Why Does My Gold Ring Turn My Finger Black

Have you ever noticed that after wearing your gold ring for a while, it may leave an unsightly black or green mark on your finger?

This doesn’t mean that your ring has not been made well or that it is fake gold, but it can be very frustrating if you don’t know why it happens or how to avoid it.

Understanding the reasons behind gold discoloration can help you prevent it and keep your hand looking clean and beautiful.

What Causes Gold Discolouration?

One of the main reasons why a gold ring may turn your finger black is due to oxidisation, a chemical reaction on the surface of the metal. While gold itself in its pure form of 24k does not tarnish, its primary alloys of copper and silver do when exposed to moisture in the air, and from our skin’s natural oils and acid.

External factors like sweat, lotions, and perfumes can also accelerate the discolouration process. These substances can create a buildup on the surface of the gold ring, making it more prone to oxidisation.

The other main cause of gold discoloration is the microscopic particles of metal that come away from your ring when in contact with abrasive materials such as makeup or clothing. These tiny particles appear black instead of the metallic colour we would expect.

It is these particles that transfer and are absorbed by the surface layers of the skin. Let’s examine how various types of gold can turn your finger black:

Why does gold purity determine if my gold ring will turn my finger black?

Jewelry pieces made from pure gold are usually too soft to wear every day, so to increase durability and wearability, pure gold is mixed with other metals to create a stronger gold alloy. It is these additional metals, in particular copper or silver, that react with your skin and cause the black mark.

Pure gold jewellery is known as 24karat, and it is 100% pure gold. The other common gold purities used in jewellery making are 18karat, 14karat and 9karat.
9k contains 37.5% gold (62.5% alloy metal), 14k contains 58% gold (42% alloy metal), and 18k contains 75% gold (only 25% alloy metal).

The differences in gold purity, or more accurately, the percentage of other metals, and which alloy metals are used, play a significant role in the likelihood of gold discoloration.

In the case of 9k gold, as it contains the highest percentage of alloy metals compared to higher karat golds, such as 18k or 14k, it will be more susceptible to discoloration. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t buy 9k or 14k jewelry, but it is important to take extra care to clean and maintain your jewelry regularly.

While 18k gold jewelry is less likely to turn your finger black as it is more resistant to reacting with the natural oils and acids on the skin, it is important to note that individual body chemistry and factors like sweat, lotions, and perfumes can still contribute to the discoloration process, albeit to a lesser extent.

Does Gold Colour Matter if I Don’t Want My Gold Ring to Turn My Finger Black?

Similarly to gold purity, the colour of the gold does play a role in gold discoloration. Pure gold is naturally yellow when mined from the ground. For all yellow golds, regardless of the karat value, pure gold is mixed with a combination of copper and silver, so as not to push the colour too far to pink or white.

Rose gold is mixed with higher amounts of copper, and white gold can be mixed with silver or other white metals such as palladium. Ultimately the percentage of copper and silver in the alloy mix, as these are the metals most prone to oxidisation, will determine the likelihood of discoloration.

Every goldsmith has a slightly different mix of metals, their individual secret recipe! So how do you know which will discolour more than another? Select the highest purity that fits your budget, this will be the most significant factor. And opt for a reputable jeweler. For white gold lovers, platinum may also be a great choice and is less prone to discoloration.

By choosing high-quality jewelry, implementing preventive measures, and maintaining proper care routines, you can enjoy wearing your gold jewelry without worrying about tarnishing woes.

Best Tips To Stop My Gold Turning Black?

To prevent your gold ring from turning your finger black, there are several steps you can take. Here are some helpful tips below:

1. First, make sure to keep your hands and fingers clean and dry, especially when wearing your ring. This will minimise the oils and acids that come into contact with the gold. Additionally, remove your ring before applying lotions or perfumes to avoid any chemical interactions.
2. Opt for higher karat gold: Choosing jewelry with a higher karat value means it contains a higher percentage of pure gold and fewer alloy metals.
3. Regular cleaning and maintenance of your gold ring is also essential. Use a mild soap and warm water to gently clean the ring, and make sure to dry it thoroughly afterwards. You can also consider using a jewelry cleaning solution or taking it to a professional jeweler for deep cleaning.
4. Keep it dry! Avoid wearing your ring while swimming or engaging in activities that expose it to moisture and chemicals

Jewelry Care And How to Clean your Gold Ring

Taking care of your jewelry is essential to maintain their beauty and prevent any unwanted reactions. If your gold ring is turning your finger black, it may be due to a reaction between the metal and your skin’s natural oils.

To clean your gold ring and prevent it from tarnishing or causing discoloration on your skin, you can use gentle cleaning methods.

Refer to these steps below:

1. A simple solution of mild soap and warm water can help remove dirt and oils that may be causing the reaction. Alternatively, you can also use a jewelry cleaning cloth specifically designed for gold jewelry or a jewelry cleaning solution. If you have sensitive skin, we recommend sticking to a mild soap and water solution over a jewelry solution that might increase your skin reaction. Thoroughly dry your piece after cleaning, especially if you plan on storing your piece away.
2. Regularly cleaning and properly storing your gold in a clean and dry environment when not in use can help maintain its lustre and prevent any further discoloration issues. It is recommended not to have your jewelry overlapping while being stored. Oxidisation from one piece can transfer to other items. Individually wrapping your gold pieces in a way that protects them from impurities and moisture in the air is best.
3. Remember to remove your ring before activities that may expose it to harsh chemicals or abrasive substances to keep it looking its best for years to come.

Why you should choose a reputable jeweller for gold Jewelery?

When it comes to acquiring gold jewelry, including custom engagement rings, the significance of choosing a reputable jeweller cannot be overstated.

A reliable jeweller ensures not only the authenticity of the gold but also guarantees the quality and craftsmanship of each piece, whether it’s a standard design or a bespoke creation tailored to individual preferences.

Opting for a reputable jeweller offers peace of mind, assuring customers that they are investing in genuine gold, with desirable alloys, and in custom jewellery that matches their unique vision.

The expertise and credibility of a trusted jeweller contribute to a seamless purchasing experience, providing valuable guidance on the selection of exquisite gold pieces, including custom designs that can stand the test of time.

In the world of fine jewelry, finding a reputable jeweller is the key to acquiring gold items that exude both elegance and enduring quality, ensuring that every piece, custom or otherwise, meets the highest standards of excellence.

Can Rose Gold turn your finger black?

Rose gold is a popular choice for jewelry due to its beautiful pink hue but it can be relatively common for rose gold to discolour due to higher percentages of copper in the alloy mix.

This reaction does not indicate that the gold is fake or of poor quality; it simply means that the alloy metals are reacting with external elements. Factors like individual body chemistry, sweat levels, and exposure to chemicals can accelerate the tarnishing process.

Keeping your ring clean, and away from harsh chemicals or abrasive environments, will keep your rose gold jewelry exuding its beautiful pink colour for years to come.