Why Are My Gold Rings Turning My Fingers Black?
Some people have reported that after wearing a piece of jewelry, their skin becomes a different color. If you think the problem is due to faulty manufacture or tainted gold, you’re wrong. There are several circumstances that might cause your gold rings to turn black on your fingers, and there are several things you can take to fix the problem.
3 Reasons Gold Rings Turn Fingers Black
Gold does not tarnish on its own. However, 24k pure gold is too soft to be used in jewelry. As a result, jewelers use variable ratios of metal alloys to provide gold strength and endurance. Copper, silver, nickel, and zinc are some of the metals used. As a result, the problem of your finger going black is never caused by the gold ring itself, but rather by the other metals in the alloy mixture.
There are three main reasons why a gold rectangle signet ring might cause your fingertips to turn black. Chemical, biological, and environmental factors all have a role.
Reason #1: Chemical
Your ring will corrode if you wear it while using harsh detergents around the house or while swimming in a pool or spa that has been treated with chlorine. When these chemicals react with the metal alloy in the ring, the metals corrode and turn black, resulting in the blackening of the skin beneath.
Metallic abrasion is a procedure that uses the same idea for cosmetics and skincare items. Chemical compounds that are tougher than gold are included in these objects. When you apply makeup or skincare products while wearing your rings, the abrasive elements in these goods will scrape off very small metal particles. These particles have a black tint to them, almost like a thin black powder or dust. When this dust comes into contact with absorbent surfaces, like your skin, the dust will stick and create a black smudge.
Reason #2: Biological
Our sweat is made up of fats and fatty acids, which can cause your gold ring to corrode. Sweat also contains a little amount of salt, which adds to the metals’ breakdown.
Hormones are also secreted by our bodies in addition to sweat. Hormone fluctuations over weeks, months, or years may cause reactions with the metal alloys in the ring, resulting in dark chemical compounds that show up on your finger as black smudges.
Reason #3: Environmental
If you’ve ever noticed that your rings fit tighter when it’s hot outside, you’re noticing the effects of the climate on your body. The metal itself might be affected by the same environment.
Living in a humid atmosphere will certainly cause your ring to tarnish more quickly and leave black stains on your finger. The moisture on your skin increases as the humidity rises, and the moisture becomes trapped between your finger and your skin. The metal is rusted and sensitive to creating markings when it interacts with your body chemistry.
When you live near the water or the sea, you’re also more vulnerable. In coastal places, salt evaporates into the atmosphere and stays. This salt operates similarly to sweat salt and will corrode the metals in your gold ring over time.
How to Prevent Discoloration
There are many things you can do to help keep your ring from corroding and turning your finger black.
A) Remove Your Rings
Wearing your rings while using products that are naturally corrosive is not a good idea. Remove them before you wash your hands, shower, do chores, clean, swim in the pool or beach, or apply cosmetics or lotion. After completing these things, wash your hands with soap to eliminate any residue and allow them to dry completely or the lotion to absorb entirely before putting your rings back on.
B) Invest In Powder
Invest in an absorbent powder if you live in a humid location or if your hands tend to sweat a lot. You’ll want to use something really fine and abrasive-free. Before putting on your rings, apply it to your hands as needed to absorb moisture.
C) Seal the Ring
Create a barrier between your skin and your ring to help limit corrosion and protect your skin from any existing corrosion. Apply a protective covering to the interior of your ring using jewelry lacquer or clear nail polish. They’ll need to be reapplied every now and again, but they’re effective and won’t harm the ring.
D) Rhodium Plating
Because white gold is usually rhodium plated for an ultra white appearance, it does not turn skin black. You may create the same effect by plating the inside of your ring with rhodium. This will cost between $30 and $50, depending on the width and size of the ring band. It will ultimately wear off due to friction, thus it will need to be replated on a regular basis.
E) Try a Different Metal
Consider using 18-karat gold instead of 14-karat gold. An 18k gold ring is made up of 75 percent pure gold and 25 percent alloy. At 42 percent, a 14k gold ring has almost double the number of alloys as a 10k gold ring. You could also choose platinum. A platinum ring is unlikely to ever become discolored.
F) Clean Rings Often
Cleaning your band will help to eliminate any dirt, sweat, or chemicals that have accumulated on the metals in your gold ring. As long as you choose a safe approach, you can clean your rings as often as you want.
There are things you can do to restore your lovely gold band that leaves no trace of color on your finger, whether you’re facing your gold ring turning your finger black for the first time or it’s been an ongoing worry. Simply follow these guidelines and seek advice from a reputable jeweler if you have any further concerns.
