Why Does Jewelry Make My Skin Green or Black?

Okay, besties, we need to have a chat because this is an episode you do not want to miss. I’m breaking down the three reasons why your skin is turning black or green when you wear jewelry—and no, it’s not because your jeweler sold you cheap gold! Plus, I’m giving you three solutions to fix it. Welcome back to another By Bonnie blog, where we talk about all things diamonds!

Alright, let’s get into it. Raise your hand if you’ve ever put on a ring, earrings, or a necklace, looked down, and thought, Why is my skin changing color?! Been there, done that. Here’s why it happens:

Reason #1: Chemical Reactions & Oxidation

This is really prevalent. Let me tell you a small story: when I went to the nail salon, I always wore my 14k yellow gold anklet. What happens after my pedicure? Bam! Green ankle. I was completely confused. My initial thought? Did I purchase cheap gold?! Nope.

It turns out that this occurs when lotions, perfumes, or even the chemicals within a ring box react with the metal. 

It is usually the alloy in the gold that reacts, rather than the gold itself. So, if you're using a specific lotion that's causing this, or if your jewelry has been sitting in a damp box for too long, that could be to blame!

Reason #2: Iron Deficiency & pH Imbalance

Now, this one may surprise you! Your body chemistry has a significant impact on how your jewelry interacts with your skin. If your skin is acidic or you have low iron levels, your jewelry may cause your skin to become black or green.

Even certain drugs, particularly antibiotics, might trigger this reaction. So, if you see your jewelry suddenly reacting differently, consult your doctor. 

Reason #3: Hormone Levels & Metal Sensitivity

A lot of people assume they’re allergic to gold, but plot twist—they’re actually reacting to the alloy mixed into the gold. Here’s the deal:

• 14k gold = 58.5% gold + 41.5% alloy

• 18k gold = 75% gold + 25% alloy
  
  

The rest is made up of metals like nickel, copper, or zinc—and those are usually what cause irritation.

Hormonal changes can also make your skin more reactive. So if you’re on your period, experiencing menopause, or taking fertility meds, your body chemistry might be shifting—causing your jewelry to leave marks on your skin.

How to Stop Your Jewelry from Turning Your Skin Green or Black

Okay, now that we know why this happens, let’s talk about solutions!

Solution #1: Keep Jewelry Dry & Switch Up Your Products
Moisture + jewelry = oxidation city. If your jewelry has been sitting in a box for a long time, make sure it’s stored dry. And if you notice a certain lotion or perfume is triggering the reaction, swap it out and see if that helps!

Solution #2: Use a Clear Nail Polish Hack
This one’s an old-school trick, but it works! Applying a thin layer of clear nail polish on the inside of your rings creates a barrier between your skin and the metal—reducing the chances of discoloration.

Solution #3: Check Your Health & Jewelry Choices
If this issue keeps happening, it might be worth talking to your doctor about checking your iron levels or pH balance. And if all else fails? It might be time to try a different metal, like platinum or a higher karat gold.

Have More Tips Or Tricks?

I hope this blog was super helpful in solving your jewelry mystery! If you’ve found other ways to prevent skin discoloration, let me know so we can all learn from each other. And if you know someone dealing with this issue, send them this blog—let’s help them out!

Don’t forget to subscribe to my channel, follow me on Instagram @ByBonnieJewelry, and I’ll see you in my next episode! Bye, beauties!