My aunt claimed that only "pure gold" jewelry would prevent her allergies from occurring. This would cause my uncle great difficulties as "pure gold" isn't made into jewelry as it is too soft. Yet, being a noble man, my uncle would buy the best he could find. Yet, even with that, my aunt still had issues with allergies.
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. This has been a common practice for centuries after it was discovered that even 85% pure gold was very soft and would wear out quickly. 24K (or Karat) gold is 100% pure, and would wear away in no time.
Silver, zinc and copper are naturally used by your body. Nickel is not. So, it makes sense that nickel-containing jewelry is the culprit of the allergic reaction. The allergic reaction is referred to as "Contact Dermatitis" and may begin at any age. Once you have dermatitis, and your doctor has tested you to verify it is indeed a nickel allergy, you may find that your best course of action is to avoid nickel jewelry as this type of allergy often lasts decades (if not longer).
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 may purchase 18 Karat yellow gold (and possibly 14 Karat yellow gold) if it is nickel free. Here are some tips that may help: For gold rings, coat the inside with clear nail polish, about three coats. This should keep the metal off your skin, but will eventually wear off, and it may damage the ring itself. It is not recommended for the backsides of your gold earrings, use plastic covers, and use only hypoallergenic or platinum posts.
The more practical approach to all of this is to sell your white gold and gold-filled jewelry. Simply buy stunning jewelry that does not have nickel. Copper, although a very base metal to wear, can be worked into beautiful pieces. They have to be well taken care of, though, and tarnish, especially when exposed to acids in the sweat. This can often result in a green stain on the skin where the jewelry was. 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.
Sterling silver can be a wonderful and beautiful replacement when it is made nickel free. 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, although expensive, can hold pendants and be shaped into rings and necklaces, and resembles 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.
Try to avoid "surgical stainless steel" as they may contain nickel, but there are reports from nickel allergy sufferers that they get no reaction from it.
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 really want gold jewelry, 18 Kt yellow gold jewelry (not filled or electroplate) will work great. 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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Being allergic to earrings is painful. Find useful solutions to earring allergies - so you can enjoy wearing all types of jewelry.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
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