Close up shot of well manicured hands wearing gold rings

Why Do My Rings Turn My Fingers Black?

Close up shot of well manicured hands wearing gold rings

Whether you prefer big gemstones or simple stacking pieces, a well-crafted ring can add the perfect finishing touch to your look. But if you’re adorning your hands with gold rings every day, you might notice your finger turning a strange shade of gray underneath your favorite piece. Why does this happen? Many people think this is a sign of impure gold or poor manufacturing, but the truth is a bit more complex.

The Gold Myth

We often think of gold as this invincible, unchanging metal—after all, this element doesn’t tarnish on its own.  But here’s the thing: Pure gold (24k) is incredibly soft. To make it durable enough for jewelry, jewelers will mix it with other metal alloys like copper, silver, and nickel before casting it into its final form. It’s these alloys, reacting with other environment or biological factors, that cause the discoloration on your fingers.

A shot of a hand with discoloration where wedding bands were previously
You can see the grayish discoloration that has appeared on the skin beneath this client's engagement ring. This discoloration is a result of the metal alloys in the ring reacting to environmental or biological factors.

The Culprits of Your Black Fingers

Your favorite rings are not immune to attacks from your environment! Typically, you can attribute any reactions to three main factors:

  • Chemical Factors: Wearing your rings in the presence of detergents, fragrances, skincare products, or other chemicals will cause corrosion of the metals making up your piece. This corrosion will leave that dark shadow on your finger.
  • Biological Betrayal: Like it or not, our skin secretes plenty of material that can react with metals. Take sweat, for instance: This salty cocktail of fats and acids can corrode the alloys in your jewelry over time. Hormones, which are also secreted through our skin, can influence the reaction between your skin and the ring, as well. (This is especially true for individuals who are pregnant!). 
  • Environmental Enemies: Where you live and work can take a toll on your jewelry! Humid climates, for example, result in more moisture on the skin, which gets trapped underneath your rings and accelerates the corrosion process. And if you live near the ocean or a salty sea, the salt in the air can break down the alloys in your jewelry over time.

Preventing Corrosion & Discoloration

You might not be able to stop the corrosion of metal alloys entirely—but there are steps you can take to keep your rings in prime condition (and prevent those gray shadows from appearing on your skin!). Here are our top tips:

  • Ring Removal Ritual: You might never want to take off your favorite ring, but it’s time to make ring removal a habit! Take off rings (and bracelets!) before washing dishes, swimming in a pool or hot tub, applying lotion or makeup, and using harsh chemicals. You should also let your hands dry completely before putting your stacks back on.
  • Invest in Powder: For sweaty hands or humid climates, we recommend using an absorbent powder to minimize moisture. Just make sure to find a formulation that is very fine to avoid abrasion to your rings.
  • Protective Coatings: Creating a barrier between your skin and the metal of your jewelry can go a long way to prevent corrosion. A special jewelry lacquer (or even a thin layer of clear nail polish) can be brushed on the inside of your ring for protection.
  • Cleaning Crusade: Regular cleaning will remove built-up dirt, sweat, or residue that can cause corrosion and discoloration. Pro tip: Taking your jewelry to be professional cleaned and examined can keep your pieces in top condition.

Most importantly: Don’t let discoloration dampen your love for your gold jewelry! By understanding the causes and implementing these simple tips, you can keep your fingers looking their best and your rings shining bright.