Sterling Silver vs Brass Jewellery: Why Cheap Jewellery Turns Your Skin Green

If you've ever removed a ring at the end of the day only to discover a green stain wrapped around your finger, you're not alone.

One of the most common complaints we hear from jewellery lovers is:

"Why does my jewellery turn my skin green?"

The answer usually comes down to one thing: the metal hiding underneath the plating.

At Maraux Jewellery, we believe jewellery should leave you feeling elegant and confident—not looking like you've been wrestling with a garden hose. That's why all of our pieces are crafted from 925 sterling silver and 18k gold vermeil, never cheap brass or mystery metals.

Let's explore the difference.

Why Does Jewellery Turn Your Skin Green?

The green colour isn't actually your skin changing colour permanently—it's a chemical reaction.

Most inexpensive jewellery is made from brass, an alloy of copper and zinc. When brass comes into contact with moisture, sweat, lotions, perfumes, or natural skin oils, the copper begins to oxidise.

This oxidation creates copper salts that transfer onto your skin, leaving behind those familiar green or black marks.

Factors that can make this happen even faster include:

• Hot weather

• Sweating

• Hand sanitiser

• Perfumes and lotions

• Ocean water

• Swimming pools

While the staining isn't harmful, it's hardly the glamorous look most women are hoping for.

What Is Brass Jewellery?

Brass is a low-cost metal commonly used in fashion jewellery because it is inexpensive and easy to manufacture.

You'll often find brass hiding underneath gold plating in very cheap jewellery.

While brass can initially look beautiful, over time it can:

• Tarnish quickly

• Lose its plating

• Cause skin discolouration

• Trigger irritation in sensitive skin

• Require frequent polishing

For jewellery designed to last beyond a season or two, brass often falls short.

Why Sterling Silver Is Worth the Investment

Sterling silver is considered a precious metal and contains 92.5% pure silver.

Unlike brass, sterling silver does not contain large amounts of copper sitting directly against your skin.

Benefits of sterling silver jewellery include:

It Won't Turn Your Skin Green

Quality sterling silver is far less likely to react with your skin and leave unwanted marks.

It's Hypoallergenic

Many people with sensitive skin find sterling silver far more comfortable than brass-based jewellery.

It Lasts for Years

With proper care, sterling silver jewellery can last for decades and often becomes a treasured keepsake.

It Can Be Professionally Cleaned and Restored

Unlike many fashion jewellery pieces that end up in landfill after a year, sterling silver can be polished and refreshed time and time again.

What About Gold Jewellery?

Not all gold jewellery is created equally.

Many inexpensive gold-coloured pieces are simply brass coated with a very thin layer of gold.

Once that plating wears away, the brass underneath becomes exposed, leading to tarnishing and skin discolouration.

This is where gold vermeil offers a superior alternative.

What Is Gold Vermeil?

Gold vermeil (pronounced ver-may) is a premium jewellery standard that requires:

• A solid sterling silver base

• A thick layer of genuine gold plating

Unlike gold-plated brass jewellery, gold vermeil combines the beauty of gold with the quality and durability of sterling silver underneath.

At Maraux Jewellery, our gold pieces are crafted using 18k gold vermeil over sterling silver, meaning you'll never find brass sitting against your skin.

Why Women Are Moving Away From Cheap Jewellery

Many women have grown tired of replacing jewellery every few months.

They want pieces that:

• Feel luxurious

• Don't irritate their skin

• Don't leave green marks

• Work for everyday wear

• Hold sentimental value

Whether it's a ring purchased to celebrate a promotion, a necklace gifted for a birthday, or earrings received on an anniversary, jewellery should become part of your story—not a disposable accessory.

The Maraux Difference

At Maraux Jewellery, every piece is designed with longevity, beauty, and comfort in mind.

Our collections are crafted using:

✓ 925 Sterling Silver

✓ 18k Gold Vermeil

✓ Hypoallergenic Materials

✓ Timeless Art Deco Inspired Designs

✓ Quality Craftsmanship Designed To Be Worn Again And Again

We never use cheap brass bases that leave green marks on your skin.

Instead, we create jewellery that helps women feel elegant, confident, and beautifully put together every time they wear it.

Looking For Jewellery That Won't Turn Your Skin Green?

If you've been disappointed by cheap jewellery in the past, it may be time to upgrade to sterling silver and gold vermeil.

Explore Maraux Jewellery's collection of timeless rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets designed to last far beyond a single season.

Because beautiful jewellery should turn heads—not fingers green.

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