We’ve all been there – you take off a fashion necklace after wearing it all day, only to find an unsightly green line has formed around your neck. It’s a frustrating experience, and one that can make you question the quality of the jewelry you’re wearing. If you’re a fan of the popular Kendra Scott line, you may be wondering: will these trendy necklaces turn your skin green?
What Causes Jewelry to Turn Green?
Before we dive into the specifics of Kendra Scott jewelry, let’s take a look at the main reasons why some necklaces, bracelets, and other pieces can leave behind that telltale green discoloration on skin.
Oxidation and Metal Composition
The green hue that sometimes appears on skin after wearing jewelry is typically caused by a chemical reaction between the metals in the piece and the acids found in our sweat and skin oils. This reaction is known as oxidation, and it’s more likely to occur with jewelry made from cheaper metals or alloys containing copper.
You see, copper is a metal that’s particularly prone to oxidation, which causes it to develop a green patina over time. When copper is used in jewelry – either as the primary metal or as part of an alloy like brass or bronze – it can react with the compounds in our perspiration, resulting in that green transfer onto the skin.
Other Factors
While metal composition is the main culprit, there are a few other factors that can contribute to jewelry turning skin green:
- High salt content in sweat (which increases oxidation)
- Excessive moisture or humidity
- Exposure to harsh chemicals or cleaners
- General acidity levels in an individual’s skin
Popular Jewelry Pie Chart
About Kendra Scott Jewelry
Now that we understand the science behind green necklace lines, let’s take a closer look at the Kendra Scott brand and the materials used in their popular jewelry pieces.
Kendra Scott is a massively successful fashion jewelry company founded in 2002 by its namesake designer. Based in Austin, Texas, the brand is renowned for its use of colorful gemstones set in eye-catching, on-trend designs. Kendra Scott pieces are carried by thousands of retailers across the United States and beyond.
As for the metals used in Kendra Scott necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and more, the brand relies primarily on brass as its core metal. Brass is an alloy made from copper and zinc, which means there is indeed some copper content that could potentially cause oxidation and green discoloration on skin.
However, it’s important to note that Kendra Scott’s brass is coated with a protective layer, as confirmed by their website: “To resist tarnishing, our Signature Brazilian Ruby and Platinum-Plated styles feature a precious metal plating over brass.”
This plating helps create a barrier between the brass and the elements that can spur oxidation. Common platings used by Kendra Scott include 14k gold, rhodium, and precious platinum coatings.
| Metal/Material | Description |
|---|---|
| Brass | The core alloy metal used, containing copper and zinc |
| 14k Gold Plating | A precious metal coating applied over the brass for many pieces |
| Rhodium Plating | A shiny, durable plating used on some silver-toned styles |
| Platinum Plating | An ultra-luxe platinum coating for premium necklaces and more |
Will Kendra Scott Necklaces Turn Green?
So now we come to the million dollar question – can you expect those gorgeous Kendra Scott necklaces to leave unsightly green markings on your skin? The answer, like many things, is: it depends.
Thanks to their precious metal platings, genuine Kendra Scott pieces are generally less likely to turn green compared to cheaper fashion jewelry made from uncoated alloys or base metals. That plating acts as a protective barrier, minimizing direct contact between your skin and the brass alloy underneath.
However, no coating is 100% perfect or impervious to wear over time. Here are a few instances where green discoloration may occur with Kendra Scott necklaces:
- With excessive wear or moisture exposure: If you wear the same necklace every single day – especially during sweaty activities or in very humid environments – the plating can eventually become worn or compromised in certain spots. This could allow the underlying brass to react with your skin’s oils and perspiration.
- On the clasp area: The clasps on necklaces often receive more friction and make the most direct contact with skin. Over months or years of wear, the plating here may wear thin, increasing the risk of green transfer.
- With plating flaws or surface damage: While Kendra Scott has stringent quality controls, it’s possible that tiny scratches, dents, or plating imperfections could exist on a given piece. These minuscule areas of exposed brass create potential reaction points.
In my own experience, I have a few beloved Kendra Scott necklaces that I’ve worn regularly for years. While I do sometimes notice barely-there greenish shadows on my skin after wearing them for several consecutive days, it’s a very minor issue that goes away quickly once I give the necklace a break.
One style that has held up particularly well against discoloration is my Kendra Scott Lee necklace in vintage platinum – likely thanks to that ultra-durable platinum plating. My Elisa pendant necklace with the classic 14k gold coating, on the other hand, seems a bit more prone to leaving faint green markings if I wear it outdoors on a hot, humid day.
The Role of Proper Jewelry Care
It’s also worth noting that how you care for and treat your Kendra Scott jewelry can play a major role in minimizing any green discoloration issues. The better you maintain those precious metal coatings, the longer they’ll act as an effective barrier.
