Hypoallergenic jewellery is special for people with sensitivity to certain types of metals, a very common problem that many people experience when wearing jewellery. It is a condition that can manifest itself through redness, rashes, itching, rash, and more. Symptoms that can occur in any part of the body and to which we must be aware. Especially if we are people with sensitive skin or suffer from an allergy.

Joyas Hipoalergénicas Joyería Pulseras Hypoallergenic jewellery
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For this reason and in order not to deprive people of wearing jewellery, today many jewellers use hypoallergenic metals. However, there may be some confusion about this term. And some of us also wonder, what exactly does hypoallergenic mean? Does it mean nickel free? What metals are safe to use?

So, to shed some light on the subject, we will provide information, which will serve to answer these and other questions, about what exactly hypoallergenic jewellery is.

What is behind hypoallergenic jewellery?

To answer this question, the following terms should first be clarified:

Hypoallergenic

Currently this term has gained great popularity among the metals that are used in jewellery for being safe for use. Since they are metals “that have a low risk of causing allergic reactions”. Most importantly, they apparently do not contain the biggest cause of jewellery allergies, nickel.

What is nickel?

This is a white metal that is generally used in the manufacture of metallic alloys, to add strength and colour to metals. However, it is a material to which approximately 15% of people are allergic. Therefore, sometimes the terms “nickel free” and “hypoallergenic” seem synonymous and are often used interchangeably.

However, nickel is not the only material that causes jewellery allergies. Well, there are people who may be allergic to copper or bronze jewellery, and even silver or gold jewellery. These last two are hypoallergenic materials, but in their purest state they cannot be used for jewellery making, because they are soft metals. Which means that they must be combined with other metals to alter their hardness, durability, and colour.

This is how most of the metals described as hypoallergenic contain traces of nickel to improve their properties. Therefore, hypoallergenic does not mean nickel free. Otherwise, the amount of this is below normal or slightly allergenic and therefore cannot cause problems. In fact, the percentage is so tiny that it requires very sensitive instruments to measure it.

Having said that, in jewellery the term hypoallergenic does not have a medical or legal definition. So anyone can use the term hypoallergenic and there would be no way to regulate the quality of the metal.

What is the best way to wear hypoallergenic jewellery?

Instead of looking for those metals marked as hypoallergenic, when buying hypoallergenic jewellery, it is best to look for specific and safe metals. So, it is best to know which are the materials to avoid and which are hypoallergenic. In order to choose attractive jewellery and accessories without fear of suffering an allergic reaction.

In general, the higher the purity of the metal, the less likely it will cause allergies. For example, some people may be allergic to 14K gold, which is 58.3% gold. But they have no problem wearing jewellery with 18K gold (75% gold).

Likewise, it must be considered that different people may also have an allergy to different metals. And therefore there is no one metal that fits all, but what is certain is that the metals named below tend to cause fewer problems:

Metals that are safe to use

1. Platinum

Platinum jewellery is worked and created with high levels of purity, which are generally higher than gold. Thus being very safe to use. For example, 90 to 95% pure platinum is used compared to 37.5 and 75% of 9 and 18 karat gold, respectively.

2. Niobium

It is not an alloy but rather a soft, malleable, low toxicity element that is resistant to corrosion. But it also does not contain nickel and is one of the most inert metals, so it is very safe and ideal for hypoallergenic jewellery. On the other hand, it does not tarnish either, it is very durable and can be anodized to other colours, resulting in beautiful iridescent colours.

3. Titanium

Like niobium, titanium is also an element, specifically an incredibly corrosion-resistant metal, very durable, inexpensive and lightweight. It is also the most inert metal, which means that it is also the most hypoallergenic material for creating jewellery.

4. 18K yellow gold and rose gold and above

Yellow gold and rose gold alloys are mixed with copper and silver, all of which are safe metals.

5. Surgical stainless steel:

Stainless steel is the most popular metal used to make hypoallergenic jewellery. Since it is a material that does not rust, it does not darken over time, it does not show alterations in its tone and brightness. And best of all, it is anti-allergic. Although it may contain small amounts of nickel, the amount it does have is residual, so it rarely causes allergies.

6. Argentium Silver

Argentium Silver is 100% nickel free, making it non-hazardous to people with metal sensitivity.   It is the whitest, most durable metal, highly resistant to scratching and tarnishing. Additionally, Argentium silver is made solely from recycled silver, so it is also an eco-friendly option.

What materials should we avoid?

1. White Gold

Although currently platinum is used instead of nickel in white gold alloys. This type of gold generally contains nickel in its composition, which is added to improve whiteness and durability. Additionally, these jewels use a rhodium plating, which can prevent nickel from coming into contact with your skin. But when it wears out, it is likely to react with the wearer’s skin.

2. Nickel silver

Alpaca, as it is also known, is one of the most sought-after materials in jewellery thanks to its Argentine white colour. But it is not silver at all, it is so named because it looks like silver. Specifically, it is a fancy name for an alloy of copper, nickel, zinc, and some tin. So we should avoid it especially if we are sensitive to nickel.

3. Jewellery

Inexpensive jewellery mostly uses gold or silver plated non-precious metals. Nickel being one of the base metals, which is generally used as a filler. That is why generally when metal comes into contact with your skin, it can cause irritation.

Is sterling silver hypoallergenic?

Most people can safely wear sterling silver if it is of good quality. Although some may be allergic to silver or copper, this is usually very rare. Sterling silver does not usually contain nickel, but rather pure silver (92.5%) and copper (7.5%) or other metals such as zinc. So, to be safe, only buy from reputable suppliers.

Is brass hypoallergenic?

No, this material is not hypoallergenic and can cause allergic reactions. Since, it is manufactured using an alloy of copper and zinc, but nickel is sometimes included in the mixture.

However, one thing to consider is that brass can turn the skin green. But that does not mean that it is harmful or that we have an allergic reaction to metal. It is only the copper chelates that interact with sweat on the skin.

In short, the next time you want to buy jewellery and see the label “hypoallergenic”; on a piece of jewellery. It is advisable to ask why it is hypoallergenic and if it is really safe to use them. While, in the case of costume jewellery, it is most likely that it is some type of coating, which over time will leave your skin exposed to possible allergic reactions. Therefore, if it is within your means, it is advisable to opt for purer metals, which are safe and friendly to your skin.

ALFA