Why do my ears turn black when I wear my silver earrings.

Have you ever noticed that your ears turn black when you wear your favorite pair of silver earrings? It can be quite alarming and leave you wondering what is causing this discoloration. Let's explore the reasons behind this phenomenon and provide you with some helpful tips to prevent it from happening.

Why does silver jewelry tarnish?

Silver jewelry, including earrings, can tarnish over time due to a chemical reaction between the silver and the sulfur compounds present in the air. This reaction forms a layer of silver sulfide on the surface of the jewelry, which appears as a black or dark gray discoloration.

Why do your ears turn black?

When you wear silver earrings, the tarnish on the jewelry can transfer to your skin, causing your ears to turn black. This can be particularly noticeable if you have sensitive skin or if you wear your earrings for an extended period of time.

How to prevent your ears from turning black?

While it may not be possible to completely prevent your ears from turning black when wearing silver earrings, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the discoloration:

1. Keep your earrings clean: Regularly clean your silver earrings with a soft cloth or a jewelry cleaning solution to remove any tarnish buildup.

2. Apply a barrier: Before wearing your silver earrings, you can apply a thin layer of clear nail polish or a jewelry sealant to create a barrier between your skin and the jewelry. This can help prevent tarnish transfer.

3. Store your earrings properly: When you're not wearing your silver earrings, store them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and other jewelry. This can help slow down the tarnishing process.

4. Consider hypoallergenic options: If you have sensitive skin or are prone to allergic reactions, consider wearing hypoallergenic earrings made from materials such as surgical stainless steel or titanium.

While it can be frustrating to see your ears turn black when wearing silver earrings, it is a common occurrence due to the natural tarnishing process. By following the tips mentioned above, you can minimize the discoloration and continue to enjoy wearing your favorite silver earrings without any worries.  

Having your silver jewelry plated with a corrosive free and naturally hypo-allergenic metal such as rhodium may also slow tarnish buildup; at least until the thin layer of rhodium plating wears off over time.