WHAT DOES HYPOALLERGENIC JEWELRY MEAN?
People with allergies often have to be careful about what they wear and come into contact with, as even the smallest amount of an allergen can cause a reaction. So if you're looking for the best hypoallergenic jewelry, but you don't quite know what that means. Read on for a definition of hypoallergenic jewelry and what materials are best to look for if you have metal allergies.
FIRST, WHAT IS A JEWELRY ALLERGY?
A jewelry allergy is a negative response that occurs when your body comes into contact with certain metals. These allergies are relatively rare, but they still exist and can cause a range of symptoms, including rashes, itching, and swelling.
If you think you may be allergic to jewelry, it's essential to see a doctor or allergist to get tested. Once you know which metal you have an aversion to, you can take steps to avoid exposure and keep your symptoms under control.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF A JEWELRY ALLERGY:
Jewelry allergies can cause a range of symptoms, including:
- Rashes
- Itching
- Redness
- Swelling
- Blisters
If you experience any of these symptoms after wearing a piece of jewelry, it is a sign that you are allergic to the jewelry metals used in the worn piece. Nickel is a common allergen found in many jewelry components. If you have an allergy to nickel, you may react to gold, silver, etc., because they contain nickel.
If you have an allergy, look for jewelry without nickel. If you must wear problematic metals, coat the inside of pieces with clear nail polish or another protective barrier. You can also ask your jeweler to cover the metal with a special lacquer designed to block allergens.
WHAT CAUSES A JEWELRY ALLERGY?
An aversion to jewelry stems from exposure to low-cost base metals (nickel, lead, etc.) You can also be allergic to other unexpected components, such as resin.
If you have a metal allergy, you may be more likely to develop an allergy to other metals. For example, if you're allergic to nickel, you may have a hypersensitivity to cobalt or gold. It is best to look for no nickel jewelry.
WHAT DOES HYPOALLERGENIC MEAN?
There are no established tests or medical definitions for the term "hypoallergenic." The use of this term varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. This confusion makes it difficult for shoppers to find authentic hypoallergenic jewelry.
Hypoallergenic jewelry generally consists of materials less likely to cause an adverse skin reaction, such as itching or red blotches. Sterling Silver, rhodium, titanium, and tungsten carbide are some of the most popular hypoallergenic metals.
Most of the time, if you have a jewelry allergy, it is due to an aversion to (nickel, lead, and other inexpensive alloys, etc.). Look for jewelry without nickel or these other alloys, which is easier said than done! Surgical stainless steel, for example, includes 12 percent nickel, and 18k gold can have up to 25% of anything!
WHAT ARE HYPOALLERGENIC METALS? ARE SOME BETTER THAN OTHERS?
IS HYPOALLERGENIC NICKEL FREE?
What is hypoallergenic jewelry? It's jewelry that doesn't contain any materials that are known to cause metal allergies. That includes nickel, which is found in most costume jewelry.
However, hypoallergenic does not necessarily mean no nickel jewelry. Some metals that are considered hypoallergenic, such as stainless steel, may still contain trace amounts of nickel.
So, if you're looking for certified nickel-free jewelry, make sure to check the labels carefully.
IS THERE NICKEL IN YELLOW GOLD?
WHAT IS THE BEST JEWELRY FOR SENSITIVE SKIN?
Niobium and titanium are rare and not commonly used in jewelry and are expensive to produce but are ideal for those looking for hypoallergenic jewelry.
WHICH METALS ARE MORE LIKELY TO CAUSE AN ALLERGIC REACTION?
Any metal may cause an allergy, although nickel, cobalt, and chromates are the most common offenders. Manufacturers frequently combine nickel and cobalt with other more expensive metals to make alloys. These metals are frequent in low-quality pieces, such as costume trinkets.
When you wear jewelry, if you have an aversion to common allergens (such as nickel, cobalt, chromium, etc.), it is essential to replace inexpensive jewelry pieces with higher-quality metals. More expensive metals are less likely to cause allergy symptoms. Alternative metal jewelry for sensitive skin includes:
- Rhodium.
- Stainless steel.
- 24K Yellow Gold.
- Pure Silver.
If you like gold, go for yellow gold that is 14-karat or higher. The higher the karat weight, the more gold there is in the alloy, and the less likely you react to it.
If you prefer sterling silver, make sure it's genuine sterling silver. Some costume jewels consist of "silver-plated" metals, which may contain nickel.
Also, avoid white gold and plated items, as these sometimes contain nickel or cobalt. If you can find white gold free of nickel or cobalt (made with metals like palladium or rhodium instead), then that is considered hypoallergenic white gold. This type of metal is usually harder to find and more expensive, but it is possible to find hypoallergenic white gold.
IS ALLOY HYPERALLERGENIC?
IS RHODIUM HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS RHODIUM PLATED SILVER HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS PLATINUM HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS PALLADIUM HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS ALUMINUM HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS COPPER HYPOALLERGENIC?
