nichel Archives | gioiellis.com

Low priced jewelry is dangerous?

Published on November 27, 2023

Are jewelry bought on stalls or markets dangerous? Cause allergies? In London they discovered… ♦ ︎

The alarm comes time ago from London. But it can be safely extended to the whole of Europe and, perhaps, to the United States, Australia, and so on. The alarm concerns low-cost bijoux that are sold on stalls, markets, and cheap stores. These jewels, which in almost all cases are manufactured in the Far East countries, like China, often contain toxic substances. In short, they cost little, but the money that you save will be spent in medicine.

The survey results
According to a survey conducted by London Trading Standards and made known by Professional Jeweler, over half of the necklaces low cost have excessive levels of toxic materials. To find out, 30 metal necklaces were purchased from stalls and stores in London. Bijoux has been analyzed to identify components, in particular lead, cadmium and nickel release, measured according to European parameters (Reach Regulation). Lead and cadmium are toxic metals and only very low levels of jewelery are allowed (0.05% and 0.01% of total weight). Result: on 30 tested necklaces, 19 were not conforming to the rules (63.3%), only 11 variants (36.7%) had acceptable levels of lead, cadmium and nickel while 50% had excess lead, In one case even 82.4%.

Bigiotteria in vendita — Jewelry for sale at the market

Nickel allergy
Nickel, in particular, is known to create a sensitivity reaction and is the most common cause of contact allergy in Europe. And one of the headed necklaces had a very high nickel rate, over 60% of the maximum allowed.
How to avoid allergies to nickel

You may not know that many metals that you come into contact with are toxic. Here are the 35 most dangerous: antimony, arsenic, bismuth, cadmium, cerium, chromium, cobalt, copper, gallium, gold, iron, lead, manganese, mercury, nickel, platinum, silver, tellurium, thallium, tin, uranium, vanadium and zinc.

When excessive exposure to these metals occurs, you may feel asthenia and fatigue, up to brain damage, to the lungs, kidneys, liver, up to abnormal changes in the composition of the blood.

Of course it is very difficult that a jewel should cause these symptoms. But it should be noted that prolonged contact with these metals can result in progressive muscle and neurological degeneration, with symptoms typical of serious degenerative diseases such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease and muscular dystrophy, in addition to tumors.

It should be noted that the list also includes metals such as gold and silver, which are not considered harmful. This is undoubtedly true of jewelry. Yet even gold, if inhaled (for example when powdered) or ingested, can be harmful. Furthermore, there is a small group of people who are also allergic to gold.

Bancarella di bijoux — Stall with jewellery

Mercatino di Portobello, Londra — Portobello Market, London

How to avoid allergies to nickel

Published on August 15, 2023

Campus

Have you ever found marks on the skin where you have worn rings, necklaces or earrings? They could have been caused by nickel allergy. Here’s what you need to do to avoid nickel allergy ♦

Receiving a beautiful ring as a gift and not being able to wear it: the fault lies with the allergy. It often happens that a jewel, perhaps a favorite, turns out to be an enemy of the skin. The most common cause is nickel dermatitis, also called contact dermatitis, nickel allergy. The problem can arise at any time and at any age. Even jewelry that up to that moment has never caused irritation, can suddenly turn out to be harmful. Each individual human body reacts differently to nickel depending on tolerance and sensitivity level. Among other things, there are rare cases in which the allergy is also manifested by wearing gold or silver jewelry: but the most frequent cause is, also in this case, the nickel content present in bijoux. Pure gold and silver are metals too soft to be transformed into frames. Nickel has often been added, like zinc and copper, to make gold and silver more resistant and allow it to give the desired shape. In addition, the nickel gives a shiny effect. Zinc and copper do not damage the skin, which is instead more and more nickel.

Saranno gioielli a prova di dermatite? — Will it be dermatitis-proof jewels?

