My Jewelry Turned Black?
Jewelry turning black (tarnishing) and leaving a permanent color mark on/around a piercing site is most commonly caused by wearing low quality jewelry made of cheap metals. Cheap or costume jewelry is usually made of inexpensive base metals rather than precious/safer ones like titanium, gold, or platinum. Common metals used include:
• Brass (copper + zinc alloy) – popular because it’s cheap, easy to shape, and has a gold-like color.
• Copper – inexpensive, but it tarnishes easily and can turn skin green.
• Aluminum – lightweight, resistant to rust, and very cheap.
• Nickel – often used in very cheap jewelry, but it can cause allergic reactions.
• Zinc alloy (pot metal) – extremely common in fashion jewelry, very cheap to cast, but not very durable.
These metals are often plated with a thin layer of gold, silver, or rhodium to make them look more expensive, and sometimes mixed with enamel, glass, or plastic to mimic gemstones.
Tarnish occurs when the metal in the jewelry, such as silver, brass, or copper, reacts with environmental elements like oxygen and sulfur compounds. This chemical reaction can lead to the formation of metal oxides or sulfides, resulting in a dark, discolored appearance. Tarnish can rub off on the skin, leaving a temporary mark- but understand this can also become permanent (like a tattoo) if left in for too long and not addressed.
1. Oxidation
• Metals like copper, brass, and zinc react with oxygen in the air.
• Example: copper forms greenish copper oxide / verdigris, which is why skin can turn green.
2. Moisture & Sweat
• Sweat contains water + salts + acids, which speed up corrosion.
• This can cause dark tarnish (black/brown) or discoloration on cheap jewelry.
3. Sulfur in the Air
• Even trace amounts of sulfur (from pollution, air, or cosmetics) react with metals like copper, brass, and nickel, creating a dark surface film.
4. Skin Chemistry
• Some people’s skin is more acidic, which accelerates metal breakdown.
• That’s why the same ring may stay shiny on one person but tarnish fast on another.
5. Thin Plating Wearing Off
• Most cheap jewelry is plated with gold, silver, or rhodium.
• With friction (washing hands, sweating, rubbing), that thin layer wears away, exposing the cheap base metal underneath, which tarnishes quickly.
To address/avoid the issue and prevent further complications, consider the following steps:
1. Remove and Replace Jewelry: If you suspect that the jewelry is causing an issue, remove it and replace it with a hypoallergenic option made of high-quality materials, like titanium, or gold. Consult with a professional piercer for guidance, and help removing the jewelry safely.
2. Consult a Healthcare Professional: If you suspect infection or have concerns about skin discoloration, consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist for a proper evaluation and treatment.
3. Practice Good Aftercare: Ensure you are following proper aftercare for your piercing, including cleaning and caring for the area as recommended by your professional piercer.
4. Avoid Low-Quality Jewelry: Choose jewelry from reputable sources and prioritize high-quality materials to minimize the risk of future issues! A few great, biocompatible, hypoallergenic options are Titanium, Gold, or Platinum jewelry. Remember, what you put in your body matters!