Gold Ring Woes: Blackened Fingers, Tarnished Bands

Gold wedding ring bands can turn fingers black due to a combination of environmental, chemical, and biological factors. Gold is often mixed with other metals to increase its durability, and these metals can react with external substances like harsh detergents, chlorine, and cosmetics, leading to corrosion and discolouration. Additionally, biological factors such as sweat composition, hormonal changes, and individual skin chemistry can also contribute to the blackening effect. Preventative measures include removing rings during certain activities, using absorbent powders, sealing rings with protective coatings, and opting for alternative metals less prone to discolouration.

Chemical factors: Exposure to harsh detergents, chlorine, and cosmetics can cause corrosion of metals

Gold wedding ring bands can turn fingers black due to several chemical factors. One of the main reasons is exposure to harsh detergents, chlorine, cosmetics, and skincare products. These substances contain chemical compounds that are harder than gold, leading to metallic abrasion. When you wear your gold ring while handling these substances, they can rub off tiny particles of the metal alloys mixed with the gold. These alloy particles, especially copper and silver, appear as black dust or powder due to oxidation. This black dust then sticks to your skin, creating a black smudge.

Harsh detergents used for cleaning or doing the dishes can cause corrosion of the metal alloys in your gold ring. When you wear your ring while using these detergents, the chemicals react with the alloys, causing them to corrode and turn black. Similarly, swimming in a chlorinated pool or spa can have the same effect. Chlorine will eat away at the gold and alloys, causing corrosion and discolouration.

Cosmetics and skincare products are another common cause of black fingers from gold rings. Makeup, lotions, and skincare products often contain compounds that are harder than gold. When you wear your ring while applying these products, the abrasive compounds can scrape off microscopic particles of the metal alloys in the ring. These particles appear as black dust due to oxidation and stick to your skin, leaving behind a black mark.

To prevent this chemical discolouration, it is advisable to remove your gold rings before engaging in activities that involve harsh chemicals or cosmetics. This includes taking off your rings before doing household chores, swimming in chlorinated water, or applying makeup and skincare products. Additionally, regular cleaning of your gold rings can help remove built-up residue that may contribute to corrosion and discolouration.

Biological factors: Sweat composition, fatty acids, and hormonal changes can affect metal reactivity

Sweat is composed of water, urea, ammonia, lactic acid, minerals, and trace amounts of other substances, such as hormones and fatty acids. The composition of sweat varies from person to person and is influenced by factors such as gender, age, ethnicity, mood, fitness level, and even the time of day. It is important to note that sweat by itself does not cause corrosion or discolouration of jewellery. However, when sweat comes into contact with jewellery made from certain metals or alloys, it can trigger a chemical reaction that leads to discolouration of the skin underneath.

Fatty Acids in Sweat

Fatty acids are one of the components of sweat that can contribute to the discolouration of the skin when wearing gold jewellery. Fatty acids are organic compounds that play a crucial role in various biological processes, including energy storage, cell signalling, and structural integrity. They are composed of a chain of carbon and hydrogen atoms, with a carboxyl group (-COOH) at one end, which gives them their acidic properties. The length and structure of the carbon chain can vary, resulting in different types of fatty acids, such as saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

When fatty acids come into contact with certain metals or alloys, they can undergo chemical reactions, leading to the formation of metal salts or soaps. These reactions are influenced by factors such as temperature, pH, and the presence of other substances in the sweat. For example, when fatty acids react with copper, they can form copper carboxylates, which have been observed in archaeological copper artefacts. The reactivity of fatty acids with metals depends on their structure, with shorter-chain fatty acids typically being more reactive than longer-chain fatty acids.

Hormonal Changes and Their Impact on Metal Reactivity

Hormones are chemical messengers that play a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes in the body, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. They are produced by endocrine glands, such as the thyroid, pituitary, and adrenal glands, and released into the bloodstream, where they travel to target organs or tissues to exert their effects. Hormones can influence the composition and properties of sweat, which, in turn, can affect its reactivity with jewellery metals.

Hormones such as androgens, oestrogens, and progestogens can influence the production and composition of sweat. For example, androgens can stimulate the activity of apocrine sweat glands, which are responsible for producing a more odorous type of sweat. On the other hand, oestrogens can affect the pH and electrolyte composition of sweat, making it more acidic or alkaline, depending on the individual. These hormonal changes can, in turn, affect the reactivity of metals in jewellery, particularly when combined with other factors such as sweat composition and environmental conditions.

