You can get sterling silver jewelry wet although it's best to avoid getting the sterling silver jewelry wet as it can lead to green colors forming on the skin.
Water also causes the silver to oxidize and also darken more quickly and if the water is chlorinated which city water is it can cause the silver to change color more quickly.
Silver can turn your skin including your finger green if it gets wet.
Silver and Sterling silver can turn your skin and finger green due to a reaction that occurs between the copper in the silver alloy and the skin.
The sterling silver is more likely to cause your skin or finger to turn green when your skin and the sterling silver is exposed to moisture, certain chemicals or even sweat.
The green discoloration of your skin or finger from the Sterling silver is harmless although it can be unsightly.
Sterling silver is an alloy, which means that it's a mixture of metals and is often 92.5 percent silver and 7.5 percent other metals such as copper.
The copper also contributes to the silver's durability and a desirable warm luster.
The copper in the silver can also oxidize, which means that it reacts with oxygen and moisture from your skin and sweat and the oxidation process can also create black or green deposits on the surface of the silver, which then transfers to your skin.
And some people are also more prone to the green discoloration of their skin from the silver due to their skin's pH or the presence of certain substances on their skin.
To prevent the silver from turning your fingers or skin green, remove the silver jewelry often and wash and dry your skin and keep the silver jewelry dry and avoid wearing the silver while showering or swimming or bathing or when performing activities that cause you to sweat.
Also clean the silver jewelry regularly using a silver polish or cleaner to help remove any buildup on the surface.
You an also apply a layer of clear nail polish or a polymer barrier which will create a protective layer between your skin and the silver.
To remove the green staining on your skin from the silver jewelry you can scrub the skin with some soap and water and use a nailbrush to provide a bit more friction.
If the green staining from the silver is not coming off you can also use some make up remover, nail polish remover or even some rubbing alcohol.