HYPOALLERGENIC JEWELRY

Let’s face it, a lot of people have Allergic Reactions to Gold and Jewelry!

Most people think this reaction is due to “Gold“, but usually it’s not the Gold that’s causing your Skin to Break out in Red Rashes, it’s the Nickel Alloys that are mixed with the Gold that are doing it.

So basically, any Jewelry that contains Nickel you’ll be Allergic to!

Jewelers can fend this off by Rhodium Plating Jewelry. Rhodium Plating is a Heavy, Protective White Layer of Metal that Adheres to the Ring and creates a Shield between the Ring and your Finger. Sadly, this Plating will eventually wear off and once your Skin touches the Nickel again, you’ll break out once more!

The only way to prevent this is by getting the item re-Rhodium Plated again!

You’ll see this happens a lot with Jewelry. Because Gold Jewelry is never Sold Pure (Solid 24k Gold) in the States. It’s always mixed with other Alloys (like Nickel, Copper, Silver) to make it more Durable to Wear… (Otherwise your Stones would Fall out and the Ring would Bend really, really Easily!)

So the real question is:

If you are Allergic to Nickel, what other choices are there?

What types of Metal Jewelry can you wear that won’t irritate your skin?

Let’s Take A Look at Hypoallergenic Jewelry

• Rhodium Plated Jewelry
• Platinum Jewelry
• Stainless Steel Jewelry
• Titanium Jewelry
• Tungsten Jewelry
• Sterling Silver

So you see, there are actually a lot of Metal you CAN wear!

Rhodium Plating

For most people, it’s true, you can just get your items Rhodium Plated and all will be fine. But you will have to get them replated at least every 1-2 years or so, depending on how much you Wear the Ring, how Rough you are on your Jewelry, how Fast the Plating wears off, how Thick the Plating is, and how much Body Acid you have in your Body… some people will eat through the Thin Layer of Plating Faster than others!

If you’re really Allergic and are having problems, I would just skip Rhodium Plating all together and opt for Platinum or the other White Metals. (If it’s an Engagement Ring or Wedding Set, you don’t have a lot of options, usually your best bet is Platinum!)

For other types of Jewelry, like Pendants, Earrings, Bracelets and even Watches, choose Stainless Steel, Platinum, Titanium, Tungsten or even Sterling Silver.

Sterling Silver

Silver usually contains Zinc and Copper, but sometimes you will find Sterling Silver containing Nickel as well. It may be Best to get your Silver Tested! Generally the downside to Silver is the fact that it will turn your fingers and Skin Black. That’s just the Nature of Silver. The Air Hits it and it causes Oxidation! Some Jewelry Manufacturers will Plate their Silver to Prevent this Tarnishing and Blackening from happening. But eventually that Plating (just like Rhodium Plating) will wear off and it will oxidate and Stain the Skin (which isn’t so pretty).

When in doubt, ask the Jewelry Store!

Or just check into the Alternative Metals like Titanium, Tungsten, and Platinum! Those are great for those with Allergies! And they are Very Durable to wear as well. Platinum is Ultra Expensive though, usually 4-5 times the price of Gold! But if Nickel irritates you, then it’s either pay the price, or not wear any Jewelry at all! :(

Amazon sells a lot of Hypoallergenic Jewelry, and their prices are usually Dirt Cheap! Check them out!

See some examples here:

All in all, I say try Rhodium Plating FIRST!

If that doesn’t work, then check out all the other Metals. Because not being able to wear your Rings and Jewelry is a sad, sad day.

No one wants that! :)

Last Note:

You will also find stores that sell “Nickel Free” Jewelry! This is practically the same exact thing as being “Hypoallergenic“… It’s the Nickel that causes the Allergic Reaction (99% of the time), and if it’s Nickel-Free, then you shouldn’t have any problems wearing them! Jewelry that is Nickel Free is usually just mixed with other Alloys that won’t cause Redness or Reactions!

Enjoy!