If you have sensitive skin, we understand that it can be a bit challenging to find the kind of jewelry that will not cause any flare-ups. And in a world that is full of an increasing variety of good quality jewelry in stunning designs, you may think or expect that jewelers now create only skin-safe varieties of jewelry.
This is not the case, though, unfortunately, which means that the chances of you ordering jewelry that turns out to be harsh on your skin are still high. In other words, you cannot pick jewelry blindly if you have sensitive skin.
To ensure that you have more jewelry options that are safe for your skin, this article breaks down some of the safest metal options ideal for persons with sensitive skin. So, if you don’t know where to start your search, this would be the perfect start.
What is the best jewelry for sensitive skin?
Before we look at the safe metal options that will not be troublesome on sensitive skin, we recommend that you first understand your sensitivities. At the end of the day, different people react to different metals and components differently, which means that the skin responses or allergies experienced tend to differ. It might not be just about the low-quality metals or jewelry made of metal alloys.
Also, nickel is a common allergen and the cause of skin and jewelry allergies for most people, but it’s not enough to avoid jewelry made of nickel as the primary metal component. You also need to know all other metals that may have even trace amounts of nickel, especially if you are very sensitive to nickel. Iron may also be the reason for your allergies, which is why you really have to narrow down what your skin is allergic to and avoid all kinds of jewelry made of such metallic allergens.
But then, metals aren’t made the same way. So, which metals are safe for persons with sensitive skin?
Gold
If you have sensitive skin and you don’t want to struggle with troublesome jewelry, we recommend investing in the best of fine jewelry.
Gold is at the top of that list, but not just any type of gold, but 14k or higher carat gold jewelry. This is important because the solid gold used in fine jewelry is alloyed gold – lower karat gold contains a higher percentage of the alloyed metals, and the risk of having nickel in the alloy is higher. Solid gold jewelry made of 14k or higher carat gold contains fewer metals alloys and impurities, and there is an improbable chance of nickel or other metal allergens being added in these higher karat gold pieces, which is why the gold jewelry is ideal for anyone with sensitive skin.
Pros
- Fine-quality jewelry
- Safe on the skin
- Many style options for you to choose from
- Durable
Cons
- Expensive
Platinum
Though platinum jewelry is rare and the jewelry will cost more than jewelry made of solid gold or 925 sterling silver, platinum is the other elegant precious metal that boasts the best hypoallergenic properties. Platinum will not irritate the skin or leave you with rashes. It is also incredibly durable and quite resistant to the forces of wear and tear, including corrosion.
Pros
- Great quality jewelry
- Hypoallergenic
- Stunning finish
- Corrosion, wear, and tear-resistant jewelry
Cons
- Expensive and rare
Sterling Silver
If you are looking for an affordable option of jewelry that will not irritate your skin, we recommend getting jewelry made of 925 sterling silver. This silver alloy is created from 92.5% pure silver and 7.5% copper, meaning it’s free of nickel, and you will not suffer from a skin sensitivity reaction. Sterling silver is affordable, and because copper rarely causes allergies, this metal would be a great option for you. The only catch is that it calls for polishing from time to time because it gets tarnished.
Pros
- Sterling silver jewelry is stunning
- Durable jewelry
- Hypoallergenic and skin safe
Cons
- The jewelry tarnishes
- Slight chance of skin discoloration from copper
Titanium
Titanium, specifically medical-grade titanium, is also a great option for you if you have sensitive skin. This lustrous metal is made of high-quality metal that is considered one of the most hypoallergenic metals, hence its use in plates and other metal bits that are often used in surgery.
Pros
- Doesn’t corrode
- Hypoallergenic and non-reactive
- Very safe
- Beautiful jewelry options are available
Cons
- Medical-grade titanium jewelry is not readily available
Surgical Stainless Steel
Also marked as SSS, surgical stainless steel is safe on your skin, and it is the most common metal used in piercing jewelry. It is nickel-free and hypoallergenic, and it also makes a great choice because it doesn’t tarnish or get corroded.
Pros
- Affordable
- Versatile design options for you to choose from
- Nickel-free and hypoallergenic
- Safe on the skin
- Stunning design options
Cons
- It might be confused with stainless steel, which is not completely hypoallergenic.
Conclusion
The best jewelry for anyone with sensitive skin would be jewelry made of metals like high karat gold, sterling silver, titanium, platinum, or surgical stainless steel.
Read more jewelry metal posts here or here!
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.