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Has your favorite gold ring ever turned your finger black? No, gold itself does not tarnish, but the alloys combined with it sometimes can. This can happen in cleaners, perspiration, and continued exposure to moist or wet conditions.
Another possible cause is makeup. Cosmetics often contain compounds that are harder than the jewelry itself, and they wear or rub off very tiny particles of metal. Very finely divided metal always appears black, and when it comes into contact with clothing or skin, it sticks, and from a black smudge.
Although any piece of jewelry has the potential for these problems, wide rings are even more likely to have these issues. They have more surface area of contact the abrasives or corrosives, and sometimes have concave surfaces inside that form collection points that trap moisture and contaminants, sometimes causing skin irritation.
The best way to prevent these problems is to remove your jewelry before using soaps and cleaners or applying makeup. Clean and thoroughly dry areas that jewelry touches before putting it back on. And clean your jewelry often. Your friends at Hunnicutt Jewelers will be happy to clean and check it for you.
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