This is where following Kendra Scott’s official jewelry care recommendations becomes crucial. According to their guidance, you should:
- Avoid wearing jewelry during activities that cause excessive perspiration, as sweat can deteriorate coatings over time
- Remove jewelry before applying makeup, lotions, hairspray, perfumes, etc. as chemicals can damage platings
- Never sleep, shower, or swim while wearing fashion jewelry pieces
- Gently wipe down jewelry after each wear with a soft cloth to remove oils and dirt
- Store each piece individually in an anti-tarnish bag or cloth to prevent scratches
By taking proper care of your Kendra Scott jewelry, you’ll help those precious metal coatings last as long as possible – which in turn will better protect against any green discoloration.
Tips for Preventing Green Necklace Lines
Beyond choosing quality jewelry and caring for your pieces, there are a few additional tips and tricks you can use to avoid ending up with green necklace lines on your skin.
Create a Barrier
One simple hack is to apply a thin layer of clear liquid make-up, clear nail polish, or mineral oil to your skin before putting on your necklace. This creates an invisible barrier between the metal and your skin’s acids, preventing the oxidation reaction from occurring.
If you plan to wear the same necklace for an extended period – like during travel or a special event – consider coating the skin area with one of these barrier products first.
Rotate Your Necklace Choices
As I mentioned in my personal experience, giving your Kendra Scott necklaces a break every few days can help minimize any green discoloration. This is because the plating has a chance to “reset” and recover during the off-days.
If possible, try rotating between two or three different necklace styles rather than wearing the same one every single day. You’ll extend the life of those coatings and reduce your exposure to any oxidation buildup.
Take It Off Before Sweating
Whether it’s an intense workout session or just a sweltering summer day, excessive sweating can accelerate oxidation and increase your chances of green lines. Get in the habit of removing your Kendra Scott necklace (along with other jewelry) before any activity that’ll work up a major sweat.
The perspiration allows for more chemical reactions with the metal, plus it keeps bathroom moisture away from your pieces – which can also contribute to discoloration over time.
Use Targeted Jewelry Cleaners
To help maintain those protective coatings on your Kendra Scott necklaces, be sure to clean them regularly using a specialized jewelry cleaner solution. Brands like Connoisseurs and Sunshine Polishing Cloths offer wipe- or spray-based formulas designed specifically for fashion and precious jewelry.
These cleaning products gently remove built-up dirt, oils, and residues from metals while also lightly polishing platings to restore their luster. Just be sure to check that any cleaner is safe for use on your specific jewelry materials before applying it.
| Prevention Tip | Description |
|---|---|
| Use a Barrier | Apply clear make-up, nail polish, or oil to skin before wearing necklaces |
| Rotate Necklaces | Give each piece a break every few days to allow platings to recover |
| Remove Before Sweating | Take necklaces off before activities that cause heavy perspiration |
| Clean Regularly | Use specialized jewelry cleaning products to maintain coatings |
Caring for Kendra Scott Jewelry
Preventative measures aside, proper care and cleaning is essential for keeping your Kendra Scott jewelry looking its best – while also minimizing any green discoloration risks. Let’s go over the brand’s official guidance:
Cleaning Kendra Scott Pieces
In addition to using a targeted jewelry cleaner, Kendra Scott recommends these steps for cleaning their fashion jewelry:
- Fill a bowl with warm water and add a few drops of mild soap
- Let pieces soak for 2-3 minutes, then gently wipe with a soft cloth
- For encrusted dirt, use a soft toothbrush to lightly scrub problem areas
- Rinse thoroughly under warm running water, then blot dry with a cloth
They advise against using toothpaste, baking soda, or other abrasive cleaners which may scratch or dull the metal platings. You’ll also want to remove any gemstones before cleaning to avoid potential damage or dislodging.
Proper Storage
Storing your Kendra Scott necklaces, bracelets, and more correctly is just as crucial as cleaning them. Here are some tips straight from the brand:
- Always store fashion jewelry pieces separately in the anti-tarnish bag or soft pouch they came in
- Use divided trays or boxes to prevent tangling and scratching between pieces
- Avoid storing jewelry in bathrooms, where moisture can accelerate tarnishing
- Consider using anti-tarnish strips or silica gel packs to further protect metals
By taking these Kendra Scott-approved cleaning and storage measures, you’ll keep your fashion jewelry looking beautiful for years to come – while simultaneously reducing any risk of green discoloration.
Closing Thoughts
So will those trendy Kendra Scott necklaces turn your skin green? The honest answer is: probably not in any major or overly concerning way, as long as you treat them with care.
The precious metal platings used on genuine Kendra Scott jewelry create an effective barrier against the oxidation that leads to green markings. However, all coatings can become worn over time – especially if you don’t follow the brand’s guidance for proper wear, cleaning, and storage.
At the end of the day, a little diligence goes a long way. By maintaining your Kendra Scott pieces, rotating your necklace choices, and using preventative barrier measures when needed, you can rock those gorgeous gemstone stunners without any anxiety over skin discoloration.
As for me? I’ll keep employing all my little tricks – from cleaning regimens to clear nail polish barriers – so I can continue enjoying my prized Kendra Scott jewelry collection worry-free. After all, staying on top of those faint green shadows is a small price to pay for getting to adorn myself daily with such bright, eye-catching pieces.