The inquiry centers on whether jewelry crafted from an alloy of silver can cause skin discoloration, specifically a green tint, on the wearer’s finger. This phenomenon often occurs with certain metals and their interactions with skin and environmental factors. While silver itself is generally inert, sterling silver contains other metals, most commonly copper, to increase its durability.
The likelihood of this discoloration depends on several factors, including the individual’s skin chemistry, the specific composition of the sterling silver alloy, and environmental conditions like humidity. Certain people produce more acidic sweat, which can react with the copper content in sterling silver, forming copper salts. These salts are green and can be absorbed by the skin, resulting in the noticeable discoloration. Historically, this issue has been a common concern, particularly with less refined alloys or those with higher copper proportions.
