Jewellery and Skin Reactions: What’s Normal and When to Be Concerned

If you've ever taken off a ring to find a faint green mark or felt a bit of irritation where your necklace sits, you're not alone. Skin reactions to jewellery are surprisingly common—and thankfully, most of them are completely harmless.

At KBN, we’re proud to use high-quality materials like gold-fill and sterling silver, both known for being gentle on skin. But let’s talk about what’s normal, what isn’t, and how to minimise any irritation.

1. Green or Grey Marks on the Skin

Although few and far between, this is probably the most common concern we hear. A greyish or greenish mark where your jewellery sits doesn’t mean the metal is low quality—it’s actually just a reaction between your skin’s natural oils and the metal itself, often in humid or sweaty conditions.

Is it harmful?
Nope! It’s not an allergic reaction—it’s more like a temporary discolouration. It usually wipes off easily and doesn’t cause any lasting irritation.

How to prevent it:
Try keeping the area dry, clean your jewellery regularly, and give your pieces a little rest if the weather’s hot or your skin is extra sensitive that day.

2. Mild Redness or Itchiness

This can sometimes happen if skin has been rubbing against metal for a long time, or if sweat and moisture get trapped underneath. It’s usually more about friction or irritation than a true allergy.

How to help:
Remove the piece at night, after showering, or during exercise. Make sure your skin is completely dry before wearing, and rotate your pieces if you wear them daily.

3. Allergic Reactions (Rare but Important)

True allergies to jewellery are most often caused by nickel. At KBN, we don’t use nickel in our materials, and both gold-fill and sterling silver are considered hypoallergenic for most wearers.

If you're experiencing persistent itching, swelling, or blistering, it’s worth checking with a doctor—it may be a rare sensitivity. But rest assured, our materials are chosen to be kind to skin, and most of our customers wear their pieces comfortably every day.

A Final Note

Your skin is unique, and it can change with time, hormones, seasons, and even stress. So if your jewellery feels a bit different one week—don’t panic. Most skin reactions are temporary and manageable, and we're always here to help guide you through it.