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? Sorrowfully, white gold always has nickel. 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. Simply buy stunning jewelry that does not have nickel. 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. 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. Though copper is usually used as the "other metals", it is not guaranteed unless the sterling is marked nickel free.
Platinum, although expensive, can hold pendants and be shaped into rings and necklaces, and resembles white gold.
Titanium is a very tough metal, but highly recommended for nickel-allergy sufferers. 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.
Avoid "German Silver" as it is mostly nickel not silver. It has a misleading name.
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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Find more tips for solving earring allergies so you can wear jewelry you enjoy while being pain-free.
