Hypoallergenic jewelry and nickel allergy

Nickel is one of the most frequent causes of contact allergy to metals. “Hypoallergenic” is not a regulated term, so it helps to know which materials to choose.

Symptoms #

Itching, redness, bumps or blisters where the piece touches the skin, appearing hours or days after wearing it.

Safer materials #

• Titanium and niobium.
• Platinum.
• 14K, 18K or higher gold without nickel (white gold with nickel can cause allergy).
• Nickel-free sterling silver.
• 316L stainless steel: contains nickel, but releases very little; usually well tolerated.

What to avoid #

Costume jewelry without a guarantee, brass, nickel silver (German silver), cheap plated pieces and untreated metal clasps.

Regulation #

In the European Union there are limits on nickel release for items in prolonged skin contact (including jewelry such as piercing earrings). Buy from sellers who state it.

See also #

• Why jewelry turns your skin green
• Jewelry that does not tarnish or stain: which materials to choose
• Titanium
• Stainless steel