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Metal Allergies and Jewelry
About a month ago, we were showing at a Crafts fair. A young girl wanted to purchase a couple of pairs of earrings. Her mother advised her that she was tired of paying for visits to a dermatologist every time the girl started wearing “cheap earrings.“ I suppose that I could have been offended by the derogatory comment, but it was evident to me that this mother simply did not wish to purchase anything, and that neither was aware of the specific source of the girl’s dermatitis. Like many people, I have known (for more than 40 years), that I cannot wear certain metals. One of the circumstances that originally prompted me to make my own jewelry was a severe sensitivity to metals, resulting in skin discoloration, infected piercings, and rashes. That is one reason why I use only 92.5 (sterling), silver or better in my work. To my knowledge, sensitivity to silver is rare to non-existent. However, the mother’s comment about the girl’s metal sensitivity prompted me to investigate further, and below is a brief account of what I learned.
Metal Jewelry Allergies
Nickel is a metal that has been used in the jewelry industry worldwide for a very long time. In recent years, metal allergies have become more commonly familiar to consumers, especially to those who have allergies, and are allergic to metals. One of the most common is nickel, though people can also be allergic several metals, including brass, copper, mercury, and more. Nickel is just the one that most people are aware of. An individual may have a minor reaction (red skin) to nickel, but usually this is a result of raw nickel and not jewelry covered with solid sterling silver or gold. Reportedly, the problem is manifest when nickel contacts a wound, cut, or a bleeding ear. Sometimes, this metal/blood contact can stimulate something called nickel dermatitis, but it is rare. If you or someone you know has metal sensitivity and wishes to identify the source, there is a test for metal sensitivity. Most dentists can tell you where to get it. They test for over 100 metals and minerals.
I make no claims other than to vouch for the silver content of the beads and findings that I use in the production of my work. I do not use plated wires, beads, or clasps. People must use their own judgment about metals and their use.