Jewelry Allergy Solutions

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I had an aunt that insisted that my uncle buy her only "pure gold" jewelry, due to the fact she was "allergic" to any other jewelry. My poor uncle had to discover, to his chagrin, that there really isn't any "pure gold" jewelry, which would be too soft to use in any practical sense, and that my aunt's allergies cropped up even when he bought the "purest" he could find.

Once she visited her doctor, my aunt understood that she was allergic to nickel, which is commonly mixed with gold and other metals to add strength, flexibility and durability. Alloying metals with gold has been a standard method for hundreds of years as pure gold is extremely soft and won't make lasting jewelry. 24 Karat (24 Kt) gold is 100% pure gold and is too soft to last.

Silver, zinc and copper are naturally used by your body. Nickel is not. So, it is reasonable to conclude that the nickel-containing jewelry is causing all the uncomfortable symptoms. The allergic reaction is referred to as "Contact Dermatitis" and may begin at any age. After the dermatitis appears, and your physician has pinpointed that it is indeed from the nickel alloys in the jewelry, you may be stuck with the allergy for the rest of your life.

So how can you treat this allergy without losing your precious gold? Unfortunately, white gold is white due to the nickel it contains. However, you can buy 18 Kt yellow gold (and sometimes 14 Kt yellow gold) if it is nickel free. You may want to try these tips that may help: For gold rings that contain nickel, apply a barrier such as Reaction block or 3 coatings of clear nail polish. This should keep the metal off your skin, but will eventually wear off, and it may damage the ring itself. Coating earring posts is not recommended as it does wear off. Hence, use platinum or hypoallergenic posts.

An easy approach would be to sell all your nickel containing accessories such as white gold or gold filled jewelry. Then, purchase items that do not contain nickel, but are just as attractive. Copper, although a very base metal to wear, can be worked into beautiful pieces. These pieces need to be carefully cared for as they will tarnish when exposed to acids in the sweat. Unfortunately, you may find that there is a green stain on your skin identical to the shape of the piece of jewelry. Often copper jewelry artisans will use a clear coat of enamel or other barrier material on areas that touch the body to avoid such a reaction.

Nickel-free sterling silver is a wonderful alternative, but verify first. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. The other metals can be any metal (including nickel). Fortunately, it is usually copper. However, to be certain, buy pieces that say "nickel free".

Platinum, though higher priced, is made into many types of jewelry such as bracelets, rings, and pendants. Many people feel it is even more beautiful than white gold.

Titanium is a durable metal that is hypoallergenic. It is wonderful for people with allergies. Jewelry made of Titanium can last almost forever.

Though some people find that "surgical stainless steel" has a small enough amount of nickel that it doesn't cause a reaction, other people have symptoms from it. Avoiding this metal is recommended.

Do not trust "German silver" as it nearly pure nickel mixed with other base shiny metals.

There are many fabulous choices to replace white gold jewelry. If you truly desire gold jewelry, 18 Karat yellow jewelry (not electroplate, plated, or filled) won't cause a reaction. There are many cost-effective alternatives available for your enjoyment. Making lifestyle changes that improve your health are worthwhile. Changing from white gold to platinum is easy as is using 18 Kt gold instead of gold fill. Now you also know inexpensive alternatives too.



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Categories: allergies