The dangerous metals. Keep in mind that 14-karat or 18-karat gold contains a greater amount of different metals than 24-karat gold, the only one that is completely pure. In short, the purer the gold, the less allergies it causes. Nickel is also used in jewelry in alloys with platinum and white gold. But platinum jewelry is quite expensive and, statistically, there are fewer cases of allergies, as it is rarer. In addition, platinum and white gold are also often reinforced with palladium, a metal that does not cause allergies. However, it is more expensive.

Often the allergy is caused by the contact of the metal with the most sensitive layer of the skin, such as the hole in the nose or ear. Nickel penetrates through the skin into the bloodstream of the body. At this point the cells react to the nickel. Another cause that can give rise to allergies is sweat. When it is hot and the jewelry is worn for a long time, the skin sweats. Perspiration comes into contact with the metal of the jewelry, dissolves the nickel, and forms nickel salts. The salt reacts on contact with the skin and causes the allergy. It is commonly believed that women suffer more than men, but the number of men wearing jewelry is far less.

L'attrice e modella Kendall Jenner su Instagram con un enorme anello al naso — Actress and model Kendall Jenner on Instagram with a huge nose ring

Symptoms. Nickel allergy can cause blood loss, or swelling and the production of pus. In most cases, however, there is a constant itching or burning around the area where the skin has been in direct contact with the jewel. More rarely, allergic people find a blue tint on their finger after removing a ring, or a rash or red spots on the skin. Nickel allergy sufferers end up wearing only stainless steel jewelry. In fact, this metal also contains nickel, but it also does not leave it as it is hermetically held, it rarely comes in direct contact with the skin.

Orecchini di metallo con lega di nickel indossati — Worn nickel alloy metal earrings

Another enemy are the traces of soap and water under the jewels. The cleansers break the protective shield of the skin and allow the nickel to come into direct contact with the deeper layers. Earrings and rings are more likely to retain water droplets after a bath. Taking off your jewelry before washing is a useful precaution, especially when doing housework and hands being washed countless times. Detergents or other cleaning products that get under a ring can cause allergy. Unfortunately, there are no cures: dermatologists offer some medical treatments, but they are usually only effective for the short term. After some time, regardless of the treatment, the allergy reappears.

How to avoid allergy. If you really don’t want to do it, or if you forget to remove the rings, pass a layer of transparent nail polish inside the jewel: it can help avoid direct contact with the metal. Another precaution to avoid allergies can be to apply talcum powder before wearing the jewelry: in this way, humidity is avoided. Furthermore, those who fear an allergic reaction must be careful not to wear tight earrings, rings or chains: if the air passes through the jewel it is less likely that contact with the skin causes a reaction. Alternating jewelry more often reduces the risk. Finally, remember to keep the jewelry clean and dry. Those who are very sensitive to nickel can choose lacquered or palladium-plated jewelry.

Do you want to know what nickel is?
It seems the original name of this metal, nickel, derives from the Swedish word Nickel, diminutive of a proper name, Nicolaus. And in the tradition of the Nordic country Nicolaus was a name given to people of little value, but also to goblins. But metal has nothing to do with Henry Potter’s wizarding world. Nickel, or nickel, is a metal that was already used in the Bronze Age, over 3500 years ago, in the Middle East and China. In the West, nickel came into common use in the mid-eighteenth century, when Baron Axel Frederik Cronstedt, attempting to extract copper from a mineral, niccolite, obtained a white metal which he called nickel, a name that derives from the German Kupfernickel, that is, false copper, or from nickel (elf, little devil in German).

La moneta di nickel da 5 centesimi di dollaro con Thomas Jefferson — The 5 cent nickel (25%) coin featuring Thomas Jefferson

Why is it used?
Nickel is a white, silvery metal. It belongs to the iron group and is therefore hard, but also malleable, easy to work with. It is also appreciated in jewelery for the properties it gives when alloyed with gold, platinum or silver, especially because it gives strength and is resistant to corrosion.

Una moneta da 5 centesimi: contiene nickel — A 5 cent euro coin: contains nickel

Nickel, in addition to being present in many jewelry alloys together with gold, is used in a wide range of products. So if you have signs of allergy on your hands, maybe it’s not your earrings, but cutlery, watches, scissors, lighters, cell phones, doorknobs and even coins. And if you have marks on your neck, it is not certain that the cause is the necklace, but perhaps glasses, food and pots…

The first thing to do, in short, is to check with which metals you come in contact often.

