Gold jewelry for sensitive skin
Red skin, itching or a burning sensation after wearing earrings? This is more common than you might think. Many people have a sensitive reaction to metal — often without realising it.
This is a particularly common problem with earrings, because the metal comes into direct contact with your skin. Fortunately, there are earrings that are allergy-free and stylish: gold jewellery, especially solid gold, is the best choice for sensitive skin.
Why some jewelry causes irritation
Many people are allergic to metals such as nickel, a material that is still commonly found in cheap jewellery. Even a thin layer of gold over a nickel base (gold-plated) can wear off over time, causing the skin to come into contact with the irritating metal. According to estimates, around 10 to 20% of people have a nickel allergy — and this can manifest itself in:
- Redness and swelling
- Itching or burning sensation
- Small blisters or sores
Do you think you are allergic to gold earrings? Often it is not the gold itself that is the problem, but the metal underneath it — such as nickel.
How to choose hypoallergenic gold jewelry
If you have sensitive skin, it is important to choose hypoallergenic jewellery — that is, materials that very rarely cause an allergic reaction. Take a good look at what you are buying:
- Choose 14 carat or higher. The higher the carat, the less other metals (such as nickel) are used in the alloy.
- Avoid gold-plated metal of unknown composition. This may contain a layer of gold over nickel, which can still cause complaints.
- Look for labels such as “nickel-free”. This designation is important, especially for earrings that come into direct contact with your skin.
If you are unsure, use a metal testing kit to check whether the jewellery contains nickel. This way, you can be sure you are making a safe choice.
Studio Kroewe's recommendations for sensitive skin types
At Studio Kroewe, we believe that jewellery should not only be beautiful, but also comfortable. That is why our collection includes carefully selected nickel-free jewellery, especially for people with sensitive skin.
We recommend this jewellery if you have sensitive skin:
- 14k gold studs – perfect for everyday wear
- Nickel-free hoops – stylish and skin-friendly
- Small pendants or charms – easy to combine, without irritation
Frequently asked questions
What are the symptoms of an earring allergy?
The symptoms of an earring allergy usually appear shortly after wearing jewellery that comes into contact with irritating metals such as nickel. Common complaints include:
- Itching or a burning sensation on or around the hole
- Redness, swelling or warm skin
- Dry, flaky patches or scabbing
- Blisters or inflammation
- In more severe cases: pain or sores
These reactions can occur in one or both ears. Have you noticed these kinds of symptoms? Then there is a good chance that your skin is hypersensitive or even allergic to certain metals in the earrings. In that case, hypoallergenic earrings without nickel, such as solid gold ones, are a safe choice.
Is all your jewelry suitable for people with nickel allergies?
Our solid gold jewellery is completely nickel-free, making it ideal if you have a nickel allergy. Gold-plated jewellery sometimes contains a metal core with traces of nickel, so if you have a severe allergy, we recommend choosing solid gold.
What is the difference between gold-plated and solid gold?
Gold-plated jewellery has a thin layer of gold over another metal, such as brass or copper — or sometimes even nickel-containing metal. Solid gold, on the other hand, consists entirely of gold alloy (e.g. 14 carat) and is therefore hypoallergenic and much more durable.
What jewelry do you recommend for sensitive skin?
We always recommend solid gold earrings without nickel. Our collection includes various models that are perfect for people who want to wear allergy-free earrings without compromising on style.
Can you overcome an allergy to earrings?
Once you have developed an allergy to nickel, it usually stays with you for life. However, it is easy to prevent, as long as you choose the right materials.
Is stainless steel nickel-free?
Not always. Stainless steel often sounds skin-friendly, but many types do contain small amounts of nickel. This is especially true for the commonly used alloy 316L, also known as surgical steel. Although this material does not cause problems for most people, it can still cause complaints in sensitive skin types or people with a nickel allergy.
Do you want to be absolutely sure of an allergy-free choice? Then we recommend choosing jewellery made of solid gold or other explicitly nickel-free materials. This way, you avoid surprises and can wear your jewellery with peace of mind.
