's easy to remove:
- Wash gently with warm water and mild soap.
- Use a soft cloth or nail brush to lift the stain.
- For stubborn marks, try makeup remover, rubbing alcohol, or non-acetone nail polish remover on a cotton pad — then rinse and moisturize.
- Avoid harsh scrubbing or acetone-based removers, which can irritate the skin.
OBJKTS Jewelry: Our Materials & Commitment to Quality
At Objkts Jewelry, we only use high-quality, safe metals — designed to look beautiful while being gentle on your skin.
- 925 Sterling Silver
- 18K Gold-Plated & Rhodium-Plated
- No Nickel — Ever
- Luxury-grade brass base with premium electroplating
While some copper may be present (for strength and colour), we've engineered our pieces to balance beauty and durability — without harsh metals or irritants.
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Extra Jewelry Care Tips to Prevent Tarnish & Prolong Shine
Keeping your pieces in their best condition helps prevent green staining, dullness, and wear over time.
- Remove Before Sleeping or Showering
- Avoid Perfumes, Lotions & Chemicals
- Wipe with a Soft Cloth After Wear
- Store in a Velvet Pouch or Dry Place
- Clean Regularly with Gentle Jewelry Cleaner
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In Summary: How to Avoid Green Finger
If you've ever wondered:
"Why does my ring turn my finger green?"
"How can I stop my ring from staining my finger?"
"Is green finger a sign of fake jewelry?"
Now you know: it's a natural reaction, not a flaw. With the right care habits, protective coatings, and quality materials, you can wear your favorite rings without worry.
Still have questions? Email us anytime at hello@objktsjewelry.com — we're here to help.
Ready to enjoy jewellery that loves your skin as much as you do?
Discover rings and accessories designed for beauty — without the green finger.
Why OBJKTS Jewelry?
OBJKTS Jewelry has been selling timeless engagement style rings since 2019 to over 200,000 global customers. Our collection of rings and bands have been used as travel dupes, in weddings, as replacements for lost or outgrown rings, placeholders, and even skydive proposals! With over 60+ options with designs from classic solitaries to vintage inspired, there’s something for everyone.
Why OBJKTS Jewelry?
Still need convincing?
Check out our reviews on Trustpilot.
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The stones in our Stopgap rings are made with high quality, 3A-5A Cubic Zirconia, while the metals for the band include 925 Sterling Silver, 14K Gold or Rhodium Plated and Gold Vermeil (coated with 8x thicker gold plating than our other travel rings).
This one is completely up to personal preference – but if you have an idea of their dream ring, we’re more than happy to help you find a match.
If you’re not sure, you can take some inspiration from our bestselling rings here.
Either way, send us an email on email@objktsjewelry.com or message us on Instagram with a brief description or reference image of the desired style and we’ll take it from there!
Yes! We also have a collection of timeless wedding bands from a classic round band, to more playful silhouettes, in case you’re looking to placehold, protect or symbolise your love with them too.
Only a skilled gemologist would really be able to tell a natural diamond from a simulant with the naked eye – so we’re confident that our rings will look just as luxurious as the real thing on whoever wears them! (We’ve had many customer reviews commenting on the intense sparkle and indistinguishability of our rings from their mined counterpart).
All of our rings come with a 1 year warranty – read the T&Cs here.
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For order related queries, have a look at our main FAQ page here