Metal Allergies

“ . . . I can only wear 14k gold . . . ”

“ . . . I can’t wear any earrings . . . ”

“ . . . I'm allergic to silver . . . ”

I love it when a customer says things like this. It provides me with an opportunity to show her that a metal allergy isn't as bad as it might appear. Most allergic reactions are caused by the nickel that is mixed in with the silver, gold, or other metal. Nickel provides the shine, and adds durability to softer metals.

Most often it's earrings that are the culprit, although some women find they can't wear any metal against their skin without breaking out in a rash. When a customer tells me about a metal allergy, I offer her a number of options.

First, I have a supply of sterling silver ear wires that are nickel-free. I have spoken on the phone with the vendor to be certain that there is no nickel in their silver. If my customer feels comfortable with this, I'll suggest that she wear the nickel-free ear wires at home as a test. If she's not willing to test the silver, I'll offer her a pair of niobium ear wires to wear as a test. Niobium is a strong but light-weight metal that is not mixed with any other metals. This makes it a good alternative for anyone with a metal allergy.

Most people can safely wear niobium in contact with their skin. But for those who can't, titanium is the answer. This is the metal that is used in surgery, when a metal pin or implant is required. Even those with a high sensitivity to other metals can tolerate titanium. As with the sterling and niobium, I offer my customers a pair of titanium ear wires to wear at home to test their comfort.

These customers then report back to me on which wires felt most comfortable, they return the ear wires to me, and arrange to have their old earrings converted.

And what makes titanium and niobium even more attractive is the range of colors in which they're made. Deep purple, vivid blue, green, pink, multi-colored, and more provide lots of choices to someone who couldn't wear any earrings at all.

The “gold” and “silver” colors of these metals, however, are not as bright or sharp as true gold or silver. Still, if it means the difference between enjoying the jewelry or looking at it in the drawer, which would you prefer?

I have a number of customers for whom these 2 metals are their only choice. I had one customer bring me the first pair of earrings her husband gave her, before they got married over 28 years ago. She wore them home with new titanium ear wires to show him, and that was an incredibly satisfying moment for me.

But it doesn't end with ear wires (hooks). I have also replaced posts, as well as the little “nut” that holds the post in place. There are also small plastic shields that can be worn next to a metal post, so that it doesn't come in contact with the ear lobe. A titanium post can be securely glued in place to the back of an earring, and even if the earring itself is metal, only the titanium comes in contact with the skin. Why do niobium and titanium work when other metals can cause such problems? It's because these metals are stronger and more resilient than many other metals, which means they can be used for jewelry without having to mix in any other metal.

One customer I know coats her gold earrings with clear nail polish in order to wear them. But that wears away after a while, and doesn't seem like an ideal solution.

Conducting research into metal alternatives for my customers has led me to find a number of ways to create “safe” necklaces as well. First among these is the discovery of clasps made from stone. Stone clasps enhance the beauty of the design, making it a win-win however you view it. Very sturdy stretch cord can also make wearing necklaces easy. Ribbons and leather cord provide yet more alternatives, and come in such a variety of colors that there's something to please every taste.