Why is my gold jewelry discoloring my skin?

If your skin turns black beneath your gold jewelry, you might suspect an issue with the gold. However, it's usually a chemical reaction between the gold's alloys and substances on your skin. Below is a list of potential causes for this reaction:

1. Medications, like antibiotics, hormonal medication, and blood pressure medicine.

2. Eating certain acidic foods like tomatoes, pineapple, citrus

3. Low iron levels.

4. Being too acidic. If your body is acidic, then your perspiration will be acidic and could react with your jewelry.

5. Cleaning products, especially bleach and products containing chlorine. Chlorine breaks down the alloys in your gold so you should never expose your jewelry to chlorine (this includes hot tubs and pools).

6. Metallic abrasion. Many cosmetics and lotions contain metallic ingredients that are used as pigments, sunscreen, preservatives, etc. The metals mix with sweat and oils to create a polishing compound (like when you polish silver, and the cloth turns black). So put on your makeup before you put on your jewelry and remember to wash and dry your hands after applying your makeup, then put on your jewelry.
   

While this list is not exhaustive and some of it is anecdotal, it covers many of the things that can trigger a reaction. Some of these can’t be eliminated or changed so if this is a persistent problem, consider Platinum, or 18K gold.

Additionally, maintaining the cleanliness of your jewelry is crucial. Remove your jewelry before going to bed, avoid wearing it while bathing, and regularly clean it to prevent the accumulation of grime, which may contain metallic abrasives that could come into contact with your skin.