Jewelry has become an essential element in the daily lives of many. Have you ever experienced itching, redness, or discoloration of the skin, particularly in areas where jewelry comes into contact? Such reactions may indicate an allergy to certain metals present in the jewelry. Therefore, before purchasing jewelry, it is crucial to understand which metals are hypoallergenic. This not only helps you avoid the troubles of allergies but also enables you to swiftly and effectively select safe and friendly jewelry. Follow our guide below to discover the most suitable jewelry for yourself!
Some people may experience allergies to metal jewelry due to their allergic reactions to specific metals. Here are some possible reasons:
- Metal Components: Some people may be allergic to metals such as nickel, chromium, cobalt, etc., commonly found in jewelry alloys. Nickel allergy is the most common, as it is present in many alloys.
- Skin Sensitivity: Individual skin sensitivity varies. Some people have highly sensitive skin that is more prone to allergic reactions to metals.
- Duration of Wear: Prolonged wearing of jewelry may increase the risk of allergies. Especially with jewelry worn for an extended period, where the metal gradually comes into contact with the skin, allergic reactions may become more pronounced.
- Metal Oxidation: When metals oxidize, the chemicals formed can irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions.
- Individual Differences: Individual reactions to metals can vary, with some people being more sensitive to certain metals and others not experiencing allergic reactions.
What are the Symptom of Nickel Allergy?
Nickel allergies are more commonly observed in women, with approximately 15% of women affected compared to only 2% of men. Moreover, it’s important to note that a nickel allergy can develop at any point in time. There are several symptoms of Nickel allergy.
- Redness and Itchy Rash
- Small Blisters and Raised Bumps
- Swelling
- Dry Patches or changes in skin texture
- Pain or Discomfort
What Does Hypoallergenic Metals Refer to?
Hypoallergenic metals are those that are less likely to trigger allergic reactions.
- Titanium: Titanium is a body-friendly metal because it doesn’t easily react with the human body and is unlikely to cause irritation. It doesn’t corrode or interact with bodily fluids easily, and it’s free of nickel.
- Platinum: Platinum jewelry doesn’t contain nickel. It is a stable metal that doesn’t easily react with other substances, making it less likely to irritate the skin or cause allergies.
Most platinum used in jewelry is at least 95% pure, and its resistance to corrosion and tarnish further lowers the chance of it releasing any substances that could trigger skin reactions.
- Gold (18 karat and above): Pure 24-karat gold is usually hypoallergenic as it doesn’t cause skin reactions. However, it’s very soft and not ideal for everyday jewelry. To make it stronger, gold is mixed with other metals. If these alloys contain allergenic metals like nickel, they may cause skin reactions in people with metal sensitivities.
The higher the karat, the less chance it has of causing allergies. 18-karat and higher gold is usually seen as safe for people with sensitive skin or metal allergies.
Relevant: What’s the Difference Between 10k, 14K, 18K and 24K Gold-plated Jewelry?
- Stainless Steel: Stainless steel is often hypoallergenic because it has low nickel, resists corrosion, and doesn’t react much with the skin. If you don’t have a nickel allergy or if your sensitivity is mild, stainless steel can be a good choice for jewelry. So it’s wise to choose good-quality stainless steel if you have concerns about allergies.
- Niobium: Niobium is hypoallergenic because it doesn’t easily react with the skin. This makes it a good choice for jewelry, especially for people who are sensitive to other metals that can cause allergies.
Is Sterling Silver Jewelry Hypoallergenic?
Sterling silver jewelry might not be the best if you have sensitive skin. It’s an alloy made up of 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals, often copper, and some people can react to it, getting irritated skin or discoloration. But, sterling silver is mostly silver, and the metal that usually causes allergies is nickel.
Relevant: The Difference Between 925 Sterling Silver and Silver
Is Copper Jewelry Hypoallergenic?
Copper jewelry is usually not seen as hypoallergenic. For some people, copper can cause skin discoloration or irritation due to sensitivity or allergies. Wearing copper jewelry for an extended period may lead to such reactions in those who are prone to them.
How to Find the Best Jewelry For Yourself?
Firstly, you need to identify which metals you are allergic to and opt for metals known to be hypoallergenic. When purchasing jewelry, check the metal content is necessary. Look for items labeled as nickel-free, lead-free, or hypoallergenic.
If you’re not sure about a metal, try wearing a small piece of jewelry briefly to see if it causes any skin reactions before buying more. You can also consider having custom jewelry made with hypoallergenic materials.
Now you have learned about 5 types of metal used in jewelry that won’t cause allergies. You can choose according to your own situation. We all hope you can enjoy the good mood brought by each piece of jewelry from Meideya.