Understanding Metal Allergies for Jewelry - Valerie Madison

Overview

Metal allergies aren’t as frequently discussed as other common allergens, but when you’re wearing jewelry, this is an important topic to understand. Between 10-20% of people in the United States have this type of allergy, but that number is rising, likely due to more affordable jewelry and increased piercings. Metal allergy reactions range from redness or dryness to hives, itchiness, and swelling.

Unfortunately, you may not know you have a metal allergy until you’ve already gotten a piercing or invested in an expensive piece of jewelry. Even then, it often takes 12-48 hours before symptoms start to show up. What do you do then?

We often receive inquiries about metal allergies, especially from customers who have had negative experiences with plated costume jewelry or other cheap metal alloys. These experiences leave customers uncertain about what went wrong and often lead to common queries about what jewelry is best for sensitive wearers. Let's delve into how metal allergies occur and how to choose the right jewelry if you're allergic or sensitive to certain metals.

What Causes Metal Allergies? Most Common Trigger Metals

The number one type of metal on the allergy list is nickel, which is found in many household items, including clothing zippers and even food*. When it comes to choosing jewelry, there are many nickel-free options, such as yellow gold, rose gold, and platinum. These metals are often labeled safe for sensitive jewelry wearers, but even they can cause allergic reactions, particularly if they aren’t pure (they have alloys mixed in them).

Here are some crucial facts about metal allergies and the most common trigger metals:

White gold contains up to 25% nickel (depending on the content ratios) and can trigger a reaction.
Some people develop allergies with age or prolonged wear of certain pieces. You may find that the same jewelry you’ve worn for years suddenly starts irritating your skin because your immune system now sees it as a threat.
Metals that contain brass cause a “brass reaction” that turns the skin green. This is typically harmless and is not an allergic reaction.

Allergies can’t be reversed, but wearing nickel-free or high-purity metal jewelry can reduce the chance of a reaction. If you aren’t sure what’s causing your reaction, a dermatologist may be able to help you patch test your skin so you can choose safer pieces. Always read the jewelry labels and ask about metal mixtures (alloys) to protect your skin.

*It should be noted that while nickel allergies are the most common metal allergy, there are known cases of copper allergies and even gold allergies so consult with your physician if you are experiencing symptoms.

Symptoms, Treatments, & Alternatives

If you are hypersensitive to some metals, within 12-48 hours, you may notice symptoms including ash, itching, redness, dry patches or blisters, which can last from a few days to a few weeks.

Unfortunately, there is no cure for metal allergies so stick to general avoidance. The best alternatives to a nickel allergy are metals of 14K or higher in yellow or rose gold as well as platinum - these are specifically nickel free. Every single piece made with these alloys are stamped with a 14k, 18k, or PT marking, providing authenticity assurance so you can feel safe knowing that these items do not contain nickel.

All of our jewelry is designed in a minimum of 14k yellow gold, with the options to select an alternative alloy such as rose gold, white gold, or platinum. We take pride in creating high quality jewelry made from the best recycled gold in order to provide you with the finest jewelry experience possible and pieces that are made to last.

Best Metals & Materials for Sensitive Skin

Part of what determines the cost of jewelry is the metal the piece is made out of. The more pure it is, the higher the value. This purity serves a second purpose, though — it reduces the risk of metal alloys mixed into the jewelry, letting you know exactly what you’re wearing.

Metals like platinum, high‑karat yellow gold, titanium, niobium, and medical‑grade stainless steel are relatively high in purity or mixed with a biocompatible (skin-friendly) alloy. Platinum jewelry tops the list at an average of 90-95%, followed by 18 karat yellow gold at around 75%. So, when you buy jewelry, what it’s labeled is likely not the only ingredient. When you have a metal allergy, this little tidbit of information is vital

So, how do you know exactly what’s in the jewelry before you buy it? Here is a helpful checklist to guide you.

What to Check When Buying Jewelry (Checklist Before Purchase)

Sensitive skin can be irritating at best and dangerous at worst. Rather than taking a chance that your next jewelry investment is safe just because of the label, follow this pre-purchase safety check:

Find out the exact metal purity ratio. How much of that number is a nickel alloy (or whatever metal you are allergic to)? Look for nickel-free and sensitive skin labels, but don’t take them at face value.
Ask for the hypoallergenic or medical-grade categories. Depending on your allergy severity, you may be okay with hypoallergenic, which means it is made of reduced allergens. Severe allergies can benefit from going with medical-grade, a term that refers to products that meet strict purity and biocompatibility standards (as needed in medical facilities like hospitals).
Ask about any coatings or plating that might wear off. Many jewelery pieces have an outer layer of pure metal covering a cheaper alloy mixture to make the piece more affordable.
Shop at reputable jewelers, like Valerie Madison, where brand reputation is high and customer reviews about allergies show positive results.

Even with these careful safety checks done first, it’s possible that your skin may not like your new jewelry piece. Ask about the return or exchange policy just in case of irritation.

Conclusion - How to Enjoy Jewelry Without Compromising Skin Health

When you think of hypoallergenic or medical-grade metals, you might assume this category means you need to sacrifice style for skin safety. This couldn’t be further from the truth! When you shop at Valerie Madison, every piece of fine jewelry is designed to be beautifully-made to fit into your lifestyle. Many of our pieces can be custom-made, ensuring your metal allergies don’t need to compromise your personality and preferences. Visit us online or in-person in our Seattle boutique to discuss how we can help you find the next addition to your jewelry collection.

FAQs

Question 1: Can pure gold still cause allergies?

Pure 24K gold rarely causes allergies. However, because this gold is so soft, it isn’t used in most jewelry. But 18K, 14K, and lower-karat golds are mixed with nickel or copper, both of which can trigger allergies.

Question 2: Is “hypoallergenic” label enough guarantee?

Hypoallergenic refers to jewelry with fewer allergens in the design. It doesn’t guarantee you won’t have an allergic reaction — just that it reduces your risk of one.

Question 3: What metals are safest for earrings/necklaces/rings?

Earrings, necklaces, and rings are often worn long-term. To minimize your chances of developing an allergy or triggering one you already have, look for metals marketed for sensitive skin: platinum, high‑karat yellow gold, titanium, niobium, and certain medical‑grade stainless steels. The labels “low‑nickel” or “nickel‑free” are usually (but not always) safe options.

Question 4: Does plating pose a risk even if jewelry is cheap?

Yes. Plating or coating means that the top layer of the jewelry piece is made of a more pure metal, but it can wear off. When that happens, the alloy mixture underneath, such as nickel, brass, or copper comes in contact with your skin. This plating makes costume jewelry inexpensive, but it comes with a cost when you’re allergic to metals.

Question 5: How to test if you’re allergic to a metal.

As with most allergy tests, patch testing with a dermatologist is best. The doctor applies traces of suspected metal to the skin over several days, watching for reactions to each. Remember, many metal allergies take a day or two to show up, so this process is slow and steady on purpose.