Why has my silver ring left a black mark on my skin?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

A dark mark under a silver ring is usually tarnish transferring to your skin, not a sign that the ring is fake and not usually harmful. Silver reacts with sulfur compounds in air, sweat and some products to form a dark surface layer, which rubs off where metal meets skin. Clean the ring, dry your hands, and check what you put on your skin. If the skin is itchy, red, sore or blistered, see a doctor or pharmacist, because that is a different problem.

Why it happens

Fact GIA says chemicals can damage or discolour precious metals, including silver, and gives lotions, perfume and cosmetics as examples of everyday products that contain such chemicals.

Our advice Sterling silver contains copper as well as silver, and both can react with sweat, skin products, chlorine and sulfur in the air. The dark layer is a thin compound on the metal's surface. A ring rubs against skin constantly, so some of this layer transfers as a grey or black smudge.

Our advice Common triggers are hand cream and sunscreen, sweat during exercise or in hot weather, hair products, chlorinated water, and storing the ring in damp, closed spaces.

What to do

1. Clean the ring. Wash with warm water, a few drops of mild dish soap and a soft brush, rinse and dry. Clean the inside of the band too.
2. Dry your hands before putting it on. Moisture under a band speeds the transfer.
3. Apply creams and sunscreen first, let them absorb, then put the ring on.
4. Remove the ring for exercise, swimming and cleaning.
5. Store it dry in a closed pouch, away from other jewelry.
6. Consider a coated finish. A rhodium-plated ring can reduce the transfer while the coating lasts, and then the mark may come back.

What the mark does and does not mean

• It does not prove that the ring is not silver. Real sterling silver tarnishes.
• It is not a test of purity. A lack of tarnish does not prove that a ring is silver either, because plating and some alloys do not tarnish quickly.
• It is not a sign of poisoning. Tarnish on the skin is generally not considered dangerous, but we are not medical professionals.

When to get advice

It depends If a rash, itching, redness or swelling appears under the ring, take it off and ask a doctor or pharmacist. Skin reactions to metals, including nickel in other alloys, are a health question and need a professional's view.

Uncertain We cannot say why a particular person's skin marks more than another's. Skin chemistry, medication and climate all play a part.

Related reading: Will a Silver Ring Turn My Finger Green? · Does 925 Sterling Silver Tarnish? Causes and Fixes

Sources

• GIA, Tips on caring for jewelry
• J.M. Scully Jewelers, Rhodium plating: does it tarnish, cost, lifespan and care

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.