But, be careful: maybe you do not know that nickel can also be hidden in cosmetics, personal hygiene products (such as hair dyes, toothpastes, shampoos, nail polishes). In this case hunting nickel is easier. Read the label well: the presence of nickel must be declared by the manufacturer, even if you may find it written in small letters. Finished? No: who is really very allergic also risks at the table. In fact, some foods naturally contain nickel, even if in very small quantities. In any case, if your allergy does not disappear, eliminate these foods.

Here are the forbidden foods:

blueberries, oats, buckwheat, walnuts and hazelnuts, broccoli, potatoes, baking powder, apricots, cabbage, spinach, peanuts, carrots, tomatoes, oysters, figs, onions, asparagus, lentils, whole wheat flour, beans, liquorice, cooked and raw pears, mushrooms, corn, lettuce, peas, almonds, tea, lobster, margarine, cocoa and chocolate, avocado.

Fortunately, according to experts, only less than 20% of nickel allergies are caused or worsened by food. But if this is the case you have to eliminate these foods altogether for at least a month or a month and a half before you see a difference. In any case, do not worry, you do not risk starving.

Here are some foods without nickel:

radicchio, endive, fennel, aubergines, courgettes, peppers, cucumbers, beets, watermelon, melon, citrus fruits, peaches, bananas, strawberries, grapes, milk and dairy products, 00 flour, rice, meat, fish (but not mussels, clams, sea urchins and crustaceans), brewer’s yeast.

Last advices if you suffer from nickel allergy:

- When you open the tap, run the water for a few minutes to remove any traces of nickel released from the pipes.
  If you are cooking a cake, use baking soda instead of baking powder to rise.
  Choose pyrex pots, glass, aluminum, unglazed pottery, silargan, teflon. This type of crockery prevents the release of nickel from cutlery or other utensils you use.

What to do if the earrings cause allergy

Published on August 5, 2023

Campus

It happened again: those earrings you like so much caused an allergic reaction. Unfortunately, you are not alone: about 20% of women suffer from allergies to certain metals and earrings are one of the worst enemies. The earlobe, in fact, is a very delicate part of the body. Allergic reaction to nickel, contact dermatitis, is the body’s immune response to something it believes is harmful, just like fighting a bacterium or virus.

Orecchini Lolli Bijoux indossati — Lolli Bijoux earrings worn

Allergic symptoms caused by contact with metal usually appear 24 to 48 hours after wearing the earrings. The discomfort consists of itching, redness, swelling, a feeling of heat and, for those who are very sensitive, even dry skin and blisters. The bad news is that metals that are allergy-proof are very rare. Usually those with these allergies choose hypoallergenic earrings. But the truth is, it’s not always a good idea. What to do if an allergic reaction occurs? Consulting a doctor is always the best idea. Likely, a dermatologist will prescribe remedies such as oral antihistamines and cortisone to reduce inflammation. If, however, the allergy is mild, just do not wear the jewelry and, if necessary, use a soothing cream.

Che cosa fare se si scatena una reazione allergica? Consultare un medico è sempre l’idea migliore. — What to do if an allergic reaction occurs? Seeing a doctor is always the best idea

The word hypoallergenic, in fact, does not mean that they are immune from causing allergic reactions. The term hypoallergenic only means that earrings are less likely to cause an allergy, not that they are 100% guaranteed. Hypoallergenic earrings usually work for most women. But they are not suitable for everyone: there are those who are more unfortunate.

Metals that cause allergies
Nickel is the number one defendant. This metal has long been used in an alloy with gold to make the yellow metal more resistant and attenuate its original color, until it turns white, and is the main source of intolerance for those with sensitive skin. But nickel is not the only metal to cause allergies. Nickel is used in yellow gold. But even pink gold can cause allergies to those who do not tolerate copper, the metal used in alloy for the pink hue. Beware of karats: if 18-karat gold is the best, it still means that 25% of your jewel is made up of other metals, which could cause allergies. If, then, it has 14 karats, it means that almost half of the metal is not gold.

