Jewellery for Allergies: An Overview of Hypoallergenic Materials

Jewelry for Allergies: The Best Hypoallergenic Materials

Redness, itching, or blisters after wearing jewelry – many people experience this. A jewelry allergy is often a contact allergy to nickel, which is present in many alloys. The good news: there are many beautiful and skin-friendly alternatives.

What Causes Jewelry Allergies?

The most common trigger is nickel – a metal found in inexpensive jewelry alloys, but also in some white gold alloys. Less frequently, people react to cobalt or chromium.

Hypoallergenic Materials for Jewelry

• Titanium: The most skin-friendly metal of all – lightweight, extremely strong, completely nickel-free. Ideal for piercings and earrings.
• Platinum: Nickel-free, very noble – the best choice for sensitive individuals who appreciate luxury.
• 18K Yellow Gold (750er): High gold content means a lower alloy content – and thus less nickel.
• Sterling Silver 925: Generally nickel-free – pay attention to the exact alloy specification.
• Surgical Steel (316L): Standard material for piercings – nickel-free and very robust.

What You Should Definitely Avoid

• 8K Gold (333er) (only 33% gold, high allergen potential)
• Brass (often contains nickel)
• White gold with nickel alloy (explicitly ask for palladium white gold)
• Jewelry without material specifications

Rhodium Plating: Protection for White Gold Wearers

If your white gold ring contains nickel, rhodium plating protects your skin – as long as the coating is intact. As soon as the layer wears off, the skin comes into contact with the nickel-containing base metal. Therefore: have it re-rhodium plated every 1-2 years.

Test Before Buying

An allergy test strip from the pharmacy can detect nickel in jewelry – simply moisten it and hold it against the metal. If it turns red, nickel is present.

At Corélune, you can get nickel-free jewelry alternatives upon request – in titanium, platinum, or high-carat gold. Skin-friendliness without compromising on design.