Can Sterling Silver Turn Skin Green?

The short answer is YES, sterling silver can sometimes turn skin green — but it is not very common, and it does not mean the silver is fake.

What is 925 Sterling Silver?

925 sterling silver is made of 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% other metals, usually copper. Pure silver is too soft for everyday wear, so that small mix makes it stronger and more durable for jewelry. Sometimes, the remaining 7.5% of metals can be the cause of skin discoloration.

Why Does Sterling Silver Turn Skin Green?

It mostly comes down to your skin’s pH. The copper in sterling silver can react with moisture, sweat, lotions, or even certain medications, creating a harmless green tint on your skin. This reaction is natural and varies from person to person. In fact, many people wear sterling silver their entire lives and never experience discoloration at all.

How to Prevent Skin Discoloration

We take great care in cleaning every piece of jewelry before it leaves our hands. But here are a few simple tips you can follow to avoid any discoloration:

Clean the Inside of the Ring

Jewelry-making can be a dusty and messy process. Sometimes, a bit of polishing residue may remain inside the ring or on the jewelry. Gently wash it with warm, soapy water (dish soap or even a dab of toothpaste) and a soft toothbrush. Useful video here.

Apply a Protective Barrier

If you have highly sensitive skin, applying a thin layer of clear nail polish to the inside of the ring can help create a protective layer between your skin and the metal. 

We do not coat our jewelry with rhodium, lacquer, or any other plating, like some commercial brands do. By keeping our pieces uncoated, we preserve the integrity of the silver, and it also allows us to recycle and melt down old designs into new ones when needed.

Is It Harmful?

No, green skin from sterling silver is not harmful and usually washes off easily with soap and water (or even a bit of rubbing alcohol).

However, if you notice redness or irritation, it is best to stop wearing the piece and consult with a dermatologist —they can do a metal allergy test to help identify the cause.

Final Thoughts

Yes, 925 sterling silver can occasionally turn skin green, but it is uncommon and easily avoidable. Keep your jewelry clean, dry, and properly stored, and it will continue to shine for years. At DON925, we proudly stand by the quality of our handcrafted pieces, and we are always here to answer your questions.