Unfortunately, even if it is always proposed as a hypoallergenic material, steel can also cause allergies (although it is usually offered with the addition of the word surgical, which should reassure those who use it). Steel, in fact, can contain traces of nickel and iron and can cause a reaction in those with hypersensitive skin. If you are allergic to copper, pay attention to brass. This alloy is in fact composed of copper and zinc. Gold-plated jewelry is often made of brass. If you wake up with green earlobes, you have probably been wearing brass compound earrings.

Also pay attention to the plated earrings. Plating usually allows you to keep the prices of the jewel low, but it is a very thin barrier, often not exceeding a few thousandths of a millimeter, in practice the thickness is equivalent to a tenth of a hair. It doesn’t take much to corrode or scratch this surface. If you have metal allergies, a plating may not be enough to prevent your earlobes from reacting.

Orecchini in titanio verde e diamanti di Jacob & Co — Jacob & Co. green titanium and diamond earrings

The good metals
There are metals that are 99% tolerated even by the most sensitive ears. A hypoallergenic metal is platinum, precious and even more robust than gold. Titanium is also low allergy risk. Another metal that does not cause allergies, but is very rarely used in jewelry, is tantalum. It is durable and extremely resistant to corrosion. There are those who propose tantalum wedding rings.

How to transform allergy-causing earrings
If you have earrings that you cannot give up, the best idea is to take them to a jeweler to replace the metal part in contact with the ears with a hypoallergenic material, a good metal in short. You can also try a simpler solution: smear on the clear nail polish pins. Enamel creates a barrier between the nickel and your precious lobes. However, we must remember that this operation must be repeated after wearing the earrings.

Orecchini della collezione I Am indossati — Worn earrings from the I Am collectio

A white gold ring?

Published on April 25, 2022

Campus/Rings

Anello in oro bianco e diamante della linea Anniversary Love by Recarlo

White gold is the metal you like best, especially those who get married. But do you really know everything about white gold? Maybe you think of buying a ring? This metal, in fact, has strengths, but also some flaws: better to know everything first. In this article, we explain the characteristics and weaknesses of white gold.

Il classico anello in oro bianco e tre diamanti di Tiffany & co.

According to the American marketing company GemFind, in fact, the most searched metal on the web in 2019 was 14 carat white gold, with 41% of clicks, followed by 18 carat white gold with 11%. In short, over half of the research concerns precisely white gold: a sign that it is the preferred metal, certainly in the USA and in Europe.

Anello in oro bianco — Bluespirit, anello in oro bianco

Why gold turns white
Gold in nature is yellow. White gold, in fact, is obtained by mixing the original yellow metal with other elements to lighten the color. The most common alloy for making gold white includes nickel, palladium, platinum and manganese. But sometimes copper, zinc or silver are also used, but these metals have contraindications because they can oxidize on contact with air and skin. Alternatively, a thin platinum plating (which is naturally white) in alloy with iridium, ruthenium or cobalt can be used, which add strength to this alloy.

Anello ondulato in oro bianco e diamanti — Orsini, anello ondulato in oro bianco e diamanti

How much yellow gold is there in white gold?
It depends on the carats, a measure that serves to indicate the proportion between the yellow gold contained and the other metals. 18-karat white gold is composed of 75% original metal and 25% other metals. 14-karat gold has only 58.3% of natural gold and for 9-karat white gold the proportion is reduced to 37.5%.

Anello in oro bianco e diamante taglio marquise — C&C, anello in oro bianco e diamante taglio marquise

The right color for white
Many buy a white gold ring because it has a very simple color and is shiny on one finger, perhaps because there is also a beautiful diamond in addition to metal. But white gold isn’t actually polished. Indeed, it is opaque. The glossy white, in fact, is obtained with the rhodium-plated metal plating, a patina is applied to all the white gold jewels. Without rhodium plating, white gold may appear gray, tending to beige or pale pink.

