Does 925 Sterling Silver Turn Green?
Hot Answered
My 925 silver ring is leaving a green mark on my finger. Is this normal? How can I prevent it?
2 Answers
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Best Answer
Yes, 925 sterling silver can turn your skin green, and this does NOT mean it is fake.
Why It Happens
925 silver is 92.5% pure silver mixed with 7.5% copper. The copper reacts with sulfur in air, acids in sweat, and chemicals in perfumes, creating copper salts that leave a greenish residue.
How to Prevent It
- Keep it clean with a silver polishing cloth
- Remove before showering and swimming
- Apply lotions and perfume before putting on jewelry
- Store in airtight bag with anti-tarnish strip
- Clear nail polish inside rings creates a barrier
1 day ago
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T Tarnished Tina 3 days agoQuick follow-up: does the same apply to plated pieces?
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L Lisa H. 2 days agoGreat explanation — this cleared up a lot for me.
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Rhodium-plated sterling silver solves the green finger problem completely. The plating creates a barrier. It wears off after 6-12 months but can be re-plated for $20-$40.
1 day ago
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A Apr 6, 2026I've been wondering this for months.