Redness, itching, or small blisters on your earlobe? Then your skin is probably reacting to a metal in the jewelry. The most common cause is nickel. With the right material, you can still wear jewelry that you enjoy.
Why does the skin react to jewelry?
In the case of a nickel allergy, the immune system reacts to nickel ions that dissolve from the metal through sweat. Ear piercings are particularly affected because the backing sits directly in the tissue. Copper can also cause skin reactions in some people. If symptoms persist, an allergy test with a dermatologist is worthwhile.
Materials at a glance
- 925 sterling silver consists of 92.5% silver. The rest is usually copper; nickel is generally not included in high-quality sterling silver. Well tolerated by many people with sensitive skin.
- Rhodium-plated silver has an additional layer of rhodium, a precious metal from the platinum group. It protects against tarnishing and forms a barrier between the skin and the silver.
- Gold vermeil is a thick layer of gold on sterling silver – so the core is also silver instead of a base metal.
- Gold-plated brass or stainless steel is cheaper. Whether it is well tolerated depends on the alloy and the thickness of the coating.
- Titanium and platinum are considered particularly skin-friendly but are rare in fashion jewelry.
Tips for sensitive skin
- Pay special attention to the material of the backing when choosing earrings – it has the closest contact with the skin.
- Check the product description to see if the manufacturer states "nickel-free".
- Keep jewelry clean and dry. Sweat and cream residue promote skin reactions.
- With gold-plated jewelry: If the coating is worn away, the base metal comes into contact with the skin.
Our jewelry
A large part of our jewelry is made of 925 sterling silver, often rhodium-plated, or gold vermeil on sterling silver – for example, the Infinity stud earrings, the Moissanite stud earrings or the Pearl stud earrings in gold vermeil. The exact material is listed under "Material & Care" for every product. If you don't have a pierced ear, our ear clips are an alternative.
Note: This article is not a substitute for medical advice. In the event of severe or persistent skin reactions, please contact a dermatologist.