Jewelry can make or break your look. But it is essential to ensure that the jewelry you buy is of good quality and long-lasting.

The quality of jewelry matters a lot when it comes to its durability and safety. Low-quality jewelry can be dangerous for your skin, as it may contain chemicals and metals that cause irritation or even rashes. Sometimes, they may even leave a green mark on your skin due to the reaction between sweat and the metal.

Why Some Jewelry Turns Green?

Copper is a popular metal used in jewelry making, but it can also be a source of unwanted discoloration. When copper comes into contact with the skin and air, it can cause a greenish hue to appear on your skin and jewelry. This discoloration is caused by a reaction between copper and substances found in sweat and air, known as oxidation.

This material is often found in less expensive jewelry, but this doesn’t mean it’s bad quality. Copper is used in some jewelry to make the pieces a little sturdier and stronger. Some jewelry has more copper than others which means that it won’t be as durable or will tarnish sooner. 

When purchasing jewelry,  we need to understand the composition of the jewelry to ensure we are getting a quality piece that will last for years.

As we mentioned, alloys like copper, bronze, or nickel, are used to ensure the piece is sturdier, but the quality of the piece will depend on the percentage used. For example, Gold filled jewelry and gold plated jewelry, gold-plated jewelry turns green quite fast due to the amount of copper in them. 

At Reflection of Memories, we use 14K Gold-filled jewelry and sterling silver .925. Neither material causes skin reactions and is less likely to tarnish or turn green. 

What To Do To Avoid Your Jewelry Turning Green

Jewelry turning green doesn't have to be the end of your favorite piece. 

-Keep your jewelry clean and dry. Remove it before showering, swimming, or exercising. Wipe it gently with a soft cloth after wearing it to remove any dirt or sweat.

-Store your jewelry properly. Keep it in a dry, cool place away from direct sunlight. Avoid storing it in a damp or humid area.

-Avoid exposure to chemicals. Don't wear your jewelry while using cleaning products, applying lotion or perfume, or while in a hot tub or pool.

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