Wie finde ich meine Ringgröße?

Messen am späten Tag liefert den brauchbaren Wert. Papierstreifen um den Finger, Umfang in Millimetern notieren, das ist die deutsche Ringgröße.

Kann man einen Edelstahlring weiten lassen?

Bei Edelstahl ist die Weite kaum veränderbar, weil sich das Material schlecht bearbeiten lässt. Deshalb ist der Umtausch innerhalb der Rückgabefrist meist der schnellere Weg.

Welche Ringe lassen sich gut stapeln?

Ja, funktioniert gut mit zwei bis drei schmalen Ringen an einem Finger, während die übrige Hand schlicht bleibt. Alles andere wird schnell unruhig.

Nickel Allergy and Jewelry: Everything You Need to Know

19.05.20265 Min. Lesezeit

Nickel Allergie Schmuck, der komplette Ratgeber | Corelune

Kurz gesagt: Nickel Allergy Jewelry: EU Directive, Material Ranking (Titanium to Brass), Treating Reactions, Tips.

Nickel allergy and jewelry: Everything you need to know. In short: A nickel contact allergy is a type IV hypersensitivity reaction of the immune system. The immune system recognizes nickel ions released from jewelry onto the skin as a foreign substance and triggers an inflammatory reaction. If symptoms persist, medical consultation is the right course of action. Reactions usually appear at clasps and solder joints, not on the entire surface.

Status: September 2026. By Phil Oberlaender, Corelune Jewellery, Düsseldorf.

Symptoms: Redness, itching, eczema, swelling, rarely blistering. The reaction typically occurs 12 to 48 hours after the first contact and may accelerate upon re-exposure. Once developed, the allergy is long-lasting.

Redness, itching, small blisters after wearing a new ring – that is the classic nickel contact allergy. It affects an estimated 15 to 20% of the population in Germany and is the most common contact allergy worldwide. There are also suitable options for sensitive skin. This comprehensive guide explains everything about nickel allergy and jewelry, from the causes to safe material knowledge.

What is a nickel contact allergy?

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How much nickel is jewelry allowed to release?

In the EU, there is a clear rule: The EU Nickel Directive (EN 1811) limits the nickel release of jewelry to a maximum of 0.5 micrograms per square centimeter per week for pieces that come into direct contact with the skin (earrings, rings, bracelets). It is even stricter for piercings: 0.2 micrograms/cm²/week. Products that comply with these limits may be labeled as "compliant with EU directive." Important: "compliant" does not mean "contains no nickel," it means that the release is below the legal limit.

Materials by safety ranking

Absolutely safe (no nickel)

Titanium (G23): The only truly safe metal also recommended for piercings. Fully biocompatible, lightweight, durable.
14k / 18k yellow gold: Gold alloys contain no nickel, but rather copper and silver. Very well tolerated.
Platinum: durable, durable.
Niobium: Rare metal used in jewelry.

Often chosen for sensitive skin

Solid stainless steel: Contains nickel, but releases it so minimally that 95% of people with a nickel allergy show no reaction. Biocompatible, approved for technical implants.
925 sterling silver: Silver itself is safe, the copper (7.5%) sometimes triggers mild reactions, but not a nickel reaction.

Not recommended

Brass (copper-zinc alloy): Often contains nickel, especially in cheap costume jewelry
White gold without proof: Traditional white gold is alloyed with nickel; only buy if explicitly palladium-alloyed or if the nickel content is proven to be low
Unknown alloys: No hallmark, no information – keep your hands off

What to do if a reaction has occurred?

Remove jewelry immediately
Rinse affected skin with clear water
Cortisone cream from the pharmacy (hydrocortisone 0.5%) relieves inflammation
No further attempts with the same piece
In case of strong reactions or spreading: consult a dermatologist
Allergy test at the dermatologist; a patch test clearly confirms or refutes the nickel allergy

Practical tips for sensitive skin in everyday life

Test new jewelry: Wear it for 1 to 2 hours first and observe the skin before wearing it all day
Nail polish on the inside of rings: Transparent nail polish as a temporary barrier for mild sensitivities
Never swim with jewelry: Sweat and chlorine promote nickel release
Buy quality: Cheap jewelry without material information is the biggest risk

Nickel allergy and piercings

Fresh piercings are particularly susceptible; the skin is wounded and the barrier function is limited. Use only titanium G23 for fresh piercings. No solid stainless steel, no silver, no gold – only titanium is safe enough for fresh wounds. After complete healing (6 to 12 months), you can switch to other materials.

What kind of safe jewelry will you find at Corelune?

Transparent material information and skin-friendly quality – at Corelune Jewellery, you will find jewelry that is also well-tolerated by sensitive skin.

Discover safe jewelry, beautiful without skin reactions!

Which ring shape is suitable for everyday use?

Width	Comfort	Size recommendation
up to 2 mm	Hardly noticeable	Measured size
3 to 4 mm	Clearly noticeable	Measured size
5 to 6 mm	Snug fit	Half size larger
from 7 mm	Stiff on the finger	Full size larger

Also helpful: Jewelry Allergy: What to do with nickel allergy and skin reactions?.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find my ring size?

Measuring late in the day provides a usable value. Wrap a paper strip around your finger, note the circumference in millimeters; that is the German ring size.

Can a stainless steel ring be resized?

With stainless steel, the size is hardly adjustable because the material is difficult to work with. Therefore, an exchange within the return period is usually the faster way.

Which rings are good for stacking?

Yes, it works well with two to three narrow rings on one finger, while the rest of the hand remains simple. Anything else quickly becomes cluttered.

You can see this implemented here: Starfish charm bracelet blue made of stainless steel and Narrow heart ring silver made of stainless steel. You can find more bestsellers in the best-selling items category.

About the author

Phil Oberlaender runs Corelune Jewellery in Düsseldorf and has been working with stainless steel jewelry daily since 2024: quality checks, complaints, everyday wear tests. The information in this article comes from our own product range and customer feedback. Where Corelune does not offer something, it is stated as such here.

Which categories match this topic?

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The volume discount is 20% for two items, 25% for three, 30% for four, and 35% for five. Free shipping from 59 euros. If you are already looking at two items, it is better to order them together.

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