Nickel allergies
Warning: white gold, especially in the past, has often been obtained with the massive use of nickel, which corrects the yellowish white tinge. But nickel is also a metal that can cause allergies: about one in eight women suffers from it. Those who suffer from nickel allergies must make sure that the white gold that contains nickel has been rhodium: the external patina, in fact, avoids the contact of nickel with the skin.

Anello in oro bianco e diamanti della collezione Milano di Pomellato

Plating
As we have mentioned, white gold jewelry usually has a platinum or rhodium plating. Plating makes the jewelry sparkly, but it also has two weaknesses. The first is that plating prevents a ring from being easily tightened or enlarged. Because, of course, rhodium plating must be done again. The second problem is that this patina fades over time and must be applied again. Rhodium plating can also be lost due to sweat from the skin or frequent contact with detergents, other metals or commonly used items. Therefore, if you wear the ring often, the rhodium plating should be done every two years or so. If you do not do the rhodium plating again, the ring will begin to have a yellow and opaque hue. But don’t be afraid, it’s an operation that lasts a couple of hours and is not too expensive.

Qayten, anello Origami in oro bianco e pavé di diamanti

How to discover the gold allergy

Published on March 10, 2022

Campus

Is it possible to be allergic to gold? Unfortunately the answer is yes. Read how to find out if you have a gold allergy and what to do ♦ ︎

Is it possible to be allergic to gold? The answer is: yes, you can be allergic to gold jewelry. Fortunately, being allergic to gold, however, is very rare, because the yellow metal is generally considered hypoallergenic, that is, a neutral material, which does not cause irritation and burning of the skin. Unless it’s alloyed with other metals, like nickel.

A possible allergy can be caused when gold is not 24 carat, i.e. 99% pure. And, in fact, it practically never happens that a jewel is 24 carat gold. Since most jewelry is 18 carat or less, this means that the gold used for the jewelry has been melted together with nickel (for the older ones), or copper or other metals. In addition to making gold less expensive, because it is less pure, the alloy with other metals makes the metal for jewelry more robust and gives a different color. Gold in nature is yellow, while jewelers often use white or pink gold. So if a gold jewel causes allergy, it is likely that the cause is actually another metal used in alloy.

Allergy, please go away

But there is, however, also the rare possibility of being allergic to gold: confirmed Dr. Thomas Liji in the specialized journal Medical Life Science. Gold is a noble metal, very balanced from a chemical point of view and, as we have said, for this reason it is generally neutral, therefore considered non-allergenic. Yet some cases of contact dermatitis due to gold have been identified. To find out if it is gold that causes allergy on the skin, use an exam that uses 0.5% sodium thiosulfate in petroleum jelly. It is a system that is also used to identify a possible allergy for dentists who use gold fillings. Among other things, sodium thiosulphate is also used for the gold extraction process in mines, as an alternative to cyanide.

The symptoms

But what symptoms can the noblest of metals cause? Gold allergy sufferers exhibit the symptoms of contact dermatitis, contact stomatitis, eczema and, in the case of gold teeth, oral lichen planus (a mucocutaneous disease). Those affected may find themselves with an itchy rash at different points on the body, such as the hands, ears or neck, but also around the eyes or on the eyelids. Medical studies have established that people with this rare allergy are often sensitive to nickel too.

How to do?
Unfortunately, the only way forward, it seems, is to avoid any contact with gold. After all, there are always excellent design jewels made with other metals, such as silver, platinum and even steel … Come on!.

24K

Anello Wave Stacking in oro 24 carati — Menē, anello Wave Stacking in oro 24 carati

22K

Anello serpente in oro 22 carati e rubini

18K

Anello in oro giallo 18 carati con pavé di diamanti sui bordi — Bulgari, anello in oro giallo 18 carati con pavé di diamanti sui bordi

14K

10K

The 9 colors of gold

Published on November 14, 2020

Campus

Anelli con oro in tonalità bianco e apricot con tormaline di Annamaria Cammilli

Do you know why gold can have different colors? It can be white, yellow, pink, but also blue or purple. Learn about the colors of gold, even those that cause allergies ♦

It’s easy to say gold. The metal most used in luxury jewelry, considered the most precious asset for centuries, kept in ingots in bank vaults, actually has many faces. Because since it was used to make rings and necklaces, bracelets and earrings, gold has undergone several transformations. First of all, it can be more or less pure.

