This may sound silly, but I just recieved a sterling silver ring that is turning my finger green. I know this happens to people often, but I do not know why or how to prevent it. I have never had a problem wearing silver before, and I really like the ring. Any suggestions?
It sounds like the ring isn’t silver as silver is an unreactive metal.
My guess would be that it’s the copper in the alloy reacting with your skin. Sterling silver’s about 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. I would suggest seeing if you can get the inside of the ring coated with a lacquer. I used to make copper rings in shop class and we’d paint the inside with a clear lacquer to prevent the reaction.
The green color is Copper salts/oxides. Also called verdigris.
Thanks to all for the promt reply. I will call the company where the ring was purchased to see if I can find out the ratio (to satisfy my curiosity), then I will see about getting it coated. This is my first time inside a message board, thanks again.