If you've noticed some black or dark gray discoloration of your skin, say around your ear, neck, or finger, you might be wondering how it's even possible that the stain is there, yet you have what you consider one of the very best silver jewelry.

This is a problem that just happened to you, and many other people are having the same problems. If you love black sterling silver rings as much as I do, you need to know how to get a good deal on it.

Unfortunately, black and silver rings will always leave black marks on your fingers.

You might also be interested to know why this happens in the following sections of this article. But before we go any further, does everyone suffer from this?

The silver ring leaves a black mark on the finger- anyone else?

The good news and bad news about rings and jewelry made of silver (sterling silver turing black) is that everyone who owns jewelry made of this metal will, at some point, suffer the unfortunate fate of black marks on their finger.

And so, even though it's annoying, it's a problem that everyone suffers.

Why?

The black color on your hand is caused by a chemical reaction between the acidic components on your skin and the metal that the ring is made of. Some times it turns green.

Many times, the reaction between the metal and the products on your hands will increase the reaction rate and even the severity of the discoloration.

Products you use may be the most significant sources of discoloration and black stains.

But then, there are certain foods and over-the-counter vitamins and prescription medications that will have a negative effect on your body. These include things like foods that contain high acid content and metals which can interact with your skin.

A black sterling silver (silver) ring will tarnish with exposure to water when showering, cleaning, or swimming. It will also tarnish more quickly when exposed to water when swimming, cleaning, or showering.

Sulfur in the air reacts with silver, forming a silver salt that may stain or discolor your fingers.

Some people have "unreactive skin", or they have "acid-free" skin, meaning that their skin is not very acidic, so they don't experience this problem.

Some people think sterling silver looks beautiful, but it does tend to tarnish over time. If you want to prevent tarnishing, you'll need to keep it out of very dry conditions and keep it from being exposed to strong chemicals, which can accelerate the tarnishing process.

Still, the black layer of tarnish is not necessarily transferred to the skin.

This problem can happen to sterling silver because there are trace amounts of copper in the metal. Copper reacts with oxygen and other molecules in the environment to form a copper salt, which is often seen as a greenish-blue stain on the skin and the ring.

Is it bad if your finger turns black from a silver ring?

Your finger may turn black from wearing the black silver ring for a long time. It should not be cause for concern.

The reaction that causes that color change is not an allergic reaction, and the stain will fade away after some time.

If the black residue remains, rub the ring with a little warm water and soap solution to remove any dirt and tarnish. Then clean with a soft-bristled brush.

To reiterate, black discoloration is caused by the oxidation of silver and copper in sterling silver with molecules in the air or acids on/ in your skin that cause the oxidation of silver and the subsequent production of black tarnish that leaves a dark mark on your finger.

When your finger turns black from a silver ring, does it mean it’s fake?

Don't worry about the finger sterling silver turning black after wearing the silver ring.

The reaction that causes that color change is not an allergic reaction, and the stain will fade away after some time.

Gold ring turning finger black. You can also clean your gold ring by soaking it in warm soapy water and a soft-bristled brush. It's best to wear the ring while cleaning to protect it from scratching or damage.

If the black residue remains, rub the ring with a little warm water and soap solution to remove any dirt and tarnish. Then clean with a soft-bristled brush.

To reiterate, black discoloration is caused by the oxidation of silver and copper in sterling silver with molecules in the air or acids on/ in your skin that cause the oxidation of silver and the subsequent production of black tarnish that leaves a dark mark on your finger.

Why does your silver ring leave a black mark on your finger?

People with naturally acidic skin will generally react to wearing jewelry, regardless of the metal that the jewelry is made of.

Exposure to environmental oxidation can lead to tarnishing or dulling of your sterling silver jewelry.

Silver will tarnish when it comes into contact with skin care products, including lotions and perfumes.

Jewelry is an integral part of our lives. We wear it almost everywhere we go and take it with us everywhere.

The only way to slow down the discoloration would be to take the ring off when doing anything that could increase the risk of tarnishing it.

How do you keep a silver ring from turning your finger black?

Tarnish is the word for metal pieces, such as your sterling silver jewelry, to turn yellow.

But it does mean not allowing the pieces to become tarnished as a result of their association with a past that is best forgotten.

You should avoid wearing sterling silver jewelry to work, or at least, don't wear it to your desk at work.

Jewelry can help reduce the risk of tarnishing.

Silver jewelry tends to tarnish at a much higher rate when not worn.

Sterling silver jewelry that is not worn regularly will develop a natural patina over time, which adds to its appeal. It's important that your silver jewelry is well cared for and that you only wear it when it's going to get noticed.

There’s always more you can do.

1. Clean it regularly

A tarnish on a piece of jewelry can be removed by cleaning it.

Clean your jewelry regularly. The only thing you need to do is to remove any dirt or water that might be on it.

You only need water and a gentle dishwashing liquid detergent to keep the ring clean and tarnish-free.

2. Jewelry goes on last

Only wear your silver rings and other jewelry pieces after you have done your hair, put on your face cream, lotion etc. This means after they have dried on the skin. This reduces the rate of oxidation and tarnishing. 

3. Don’t swim with the ring on

Besides the risk of losing a ring in the pool when you remove it from your finger due to shrinking when placed in cold water, there is also chlorine which can cause sterling silver jewelry to tarnish at a much higher rate.

4. Proper storage

Keep jewelry safe in an airtight jewelry box or pouch.

5. Nail polish treatment

Clear nail polish is the best ally in your battle with tarnished rings. Your ring will shine again.

You'll apply the polishing cream to the ring to create a protective barrier between the skin and the layer of sterling silver.

If you forget that this is a temporary fix, and that it must be reapplied as needed, you may have an unfortunate result.

An alternative to this is a polymer barrier. Finally, you could pickle it in a solution made of equal parts ammonia and water.