Why Does Gold Discolor Fingers?

You may think that faulty manufacturing or underkarating might be the problem when a ring “turns,” blackening or discoloring the skin and clothing, or the jewelry itself. However, that is not the case.

The most common reason is metallic abrasion, caused by makeup on skin or clothing. Cosmetics often contain compounds harder than the jewelry itself, which wear or rub off very thin particles. When the dust comes into contact with absorbent surfaces such as skin or clothing, it sticks, forming a black smudge. When possible, remove rings and other jewelry while applying cosmetics and clean skin areas in contact with jewelry with soap and water.

Another cause is actual corrosion of the metals. Gold itself does not corrode, but its primary alloys of silver or copper will do so—forming very dark chemical compounds—under moist conditions. When you perspire, fats and fatty acids released can cause corrosion of 14 karat gold, especially when exposed to warmth and air. This problem can be worse in seacoast and semitropical areas, where chlorides combine with perspiration to form a corrosive element that discolors skin. Try to remove jewelry often and dry skin off completely before putting jewelry back on.

If your efforts are unsatisfactory, switch to 18-karat gold or platinum. The lower alloy content of 18-karat gold – 25%, versus almost 42% - significantly reduces the problem, and the use of platinum should eliminate it completely.