No, copper metal is not nonallergenic. It is a pure element utilized for wire wrapping since it is an exceptionally soft material. Once it is exposed to air, it develops a patina and darkens. The green stains result from copper oxidation when combined with sweat and other substances. Your body chemistry determines how much and how quickly the epidermis layer goes green.
If you don't want copper metal to stain the epidermis, spray it with a clear UV stable lacquer, but this isn't a nonallergenic layer because all lacquers fade away, especially when they come into contact with acidic sweat.
If reapplication of the lacquer does not occur, this will cause the wearer to suffer from irritation such as itching and red blotches.
Copper reacts with sensitive skin, resulting in an ugly green/black coloration, especially when exposed to acidic elements.
IS 14K GOLD PLATED HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS ROSE GOLD JEWELRY HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS SILVER HYPOALLERGENIC
Pure silver is anti-allergenic that is rarely used in jewelry due to its extreme softness.
IS STERLING SILVER HYPOALLERGENIC?
Because pure silver is too soft, it is combined with other alloys to make it easier to work with and improve durability. Sterling silver is 92.5 percent silver, as shown by the 925 mark, combined with additional metals such as zinc. Some people with sensitive skin are allergic to sterling silver, but this is rare.
Some people with sensitive skin who are allergic to sterling silver can experience inflammation and dryness, resulting in blisters. If you have a sterling silver allergy, you can try wearing hypoallergenic jewelry made from sterling silver that has been plated with an element such as rhodium. Rhodium is a precious metal that is used to plate other metals, including sterling silver, to give them a shiny finish and act as a protective barrier.
People with a sterling silver allergy can also try wearing sterling silver jewelry that has been coated with transparent enamel. This can help to protect the skin from coming into contact with sterling silver.
IS STAINLESS STEEL HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS BRONZE HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS TUNGSTEN HYPOALLERGENIC?
Yes, tungsten is considered allergen-free because of its low nickel content.
Tungsten metal is highly strong, thick, and tough; due to its density, Tungsten rings appear to be quite hefty for their size. Tungsten rings are more likely to include the element cobalt, which can cause allergic reactions in certain people.
Typically, tungsten alloys with carbon make it even tougher. This alloy is called tungsten carbide. One significant benefit is that tungsten carbide is extremely scratch resistant. Because some Tungsten carbide alloys with cobalt, it's advisable to double-check the composition before purchasing.
Tungsten metal has a downside: it contains roughly 15% nickel metal as a binding agent.
IS BRASS HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS GOLD-FILLED JEWELRY HYPOALLERGENIC?
IS NICKEL FREE BRASS HYPOALLERGENIC?
Certified nickel-free jewelry is a great choice for people with delicate skin. Nickel free hypoallergenic jewelry is less likely to cause an allergic reaction, and it's also more durable than other metals. However, nickel free does not mean it is nickel free hypoallergenic jewelry.There is a big difference.
WHAT IS CADMIUM FREE OR LEAD-FREE JEWELRY?
Cadmium metal is a soft, bluish-white material usually found in the earth's crust as a mineral combined with other elements, like oxygen, chlorine, and sulfur. Cadmium metal is a common top layer in plating. Cadmium makes the piece shiny and adds weight to it. However, cadmium is also toxic and a suspected carcinogen.
Likewise, the metal lead makes pieces heavier and brightens colors. The metal lead is harmful, which doesn't break down in the environment and accumulates in our bodies. High levels of lead are commonly found in inexpensive jewelry pieces.
So, avoid these problematic metals when shopping for jewelry.
WHAT DO I DO IF MY JEWELRY IS CAUSE SYMPTOMS?
If you are wearing a metal ring, the ideal approach is to remove the metal ring and clean it thoroughly with a germ-killing antibacterial wipe before switching hands while the afflicted region recuperates.
If you're wearing a watch, keep your straps loose enough so that they can move freely; instead of strapping them on too tightly because air needs to circulate, or you'll trap sweat and bacteria underneath the watchband, exacerbating the rash.
If you're wearing costume jewelry, try to avoid putting it on areas that are likely to sweat. When taking off the jewelry, wipe it down with an alcohol swab to clean it before storing it.
After showering or hand-washing, take an extra moment to dry well under the band, ring, or bracelet, and then create a moisture barrier with unscented glycerin-rich hand cream. This will act as a protective barrier, repelling water and retaining moisture.
If you think you may be allergic to nickel, visit an allergist for patch testing. This will help you identify other metals you may be allergic to as well. If you develop a rash from wearing jewelry, stop wearing the piece and consult a doctor.
WRAPPING UP
Finally, there is no one-size-fits-all rule because everyone's body chemistry is different. You'll need to test different pieces against your skin to see which ones cause the fewest problems. With a little bit of experimentation, you should be able to find the best hypoallergenic jewelry for you.