Do your earlobes throb, turn red, and even form little crusts over your earring holes? Or does wearing a necklace leave you with an itchy rash? If you’re suffering from effects like these, you may have a nickel allergy. One of the best ways to avoid the reaction is to opt for jewelry made with hypoallergenic metals.
But which metals are hypoallergenic, and what should you avoid? Keep reading to learn everything you need to know about hypoallergenic metals so you can choose the right jewelry for you.
WHAT IS A NICKEL ALLERGY?
A nickel allergy is just what it sounds like, a form of contact dermatitis where contact with nickel leads to an allergic reaction. You might end up with red, tender skin. You might also produce dry patches or even blisters on your skin.
These reactions tend to occur wherever the nickel comes into contact with your skin. Theoretically, this can happen anywhere but is most common in places where jewelry is worn. Since the skin is thin and soft near your earlobes, they are particularly prone to allergic reactions from jewelry. Meanwhile, wrists where bracelets are worn or the area of your neck where a necklace lays are also vulnerable. There are even places that people don’t really consider, as a reaction can come from keys, belt buckles, buttons on clothes, and even doorknobs.
Luckily, in most cases, you will notice that the area is turning red. You can then consider whether the area was exposed to any metal and if that metal is causing the reaction.
Women tend to be more prone to having a nickel allergy. About 15% of women have a nickel allergy, while only 2% of men do. You can also develop a nickel allergy at any time. Some people develop sensitive skin due to prolonged exposure and end up developing a nickel allergy later in their life.
IS NICKEL-FREE IMPORTANT?
If you are sensitive to nickel, there are plenty of options out there that can help you eliminate nickel. The most obvious is to choose nickel-free alternatives, as these help attack the nickel problem right at the source. About 85% of people are okay with having a small percentage of nickel in their jewelry. However, if you have an allergy, it’s best to avoid wearing jewelry with high nickel content.
It’s also important to note that “nickel-free” generally means that the jewelry doesn’t have nickel in the plating. There may be nickel in the core part of the jewelry. In most cases, this is fine because the lack of nickel in the plating prevents the nickel in the core of the piece from ever coming into contact with your skin. However, if the plating wears away, the nickel will become exposed and is no longer nickel free. This is something to consider if you have a piece you plan to wear a lot, as it might start to wear down over time.
In addition, it is important to note that, unfortunately, some companies lie about the level of nickel in their products. This is why it is important to only buy jewelry from a company you trust.
ARE THERE OTHER METALS TO WATCH OUT FOR?
Nickel is the most common culprit when it comes to allergic reactions from jewelry. However, it is possible to have an allergic reaction to other metals. Allergies to copper are quite rare. Chromium and cobalt in jewelry can also cause a reaction, but these reactions are very rare. In fact, they are rare to the point where it is more likely that you’d develop a reaction from cement at a job site than from jewelry.
Because of this, most discussions about metal allergies are based around nickel.
4. Gemstones/Birthstones
A good jewelry gift idea is to get something that has the person’s birthstone. Now, obviously, if you’re looking at only ruby, sapphire, or emerald, you might be set back by the price. We recommend semi-precious stones for their uncommon and unique presence.
Moonstones, amber, peridot, garnet, opal, amethyst, and many more stones out there that will impress and surprise your loved one. Watch for synthetic gemstones, these can be a great alternative, just don’t be tempted to lie about their authenticity. The truth is, synthetic gemstones are just as impressive as natural ones.
WHAT IS HYPOALLERGENIC METAL?
Hypoallergenic metals are those that are not likely to cause an allergic reaction. Because it’s the most common metal that causes contact dermatitis, hypoallergenic metals are meant to reduce these symptoms when they are caused by nickel.
There is no set definition of what is considered to be hypoallergenic jewelry. Generally, jewelry can be considered hypoallergenic if it doesn’t contain any nickel or if it doesn’t contain enough to cause an allergic reaction. However, retailers don’t have to follow this advice strictly because of the lack of monitoring surrounding it. They may simply use a little less nickel and call the jewelry hypoallergenic, even though it may still cause a reaction.
This is another reason why it is important to only buy hypoallergenic metals from a trustworthy brand. Otherwise, you are rolling the dice when it comes to whether the company has truly made an effort to reduce the chance of a reaction.
In addition, different people have different types of allergies and different severities. Someone may be allergic to a metal that is considered to be hypoallergenic, and thus, hypoallergenic metals won’t be a good option for them. This makes the loose definition difficult to understand. It also means you’ll have to figure out what the best option is for you.
In general, it’s best to understand the different types of metals that may or may not cause a reaction. This way, you can check the metal content of “hypoallergenic” jewelry and make sure it’s safe for your skin.
6. Get a Second Opinion
If you’re struggling to decide what type of jewelry your loved one may like, don’t be afraid to ask a friend or family member. Taste is all subjective, so even though you might find a piece that is rare or expertly crafted, they may not see it. Just make sure you find someone who can hold a secret!
RHODIUM
Rhodium is a great option for hypoallergenic metals. Rhodium itself does not contain any nickel but is a high-quality lustrous metal. This allows it to look just as amazing as other pieces out there without the downsides.
Rhodium jewelry often features a sterling silver core plated with rhodium. While the core can be any metal, nickel-free sterling silver is a great option to look for if you have a nickel allergy.
Just note that over time, the rhodium plating will wear out. You will want to make sure that the core is nickel-free to prevent a reaction. On top of this, you can have the outer plating replated to keep the piece in pristine condition for longer.
STERLING SILVER
Sterling silver is usually hypoallergenic. This alloy is mostly silver but contains other metals that help to make it stronger. This gives it the beauty of pure silver but allows it to stand up to everyday use.
Sometimes sterling silver is completely nickel-free, but other times it is not. But, since sterling silver is mostly silver anyway, it usually does not include enough nickel to cause a reaction.
PLATINUM
Platinum is hypoallergenic. Even when it is combined with other metals to create an alloy, nickel is not used. Usually, iridium, ruthenium, and cobalt are used instead. Each of these is hypoallergenic as well.
The biggest downside is that platinum tends to be very expensive. In fact, platinum is one of the most expensive jewelry types out there.
TITANIUM
Titanium is another hypoallergenic alloy. It’s not combined with nickel, but instead vanadium or aluminum. Titanium is incredibly durable, light, and corrosion-resistant. It can even be worn in the ocean or the pool.
However, it’s so durable that it’s difficult to resize. This makes it slightly less ideal for rings, which may need to be resized occasionally.
COPPER
Copper is usually hypoallergenic as long as it is not reinforced with nickel. Brass, which is a combination of copper and zinc, is similarly hypoallergenic. Some people do have copper allergies, but this is quite rare.
Unfortunately, copper and brass are not very high-quality. Both will turn skin green due to oxidation caused by the copper reacting to chemicals or sweat. While harmless, it’s not a good look.
