Gold Jewellery

[Matheous]

To settle a family dispute- If a 'gold' chain is genuine - can it react with sweat and cause 'green' skin??

Thanking you in anticipation...

[Schutzengel]

It is usually copper chains and bangles which cause green marks on skin. Never heard of gold doing this, and think it is highly unlikely.

[Panic Button]

I doubt the chain is actually pure gold.

Perhaps it has some copper in it.

[sara3]

24 carat gold is pure gold.

18 carat is 18 parts pure, 6 parts not.

9 carat is 9 parts pure, 15 parts not.

doesn't really answer your question though! it may be cheapo 9 carat.. the hallmark will say 375.

[Mortartube]

A little nitric acid will settle it. If it is pure gold it will not react. Take it to a jewellers and they can test it for you.

[Ice.Maiden]

Yes it can. The lower your carat number, the less pure gold the item contains. If the chain contains any nickel, this usually turns the skin green or darker.

[Matheous]

Thank you to all- a great set of information!

[R1Geezer]

In all probablity it is 9 carat Gold, Ie not really gold, in effect 15 carat Copper. Copper is comonly cut with gold. I feel a question comming on......