What do you know about nickel-free jewelry? Can you, with utmost confidence, say that you understand all there is to know about this jewelry and how this type of jewelry is expected to react or not to react?
Well, you don’t have to struggle to find this information anymore because, in as much as it’s quite confusing to separate and choose nickel-free jewelry, you’d still be able to make the right choice with the right information.
So, let’s get started and educate ourselves on everything you need to know about nickel-free jewelry.
Confusing Facts About Nickel Free Jewelry
First things first, what is nickel?
Well, nickel is a silver-whitish metal commonly used to create alloys.(what is alloy and why alloy be used in jewelry making?) It is rather durable, ductile, malleable, and it also boasts a high level of corrosion resistance.
Nickel is also the one metal that a huge chunk of the population is allergic to. So, you shouldn’t let its elegant silverfish color lie to you. You should also know that for a long time, nickel would be confused with copper because of the copper-like, reddish hue of the nickel ore.
So, what is the problem? Why are people the option for nickel-free metals for jewelry when nickel boasts many desirable features, affordably?
Well, it all has to do with nickel allergies and the fact that most of the unsuspecting metals also contain trace amounts of nickel. As a result, most of the jewelry on the market would easily cause allergy flare-ups.
Here are some facts you should know about nickel-free jewelry
1.Nickel-Free jewelry would reduce the risk or extent of inflammations.
Essentially, the nickel-free earrings (jewelry) are free of the metallic elements that cause the irritation of the ears and subsequently a great deal of discomfort to your ears. Meaning that if you wear nickel-free jewelry, your body will react (or not react) differently than it would if the jewelry had a nickel.
With this observation, it makes sense that you are advised to buy and wear nickel-free. You also have to be sure that the jewelry is actually 100% nickel-free.
This is because there metal variants, for example, stainless steel, which is said to be nickel-free, yet they contain traces of nickel, resulting in the nickel-allergy symptoms that you were trying to avoid. So, with this possibility in mind, only source your jewelry from reputable sources where you’re sure that the jewelry is truly free of nickel.
Also, know that materials like medical-grade titanium will not have nickel, but sterling silver may have traces of nickel even though the sterling silver is advertised as nickel-free. Confusing, huh? Well, if you find yourself in this position, you may want to look for the higher-quality/ grade pieces, for example, silver or gold.
2.Hypoallergenic isn’t always nickel-free
This is the other important fact you need to bear in mind. For the longest time, you may have been made to believe that jewelry with hypoallergenic pieces is also free of nickel, but this is not true.
So, allow us to debunk this myth. The reason why hypoallergenic jewelry is not necessarily nickel-free jewelry is that these two phrases are used to mean different things. Essentially, jewelry could have a hypoallergenic label, but it doesn’t mean that it is completely free of nickel.
Hypoallergenic actually means that in as much as it’s made of generally safe metals, it could still cause an allergic reaction.
Think of hypoallergenic jewelry as jewelry pieces that have been made with a trace amount of allergenic metals such as nickel.
Keep in mind that although nickel is a well-known allergen, it’s also one of the most affordable filler metals for alloys, and since most jewelers choose the cheaper option, nickel still finds its way in jewelry.
And if you are allergic to nickel, you may want to spend a little more money on jewelry, especially on the jewelry made of materials that are actually 100% free of nickel and other known allergens.
3.Nickel Free May Not be Metal
For nickel-free jewelry, jewelers are sometimes forced to use non-metallic materials such as medical-grade plastic.
Although this kind of material will feel different when worn as jewelry, it is safer, and you won’t have to worry about allergies.
Also, the medical-grade plastic has antimicrobial properties, and you may like it because of the comfort levels and the lightweight design.
The plastic used is also safe, as it doesn’t rust, and if it’s cared for properly, it will last a long time.
4.Nickel-Free Earrings are Stunning
Oftentimes, you may think that sacrificing nickel leaves you with ugly options, but the truth is that you are still able to enjoy the best of fashion and style from nickel-free jewelry. With few fillers, often of higher-quality, nickel-free jewelry, it may look better than the jewelry with nickel.
There are various options and designs of nickel-free jewelry, and though some cost more than the nickel-infused pieces, you are guaranteed the best, most stunning quality and looks.
5.Too much nickel is unsafe.
The other reason to avoid jewelry with nickel is that we are already consuming too much nickel from the water we drink, the food we eat, and the places we visit. So, wearing jewelry with nickel might not be the best thing to do.
And if you are wondering about just how bad nickel could be, you should know that a recent article published by the CDC on some of the effects of exposure to nickel notes that there is a possibility of nickel being a human carcinogen. This means that nickel could cause cancer, which is a big reason for any one of us to avoid jewelry made with nickel.
6.Metals that may have nickel:
- Palladium
- Silver and sterling silver
- Gold; white and yellow gold
- Chrome/ Chromate
Conclusion
These are some of the known facts about nickel. But there is more, and since the US government doesn’t regulate jewelry production as well as the use of the terms ‘hypoallergenic’ and ‘nickel-free,’ it’s about time for everyone to be a little more cautious about the ingredients in the stunning pieces of jewelry we wear. This is especially true for persons allergic to nickel.
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Tiger is a fashion&jewelry lover. He is also a fashion jewelry manufacturer that help thousands of small business to grow and also do business with some big fashion jewelry brands. He is a truly metal expert and he will share some information you are looking for.