When a piece of jewelry is 100% gold it has 24 karats, while if it is 75% it is 18 karat. The remaining 25% is made up of other metals.

Trasformista, bracciale convertibile in oro 18kt e diamanti. Inciso manualmente utilizzando un bulino — Nanis 18kt gold and diamond convertible bracelet. Hand engraved using a burin

A percentage of 58% indicates a 14-karat alloy and, finally, when only 38% of gold remains, you have 9 karats. Furthermore, when it is alloyed with other metals, gold can change color, depending on the type of metal that is added. Everyone knows the three main shades: yellow, white and pink gold, colors that can be more or less intense. In reality, many jewelers use different percentages, which also give the gold completely different shades. In the diagram on this page we have summarized the main combinations that arise from the union of gold with other metals, in particular silver and copper.

In nature, in fact, gold has an intense yellow color, tending to orange, and is a very soft metal, which is easily deformed (1 gram can be transformed into a sheet of 1 square meter).

Anelli in oro giallo, rosa e brunito — Rings in yellow, pink and burnished gold

1 Yellow gold
The more intense yellow, the purer it is, as found in nature. The 99% pure gold is 24 carat and is exclusively deep yellow. Yellow gold is also the most used in jewelry. There are countries, such as India, which prefer gold in this color which is its natural hue. Yellow gold can also be of a less intense color, especially when alloyed with silver. Obviously the yellow gold with fewer carats, that is in alloy with other metals, has a more easily less intense color.

Collana in oro giallo di Amrapali — Yellow gold necklace from Amrapali

2 White Gold
It is an alloy with a white metal. When it comes to old jewels, it is often nickel (which however can cause allergies, on average to one in eight people), or manganese, palladium, but also silver. The alloy of gold and nickel is highly valued in jewelry because it makes the metal more durable for rings and brooches. On the other hand, gold with palladium is softer and makes setting stones easier. White gold is often not perfectly white, but has shades of yellow, brown or pink.

Anello Tourbillon in oro bianco e diamanti — Vhernier, Tourbillon ring in white gold and diamonds

3 and 4 Pink gold and red
It is an alloy that uses copper. It was very popular in Russia in the nineteenth century and has come back into vogue in recent years. The color difference between red and pink shades depends on the copper content. For example, a 18-carat gold red uses 75% gold and 25% copper. A 18K rose gold 75% gold, 20% copper and 5% silver. Some even add up to 15% zinc to give a dark yellow hue.

Tiffany, collezione T, bracciale in oro rosa — Tiffany T collection, rose gold bracelet

5 Green gold

Green gold was already known in ancient times: this shade is obtained by adding silver. The color of the metal with this alloy is greenish-yellow, sometimes also obtained with cadmium, a metal which, however, can cause allergies. The light green hue is obtained with an alloy of 75% gold, 23% copper, 2% cadmium. The more intense green color has instead 75% gold, 15% silver, 6% copper and 4% cadmium.

Anello in oro verde con cristallo di di berillio e diamanti verdi — Green gold ring with beryllium crystal and green diamonds

6 Gray Gold
The gray color is especially used for jewelry with a modern design. This color is obtained with a mix of yellow gold and palladium or silver, manganese and copper. If the other metals are added in minimal quantities, the color is closest to that of white gold.

Anello in oro grigio e diamante di Niessing — Gray gold and diamond ring by Niessing

7 Purple Gold
Violet or purple gold is obtained from an alloy that includes a particular type of aluminum. But purple gold is more fragile than other gold alloys and for this reason it is not often used: a sharp blow could cause the metal and, therefore, the jewel to shatter. Often purple gold is used only for small details of the jewels, together with gold (more robust) with other colors.

