Are Hypoallergenic Earrings Really Nickel Free?
Our irritated ears tell us NO, and this is why...


The US does not have a standard for allowable amounts of nickel in jewelry, therefore, ALLOYED jewelry that is marketed as “Hypoallergenic” is still allowed to contain undisclosed amounts of nickel.  

The definition  of HYPOALLERGENIC, when referring to jewelry, was never intended to imply that your jewelry would be non-allergenic or nickel-free, but with the explosion of nickel sensitivities over the past decade, it has become a buzzword that has taken on an implied meaning.  The majority of people searching for HYPOALLERGENIC EARRINGS are expecting to find earrings that are nickel free; trusting that their purchase will give them relief from infected or allergic ears.  HYPOALLERGENIC EARRINGS is a term that is over used and widely mis-understood. 

And to add to the confusion, in recent years “PURE TITANIUM” has been used to inaccurately describe everything titanium; inclusive of color, coatings, plating, and alloys.

Assumed to be nickel free, SURGICAL STAINLESS STEEL contains a minimum of 8% to 12% nickel.  There are some grades that are not alloyed with nickel. 

Additionally, if you are allergic to your precious metals; gold, platinum or silver earrings, you may be sensitive to other metals besides nickel.  Nickel can still be present in these metals.  Nickel is used to whiten metals and provide strength.

So how do you know what is truly NICKEL FREE ?

THE SHORT LIST
ELEMENTAL METALS...PURE Titanium and Niobium are free of alloys, including nickel.  Unalloyed Earrings made from these elements are recommended for starter and healing earrings because they are not combined  with alloys and are the least likely to cause allergic reactions to skin!  The absence of nickel and other metal alloys makes pure elemental titanium and niobium an excellent choice for extremely sensitive or infected ears. 

ONCE YOUR EARS HAVE HEALED and you have worn pure Titanium or Niobium without reactions, it will be easier to ascertain if you are able to tolerate other metals or alloys.  My customers have reported knowing within a few hours, or less.

Most people with severe nickel and metal allergies can wear Pure Unalloyed Elemental Titanium, as long as it has not been contaminated with other metals (THIS IS WHERE IT BECOMES IMPORTANT TO KNOW THE SOURCE OF YOUR TITANIUM).  I have exclusively used and trust the same reputable suppliers for PURE Titanium since 2008.

UNTIL YOUR EARS ARE HEALED, I suggest starting out with small starter and healing earrings.

ONCE HEALED, I offer a wide  selection of attractive and high-quality PURE Titanium earrings...FREE of all alloys...to create your individual look.