It’s a familiar scenario for many jewellery lovers—you find the perfect piece that you absolutely adore and wear day and night, only to notice later that your skin has been left with a mysterious mark. Whether it’s a ring leaving a green circle around your finger or a necklace causing a dark band on your neck, it can be confusing (and sometimes concerning) to discover your jewellery has left a coloured stain. But don’t worry—this is a completely normal and natural reaction, and it doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your jewellery.

Contrary to popular belief, skin discolouration isn’t necessarily a sign of poor or low-quality materials. In fact, this reaction can happen with a wide variety of metals, including those found in high-quality and even luxury jewellery. One of the most common culprits is copper , which is often used in jewellery either as the main metal or as part of an alloy in gold or sterling silver pieces. When copper reacts with moisture, sweat, or the natural oils on your skin, it can oxidise and leave a greenish tint behind. This is the same harmless chemical reaction that turns copper roofs green over time.

Sterling silver can cause a similar effect, especially when exposed to humidity, skincare products, or the pH levels in your skin. The silver can react and leave behind a dark green, grey, or even black stain. This reaction isn’t harmful, and it doesn’t mean your jewellery is tarnished forever—it just means it might need a quick clean and that your skin had the right conditions to cause a temporary reaction.

Everyone’s skin chemistry is different, so while one person might experience marks, another may not—even when wearing the exact same piece. Factors such as diet, sweat, medications, skincare products, and even stress levels can influence how your body reacts to certain metals. The good news? These marks are easily washed off, don’t damage your jewellery, and can often be prevented with simple tips like coating the inside of rings with clear nail polish, taking off jewellery before exercising or showering, or storing your pieces in dry, airtight containers.

So if your jewellery leaves a little colour behind—it’s nothing to worry about! It’s just a sign that your skin and your jewels are having a very natural interaction.

The marks that sometimes appear on your skin after wearing jewellery are the result of a natural chemical reaction between the metals in your jewellery and the oxygen in the environment, combined with your skin’s unique chemistry. This process is known as oxidation, and it’s completely normal. When metal oxidises, it can react with moisture, oils, and other elements on your skin, leaving behind a temporary stain or discolouration.

One of the biggest factors that influences this reaction is your skin’s pH level. Everyone’s skin chemistry is different—some people have more acidic skin, while others are more alkaline. If your skin tends to be on the more acidic side, you may notice that jewellery is more likely to leave a green, grey, or dark mark. That’s because the acidity accelerates the oxidation process, particularly in metals like copper or the alloys found in sterling silver and gold.

But it’s not just about pH levels. Several external factors can also contribute to how your jewellery reacts with your skin. Things like sweat (especially around your sweat glands), humidity levels in your environment, and even skincare products —like lotions, creams, perfumes, and sunscreens—can all impact this chemical reaction. These products can create a barrier or interact with the metal, speeding up oxidation and increasing the chances of skin discolouration.

Your diet also plays a surprising role. Foods high in acids, salt, or certain vitamins and minerals can influence your skin’s composition and make it more reactive to certain metals. Likewise, natural body oils , hormone fluctuations, and even medications can subtly alter how your skin responds to jewellery over time.

In short, jewellery reacting with your skin isn’t a sign of poor quality—it’s simply the result of science, skin chemistry, and the conditions in which you wear your jewels. It’s a completely normal occurrence and one that can often be managed with a little care and maintenance.

To help minimise or even prevent the common green or black staining caused by jewellery, there are a few simple yet effective steps you can take. These tips can make a big difference in maintaining both the appearance of your jewellery and the comfort of your skin.

First and foremost, keep your skin as dry as possible when wearing your jewellery. Moisture—whether from sweat, humidity, or water—can speed up the oxidation process, especially with metals like copper or silver. Try to remove your jewellery before showering, swimming, exercising, or applying lotions and perfumes, as all of these can increase the likelihood of a chemical reaction.

Next, it’s important to keep your jewellery clean and dry . Wipe it down gently with a soft cloth both before and after wearing it to remove any residual moisture, oils, or products that may have built up during the day. Regular cleaning not only keeps your jewellery looking its best but also helps prevent the buildup of substances that can accelerate tarnishing or discolouration.

For an extra layer of protection, we highly recommend a simple DIY hack— apply a thin coat of clear nail varnish (or jewellery sealant) to the areas of the jewellery that touch your skin , especially the inside of rings, backs of earrings, and the underside of bracelets or necklaces. This creates a clear barrier between your skin and the metal, helping to reduce direct contact and therefore minimising the chances of oxidation. Just let it dry fully before wearing, and reapply as needed after a few wears or washes.

This little trick is especially helpful for people with sensitive skin or higher skin acidity, as it helps seal the metal and prevent unwanted reactions without damaging your jewellery. Plus, it’s invisible once dry, so it won’t change the look of your favourite pieces.

By following these simple care tips—keeping your skin dry, cleaning your jewels regularly, and applying a protective layer—you can enjoy your favourite pieces with fewer worries about discolouration and keep them looking sparkling and beautiful for years to come!

If you’ve experienced staining from your jewellery that you just can’t seem to get rid of, don’t worry—you’re not alone, and the good news is there are a few gentle, effective methods to help remove it. While these reactions are usually harmless and temporary, we completely understand how frustrating they can be, especially when you’re caring for both your skin and your precious jewels.

Here are our go-to steps to help safely remove jewellery-related stains from your skin:

✨ Start with a gentle cleanser
Choose a cleansing product that you already know works well with your skin and won’t cause further irritation. A mild facial cleanser and lukewarm water is often the safest option. Gently lather and massage over the affected area—this is often enough to lift the discolouration without needing anything stronger.

✨ Still there? Try oil or mild dish soap
If the stain is a little more stubborn, try using a small amount of vegetable oil , olive oil , or a gentle dish soap applied with a soft, warm washcloth. Oils can help lift metal residue from the skin, especially if oxidation has occurred. Just remember to do a quick patch test to make sure your skin doesn’t react to the oil or soap.

✨ Go slow and be gentle
Avoid saturating your cloth or scrubbing too harshly. Instead, gently dab or wipe in small sections , focusing on the discoloured area. Excessive rubbing may irritate the skin further, so patience is key.

✨ Dry and assess
After cleaning, gently pat the area dry with a soft towel and take a moment to examine the skin. In most cases, the stain should be gone or significantly faded. If it persists, especially alongside redness, itching, or sensitivity, it may be a mild allergic reaction to the metal. In these cases, we recommend reaching out to your GP or dermatologist for advice.

✨ Soothe and moisturise
Once the stain has been removed, apply a light, fragrance-free lotion to the area to prevent dryness or irritation and keep your skin feeling nourished.

✨ Don’t forget your jewellery
Sometimes the stain can transfer back onto your jewellery, so give your piece a quick wipe or polish to remove any remaining tarnish or residue. This will keep your jewellery looking its best and prevent further reactions in the future.

At Indie and Harper , your experience and wellbeing are always our top priority. We know how special your jewellery is to you, and we want every piece you wear to feel just as beautiful as it looks. If you ever experience a reaction we haven’t addressed here, or you have questions about caring for your jewels, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help in any way we can.

With love, light, and sparkly things always,
The Indie and Harper Team ✨ xoxo