Monday, October 7, 2013

Jewelry turning fingers green

A few people have asked me if Paparazzi Rings will turn their fingers green.  The answer isn't so much about the jewelry itself, but a person's body pH or the substances used by the person.  All Paparazzi jewelry is lead and nickel free (nickel being a common green-finger 'culprit').  But for more of an explanation.... I like this information below:

Question: Why Do Rings Turn Your Finger Green?
Have you ever had a ring turn your finger green or wondered why some people say rings turn their fingers green? The reason this happens is because of the metal content of the ring and the individual person. Here's a look at what's happening.

Answer: When a ring turns your finger green it's either because of a chemical reaction between acids in your skin and the metal of the ring or a reaction between another substance on your hand, such as a lotion, and the metal of the ring.

There are several metals that oxidize or react with your skin to produce a discoloration. You can get a noticeable green ring around your finger from wearing a ring made using copper. Some rings are pure copper, while others have a plating of another metal over copper or the copper may be part of the alloy (e.g., Sterling silver). The common green color is not harmful of itself, though some people experience an itchy rash or other sensitivity reaction to the metal and may wish to avoid exposure to the metal.

A common culprit is silver, which is found in sterling silver jewelry, plating for inexpensive jewelry, and as an alloying metal in most gold jewelry. Acids cause the silver to oxidize, which produces tarnish. The tarnish can leave a dark ring on your finger.

If you are sensitive to metals, you may see a discoloration from wearing a ring containing nickel, though most likely this will be a red ring and may be associated with inflammation.  PAPARAZZI JEWELRY IS LEAD AND NICKEL FREE!

How to Avoid Getting a Green Finger from a Ring
Even silver and gold jewelry can produce a discoloration, so advice for avoiding a green finger isn't as simple as just avoiding inexpensive jewelry.

You'll greatly reduce the chance of any ring turning your finger green if you take care to keep soap, lotions and other chemicals away from your ring. Remove your rings before bathing or swimming, especially in saltwater.

Some people apply a polymer coating to their rings to act as a barrier between their skin and the metal of the ring. Nail polish is one option. Be aware you'll need to reapply the coating from time to time, since it will wear away.



2 comments:

  1. why is the ring turning copper and the finger is fine?

    ReplyDelete
  2. You may not have substance in you’re body to cause you’re finger to turn green or any other color like acid , or have lotion on which can cause it to turn green. Many things can cause it.

    ReplyDelete