Jewellery stains - causes and tips
Many people have experienced wearing a new ring or other piece of jewellery and noticing discolouration on their skin after a while. This can be due to various reasons and is initially no cause for concern. However, it can be annoying, especially if the discolouration also affects clothing.
We work with different materials in our ring forge and have summarised the causes of discolouration in jewellery in this article. You will also receive valuable tips on what you can do to prevent this. This will ensure that you continue to enjoy wearing your jewellery every day.
Why does jewellery stain? - The most common causes
Jewellery discolouring on the skin is a common phenomenon. The discolouration is usually caused by a combination of metal quality, skin type and external influences. Here is an overview of the most important causes:
- Oxidation and contact with air: Metals react with oxygen and moisture. This often leads to dark or greenish deposits that can transfer to the skin.
- Skin contact and pH value: Skin oils, salts and the individual pH value of the skin can trigger chemical reactions with the jewellery. People with more acidic or alkaline skin often notice discolouration more clearly.
- Sweat and sport: Sweat contains salts and acids that attack the metal surface. Sport and exercise increase perspiration and intensify skin contact.
- Water and moisture: Showering and swimming in the pool or sea favour chemical reactions, especially with chlorine or salts.
- Cosmetics and substances: Creams, perfumes, cosmetics, cleaning agents or lotions can change the surface and cause discolouration.
- Exposure to sunlight: UV radiation from the sun can accelerate chemical processes on the metal and intensify the discolouration.
High-quality metals such as gold, platinum or tantalum are significantly less susceptible to discolouration. Stainless steel or coated jewellery also often significantly reduce the problem. In our RINGSCHMIEDE BERLIN you can, for example, buy high-quality Gold rings, Platinum rings or Buy tantalum rings, where the risk of discolouration is significantly lower than with other jewellery metals.
Which jewellery stains particularly frequently or particularly rarely
Not all jewellery stains in the same way. Decisive factors are the material, the alloy and the workmanship. The higher the precious metal content and the better the workmanship, the lower the risk of jewellery staining. Coatings, plating or inferior alloys increase the risk.
Costume jewellery compared to real jewellery
Genuine jewellery is made from high-quality precious metals such as gold, silver, platinum or palladium. These metals are corrosion-resistant and hardly react with skin or sweat. This is why gold jewellery or silver jewellery, for example, very rarely discolour. High-quality alloys and a high precious metal content further reduce the risk.
Costume jewellery, on the other hand, is often made of cheaper metals or alloys such as brass, copper or nickel, which may also be coated or gold-plated. These metals react more strongly with sweat, water or skin oils, causing greenish or black discolouration on the skin. With costume jewellery in particular, it is worth paying attention to materials, quality and alloys in order to avoid skin discolouration.
Jewellery stains - can this cause illness?
Many people fear that the discolouration of jewellery on the skin could have health consequences. In fact, the discolouration is harmless in the vast majority of cases and is caused by reactions between metals and sweat, skin oils or cosmetics. The stains on the skin are therefore usually only superficial and can be easily removed with soap or water.
There are only health concerns in exceptional cases, for example if nickel is present and an allergic reaction occurs. In this case, skin irritation, redness or itching may occur. However, a disease in the classic sense does not develop.
Tips: How to prevent jewellery from rubbing off
There are a few things you can do to prevent annoying stains on your skin. It is best to look for high-quality material when buying jewellery. Genuine jewellery made of gold, platinum, tantalum or sterling silver generally hardly stains at all. In the case of a metal mix, the copper content should be low, as copper is often responsible for discolouration on the skin.
The right care is crucial
Care before wearing is also crucial. Simple cleaning with washing-up liquid and lukewarm water removes residues and prevents chemical reactions that can lead to stains. Some home remedies such as baking soda or toothpaste are also used, but care must be taken not to damage sensitive surfaces.
In addition, regular care not only provides protection against discolouration, but also maintains the shine, longevity and beauty of the piece. Wiping the jewellery briefly after wearing it and removing it during activities such as swimming, sport or sunbathing can further minimise discolouration. You can find more helpful tips on how to clean jewellery properly in our article „Ring cleaning made easy“.
Design your own rings: Jewellery that doesn't rub off
If you want to prevent jewellery from rubbing off on the skin, you can start with the choice of material. In our goldsmith's you have the opportunity, Have rings made or in our Ring forging courses from high-quality materials.
Not only can you choose the material yourself, you can also customise the design. Who wants a Have a tantalum ring made for example, benefits from the robustness and hypoallergenicity of the material, which causes practically no discolouration.
Forge it yourself and have it made
Alternatively, couples can Forge your own wedding rings or their Forge your own engagement ring, to experience the creation process up close and create a unique, personal piece of jewellery.
Those who prefer to place the production in professional hands have the option, Have wedding rings made or a Engagement ring to buy, which was specially made by us. As a gift for a special occasion or a unique piece of jewellery for yourself, you can also order a Have a signet ring made.
Frequently asked questions about discolouration in jewellery
Here you will find further information and answers to the most frequently asked questions about discolouration in jewellery:
Why does jewellery stain?
Jewellery discolours because metals react with sweat, skin oils, cosmetics, water or air. This leads to deposits that often appear greenish or dark in colour. The effect is more pronounced with low precious metal content, coatings or cheap alloys. High-quality materials such as gold, platinum or tantalum are significantly less susceptible.
Does stainless steel jewellery discolour?
Stainless steel is a very robust and corrosion-resistant metal. High-quality stainless steel generally does not discolour the skin. However, cheap or inferior stainless steel alloys with additional metals can cause slight discolouration in rare cases, especially with heavy perspiration or moisture.
Does brass discolour?
Yes, brass jewellery tends to stain more often. Brass contains copper, which can react with sweat, water or cosmetics, leaving greenish or dark stains on the skin. If you wear brass jewellery, you should make sure it has a high-quality coating or clean the ring after wearing it.
Does sterling silver discolour?
In rare cases, sterling silver can discolour slightly, especially when exposed to high levels of moisture or contact with highly acidic skin. However, high-quality silver very rarely discolours the skin and can be prevented by regular care such as polishing or cleaning.
Which jewellery does not stain?
Jewellery made of high-quality precious metals such as gold (14 K or 18 K), platinum or tantalum practically does not stain. Even well-made sterling silver rings are usually unproblematic. If you want to be on the safe side, you should look for genuine jewellery and low levels of additional metals such as copper.
Which alloy colours the least?
Gold alloys with a high proportion of pure gold (e.g. 18 K gold) discolour the least, as they contain fewer additional metals. 14 K gold is more robust, but can cause slight discolouration in some people if the copper content is higher.
How can I prevent discolouration caused by jewellery?
Discolouration can be prevented by using high-quality materials. When you order your wedding or Have an engagement ring made you can choose the jewellery material yourself. It is equally important that you look after your jewellery regularly and take it off when exercising, swimming or sunbathing.
The jewellery can be washed off before wearing to remove any residue. Drying and wiping briefly after wearing also helps. These tips are particularly useful for rings that are worn every day.