# Hypoallergenic jewelry and nickel allergy

> How to choose hypoallergenic jewelry if you are allergic to nickel: titanium, platinum, 14K gold or higher, nickel-free silver and 316L steel; what to avoid.

- Source: https://www.711grados.com/en/hypoallergenic-jewelry-and-nickel-allergy/
- Language: en
- Note: This entry was drafted with the help of AI and is pending review by the author.
- Published: 2026-08-04
- Updated: 2026-08-04
- Translation (es): https://www.711grados.com/es/joyas-hipoalergenicas-y-alergia-al-niquel/
- Author: Sandra Sánchez
- Site: 711 Grados (https://www.711grados.com/)

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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](https://www.711grados.com/en/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](https://www.711grados.com/en/stainless-steel/): contains nickel, but releases very little; usually well tolerated.

## What to avoid

Costume jewelry without a guarantee, brass, nickel silver ([German silver](https://www.711grados.com/en/nickel-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](https://www.711grados.com/en/why-does-jewelry-turn-skin-green/)
- [Jewelry that does not tarnish or stain: which materials to choose](https://www.711grados.com/en/jewelry-that-does-not-tarnish/)
- [Titanium](https://www.711grados.com/en/titanium/)
- [Stainless steel](https://www.711grados.com/en/stainless-steel/)