In summary, biological factors, including sweat composition, fatty acids, and hormonal changes, can influence the reactivity of metals in jewellery and potentially lead to skin discolouration. The presence of certain fatty acids and hormones in sweat can trigger chemical reactions with metals, resulting in the formation of metal salts or soaps, which may then leave black marks on the skin. Understanding these biological factors can help individuals take preventive measures, such as regular cleaning of jewellery and avoiding wearing jewellery during activities that induce sweating.

Environmental factors: Humidity, salt exposure, and chlorine levels can increase corrosion

Gold wedding ring bands can turn fingers black due to environmental factors such as humidity, salt exposure, and chlorine levels, which can increase corrosion.

Humidity

In humid environments, the excessive moisture clings to the skin, causing increased sweating. This leads to more moisture trapped between the ring and the finger, creating an ideal environment for corrosion. The combination of moisture and sweat accelerates the corrosion process, resulting in black residue on the skin.

Salt Exposure

Salt exposure, particularly in coastal areas, can cause corrosion and leave black stains on the skin. Saltwater is highly corrosive to metals like silver and lower-karat gold rings. Even if the ring doesn't directly touch saltwater, the salty, humid air can cause problems. Salt particles attract moisture, leading to tarnishing. Living near the ocean or in areas with high salt content in the atmosphere increases the likelihood of corrosion.

Chlorine Levels

Chlorine, commonly found in swimming pools and even tap water, is a strong chemical that can cause corrosion and leave black marks on the skin. It has a powerful oxidizing effect on certain metals, leading to the creation of black-colored compounds. Continuous exposure to chlorine increases the porosity of the metal, making it more susceptible to residues that react with skin oils.

To prevent corrosion and discoloration caused by these environmental factors, it is recommended to remove rings before swimming or engaging in activities that involve contact with corrosive substances. Regular cleaning of the rings and sealing them with a protective coating, such as jewelry lacquer or clear nail polish, can also help mitigate the effects of these environmental factors.

Metallic abrasion: Abrasive particles in cleaning products and makeup can cause metals to break down

Gold rings are often mixed with other metals to increase their hardness and durability. However, these other metals can react with certain chemicals and substances, causing corrosion and discolouration. This process is known as metallic abrasion.

Makeup and skincare products contain chemical compounds that are harder than gold. When wearing gold rings whilst applying makeup or skincare products, the abrasive elements in these products rub off tiny particles of metal. These particles appear as a fine black dust or powder, which sticks to absorbent surfaces like skin, creating a black smudge.

The same process occurs when gold rings come into contact with cleaning products. Abrasive particles in cleaning chemicals cause the metals in the ring to break down more rapidly, exposing the base metal or generating a fine black dust.

To prevent this, it is recommended to remove rings before applying makeup, skincare products, or cleaning.

Preventative measures: Absorbent powders, sealing rings, rhodium plating, and regular cleaning can help

There are several preventative measures you can take to stop gold wedding ring bands from turning your fingers black. These include applying absorbent powders, sealing rings, rhodium plating, and regular cleaning.

Absorbent Powders

Absorbent powders are useful if you live in a humid environment or sweat a lot. Apply a fine, abrasive-free powder to your fingers before putting on your ring to absorb any moisture. Reapply throughout the day as needed.

Sealing Rings

You can seal your ring by applying a thin layer of jewellery lacquer or clear nail polish to its inside. This creates a protective barrier between the ring and your skin, preventing corrosion and discolouration. You will need to reapply the seal from time to time, as it will wear away.

Rhodium Plating

Rhodium platings are more durable protective barriers than liquid sealants. They do not scratch, dent, or corrode, and they increase the ring's strength and lustre. However, they are also more expensive. You can apply rhodium plating to the entire ring or just the inside.

Regular Cleaning

Frequently cleaning your ring will remove any build-up of sweat, dirt, and chemicals that could cause corrosion. To safely clean your ring, add a small amount of Dawn dish detergent and a few drops of ammonia to warm water. Gently brush the ring with this solution using a soft, new toothbrush, then rinse with lukewarm water and dry with a regular cloth.

Frequently asked questions