Jewelry Allergies and Metal Alternatives

Have you ever had an allergic reaction to jewelry? Perhaps you have and you just didn’t recognize what it was. Jewelry allergies are actually a common cause of allergic dermatitis or eczema, an itchy and inflammatory condition of the skin. Today’s blog takes a look at the most common symptoms of jewelry allergies. Some of the metals that cause them, and alternative metals you can use in jewelry if you do suffer from a jewelry allergy.

The allergy symptoms

Usually you’ll see allergic reactions to jewelry on the earlobes, fingers, or around the neck, where we most often wear jewelry. The most common symptoms are the following:

• skin rash / eczema
• itchiness that aries from mild to severe
• raised bumps on the skin
• redness
• dry patches on the skin ( resembles a burn)
• heat
• fluid-filled blisters in more severe cases

Jewelry allergies are fairly common

The majority of these allergies are caused by nickel, cobalt and chromium and it’s estimated that approximately 10-15% of people are allergic to one or more these metals. However, allergies to nickel are the most common. If you’re wondering why those sterling silver earrings or white gold rings you love to wear cause an allergic reaction, it’s likely because they both contain nickel, which is commonly found in both these metals. It’s used to increase their resistance to bending and scratching.

What to do if you have an allergic reaction to a piece of jewelry

If you suspect you’re having an allergic reaction to a piece of jewelry, the first thing you should do is immediately remove the piece of jewelry, and of course, avoid wearing it so you don’t have future reactions.

Home remedies

• Keep the skin cool by applying a cool, wet compress. This will help relieve itching, dry blisters and reduce swelling.
• Generously apply a soothing lotion, like calamine to ease itching.
• Moisturize regularly to restore the natural barrier of your skin that gets disrupted when it reacts to nickel.

If these home remedies don’t work, you might need to buy an over-the-counter topical cream to reduce the itching.

Severity of jewelry allergies

While most allergic reactions to jewelry are local to the area where the jewelry touched the skin. Sometimes the reaction can spread further than the immediately affected areas, particularly the hands. Of course, the allergic reaction differs among different people. With some experiencing more intense reactions like blistering and severe burning sensations while others experience very minor reactions or nearly imperceptible reactions. Reactions can also be heightened by perspiration, residual soap left under the jewelry piece or if the jewelry comes in contact with an open wound. For severe allergic reactions or reactions that don’t seem to dissipate, contact your doctor who will be able to give you a stronger medication to reduce inflammation and itching.

Alternative jewelry metal options

The good news is that having jewelry allergies doesn’t mean you can’t wear beautiful jewelry. There are plenty of beautiful alternative metals you can wear that won’t cause an allergic reaction:

Beautiful jewelry like the examples you see below are custom-made to your tastes and style and you’ll be able to wear them without fear of developing a reaction.

Sapphire, diamond and gold bridal set

Rose gold and diamond engagement ring

Enamel and gold earrings

Custom-made jewelry with alternative metals

As you can see, having allergies to certain metals, doesn’t at all mean you have to limit your jewelry choices. We have thousands of styles that we can custom craft for you from a choice of precious metals. If you want to get a gorgeous, quality, custom-made ring, we’re here for you.

Get Custom-Made Allergy-Free Jewelry