Jens Hansen, Replica ring, in oro rosa violetto — Jens Hansen, Replica ring, in violet pink gold

8 Blue gold
It is used rather rarely, but it is undoubtedly surprising. The gold of this color is obtained with an alloy with two metals little used in jewelry: alongside the yellow metal (46%), in fact, gallium or indium are added. in case, before buying it make sure you do not have allergies to these metals.

Anello in oro blu 14 carati con zircone — 14K blue gold ring with zircon

9 Black gold
It can be produced with various methods: by electroplating, with a rhodium or ruthenium patina. Or with a coating that uses sulfur and oxygen or with a forced oxidation by chromium or cobalt. More recently, black gold has been created by creating nanostructures on the surface and laser treatment. It is a high-impact color, often used by jewelers over the past decade.

Dionea Orcini, anello con oro nero, diamanti neri, zaffiri rosa — Dionea Orcini, ring with black gold, black diamonds, pink sapphires

In this graphic scheme taken from Wikipedia you can see the mix of metals that add a hue of color to gold. They range from the very deep pink, which has more copper (boulder corner on the right) to the white one, usually obtained by adding silver. The top tip of the triangle instead tends to yellow.

La composizione dei colori più comuni dell'oro — The composition of the most common colors of gold

Jewelry and allergy

Published on September 22, 2019

Campus

Do you have jewelry that causes skin allergy or irritation? Here’s how to solve your problem and avoid a nickel allergy ♦

Some argue that allergies are on the rise. As for jewels, unfortunately, they have always been a problem. The reason is simple: there are metals that cause allergic reactions when in contact with the skin. But there are also less dangerous metals for allergy sufferers, such as gold or steel.

Also read: How to avoid nickel allergies

This is why allergy sufferers choose gold jewelry. The yellow metal, in fact, is hypoallergenic, that is it rarely causes reactions in contact with the skin. But then, why does it also happen who wears a gold jewel to suffer from redness or irritation on the part of the body in contact with earrings, bracelets or necklaces?

Irritation caused by jewellery: this is an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis and is caused when pure gold is not used. It is a problem that, according to some calculations, affects 10% of women. This metal, in its natural state (24 carats) is too soft and deforms easily. For this reason, jewelers have linked it together with other metals, such as nickel. In this way the gold jewel becomes more resistant. In Europe, however, for over 20 years now the EU has issued a directive, which has become law in the adhering countries, which drastically reduces the use of nickel in jewellery. Nickel, however, continues to be present in jewelry made before the new rules. In Italy, for example, the use of nickel must not only be within the limits of the law, but also indicated on the label.

However, nickel isn’t the only metal alloyed in jewelry that can cause an allergy. In fact, it must be remembered that all 18, 14 or 9 carat gold jewels are alloyed with other metals. 18-karat gold, for example, means that out of 10 grams of metal, only 7.5 are pure gold, while at 14-karat this drops to around 50%.

How to avoid allergies. How to avoid nickel allergy? The first answer is obvious: if you buy a vintage jewel, ask the jeweler if the metal alloy of the jewel contains nickel.

If you already have jewelry at home that causes skin irritation or allergies, a simple trick is to use nail polish: brushed on the jewelry will avoid contact of the metal with the skin. You have to use the transparent one, of course. This system doesn’t work well with chain necklaces, but it can solve the problem with a ring or bracelet. Just cover the inside of the jewel, the one in contact with the skin, with the enamel. This prevents the nickel from coming into contact with the skin of the hands or wrist. Naturally it is necessary to verify over time that the enamel is not consumed with the use of the jewel.

Other metals. Another, more expensive way to avoid allergies is to choose platinum or titanium jewelry, two hypoallergenic metals. Copper, recommended by many, is certainly not a real alternative to gold: not only does it not have the same luster (even if it costs much less), but when in contact with sweat, it can ruin and dye the skin. Even silver, as long as it is sterling (92.5% pure) is often tolerated by those who have a nickel allergy, but must be constantly cleaned to prevent blackening.
Read also: Are cheap jewels dangerous?