If you’ve ever taken off a ring and noticed a green mark on your finger, it can feel disappointing and confusing. Most people assume there’s something wrong with their skin, but the real issue is almost always the jewelry itself.

Green finger is usually a sign of low quality materials, especially cheap plating or base metals underneath the gold.

Thin or low quality plating

Many rings on the market are plated with an extremely thin layer of gold. It looks shiny at first but wears off quickly. Once that top layer fades, your skin touches the metal underneath, and that’s when the green mark appears.

Brass or mixed alloys

A lot of fast fashion jewelry uses brass or inexpensive mixed metals as the core. These metals react easily with moisture, creating that green stain on your skin. It has nothing to do with sensitivity and it’s simply the reaction between your skin and low grade metal.

Sweat, water, and lotions

Moisture speeds up metal reactions. This is why green finger often shows up more in summer, at the gym, or when wearing rings while washing hands or using lotion.

Even with good materials, a few small habits help your jewelry stay at its best.

1. Dry your hands before putting on rings

Moisture is the biggest trigger for metal reactions.

2. Avoid applying lotions or perfumes directly on jewelry

Let them absorb first.

3. Store pieces in a dry spot

A pouch or box slows oxidation and keeps everything looking bright.

4. Clean gently when needed

Warm water and mild soap keep buildup away.

Your jewelry should fit into your everyday life without surprises, so we choose materials that stay bright and stable on your skin.

14k gold filled

Gold filled jewelry does have a brass core, but the difference is the gold layer.

It’s a thick, heat bonded layer of real gold that becomes mechanically fused to the brass.

This bonding process makes the gold layer very hard to wear off, which means your skin doesn’t come into direct contact with the brass. That’s why gold filled is reliable for everyday wear and doesn’t cause green finger.

18k gold vermeil

Our vermeil pieces have a sterling silver core coated with a thick layer of 18k gold.

This gold layer is around 5 times thicker than standard gold plated jewelry, which makes it far more durable and much less likely to fade.

Since the base is sterling silver instead of brass, it stays stable against your skin even with everyday wear.

sterling silver

Sterling silver doesn’t cause green finger. It may darken over time, but it’s extremely easy to restore. Every Mellow order includes a polishing cloth, so you can bring the shine back anytime within a few seconds.

always nickel free

We never use nickel. It’s one of the most common irritants in inexpensive metals.

Green finger is usually a sign of thin plating or reactive base metals, not something that should happen with jewelry made for everyday wear.

At Mellow, we choose materials that last longer, stay bright, and feel comfortable on your skin whether it’s gold filled, gold vermeil, or sterling silver.

If you ever have any questions about materials or care, we’re here for you. Email us anytime at contact@mellow.ca

Mellow creates meaningful, skin friendly jewellery designed for everyday wear. Since our launch, we’ve handcrafted and curated pieces for thousands of customers who want something personal, intentional and made with care. Our rings and necklaces have been chosen for anniversaries, long distance gifts, proposals, daily reminders and the moments that matter most.

With a growing collection of designs in gold filled, 18k gold vermeil and sterling silver, you can always find a piece that feels like you.

Still deciding?