Nickel-Free Jewelry: What Allergy Sufferers Need to Know

Nickel-Free Jewelry for Allergy Sufferers: The Complete Guide

Nickel allergy is the most common contact allergy in Germany – affecting up to 20% of the population. Redness, itching, and blisters after wearing jewelry are classic symptoms. Good news: there are many beautiful, nickel-free alternatives.

Why is Nickel in Jewelry?

Nickel is used as an alloying metal in white gold and inexpensive silver jewelry – it improves hardness and workability. Since 2004, the EU Nickel Directive has significantly restricted nickel release from jewelry. Nevertheless, not all pieces on the market are compliant.

Safe Materials for Nickel Allergy Sufferers

• 750 Gold (18K): Very low alloy content – minimal to no nickel content
• Titanium (ASTM F136): Absolutely nickel-free, hypoallergenic, very lightweight
• Platinum PT950: Nickel-free, most noble option
• 925 Sterling Silver (without nickel alloy): Look for nickel-free alloy – ask the retailer
• Niobium: Rare, but ideal for piercings and earrings

What to Avoid

• Inexpensive white gold alloys (may contain nickel)
• Unknown metal alloys without clear material specifications
• Very cheap gold-plated pieces – often have nickel underneath
• Jewelry without any material specifications

Test: Nickel Test Kit

Nickel tests (dimethylglyoxime solution) are inexpensive and available in pharmacies. A drop on the piece – if the solution turns pink/red: nickel is present. No color change: nickel-free.

At corelunejewellery.de, all materials are transparently stated – shop with confidence and without allergic surprises.