If you’ve ever worn a ring that’s temporarily tinted your skin green, or you’ve removed earrings because of an itching discomfort, you’ve likely experienced an allergic reaction to the metals in your jewelry. While these reactions may not seem serious, a metal allergy can quickly develop into severe skin reactions with painful swelling and blistering.
Buying and wearing jewelry with reactive metals can ultimately lead to worse long-term health and skin conditions. To find the healthiest metals to use in your accessories, read our guide on choosing the safest metals for your jewelry.
Titanium
If you are looking for jewelry that will last a lifetime, titanium is the way to go. Titanium will survive through long workdays and nights out with friends. It is also hypo-allergenic, making it a safe choice for users with sensitive skin. This metal does not tarnish or corrode and is non-reactive to sunlight. With various colors available, titanium will guarantee long-lasting, safe jewelry.
Niobium
If your skin is highly reactive, niobium is the safest metal to wear as jewelry. Niobium is a pure element and is not combined with other metals. Due to its 99.99 % pureness, this metal is often used in surgical implants. Niobium is also easily shaped and sculpted by jewelers, making it ideal for. While this metal will cost a higher price, niobium-based jewelry will provide a safe and remarkable glow.
White Gold
Even if you don’t know what white gold is or what it looks like, you’ve most likely seen this material in luxurious jewelry. White gold is often used to make chains and wedding rings. This material is known for creating durable jewelry with a heavier weight and wear.
White gold is a mixture of pure gold with another non-metal material. White gold can be mixed with palladium-silver, nickel, copper, or zinc. Those with nickel allergies should opt for gold and palladium-silver combination jewelry or should check the nickel percentage present in white gold materials.
Pewter
Pewter is a mixture of tin with some minor traces of copper, bismuth, and silver. Though many metals exist in pewter, it is a significantly safe metal to use in jewelry because it is nickel-free. The tin used in pewter is known as a precious metal. It prevents tarnishing and scratching. This metal is ideal for jewelry because it can be polished and shined for a sophisticated glow or darkened to provide a more aged and classic look.
Finding jewelry that fits your style and aesthetic should not mean sacrificing the health of your skin. Avoiding reactive metals such as nickel and lead and opting for these safer alloys will make your jewelry purchases safer and longer-lasting. When you shop for safer metals, you make an investment in your closet and your long-term health.
