Do you have a metal allergy? Here’s how to choose jewellery that won’t harm you!
Allergies can be a real nuisance. While pollen, pet fur, and certain foods are well-known triggers, metals are also a common culprit. Due to unpleasant allergic reactions, many people set aside their beautiful new jewellery or give up on wearing it altogether. If you struggle with a metal allergy, we may have the perfect solution for you. When you know which materials to choose, jewellery can be both stylish and safe. Let’s take a closer look! A metal allergy typically manifests after direct contact with the material, such as when wearing jewellery, belt buckles or buttons. However, some individuals may also react to trace amounts of metals found in food, including legumes, soy, and spinach. Symptoms of a metal allergy usually appear within 24 to 48 hours, but they may occur sooner. Take caution if you notice: Redness of the skin Itching or burning sensation where the jewellery was worn Swelling, rash or blisters Peeling or flaking skin These signs could indicate an allergic reaction. If you suspect that a particular metal is causing these issues, we recommend consulting a specialist who can diagnose the allergy and suggest necessary precautions.
How to identify a metal allergy
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Don’t be afraid of gold
Many people assume they are allergic to gold. However, pure gold allergies are extremely rare. In its pure form, gold is naturally hypoallergenic. The problem often lies in the alloys used in gold jewellery. You can check the Czech Assay Office’s register of jewellery alloys to see which metals are commonly used in different blends.
At Mialis, we are also registered with the Czech Assay Office, ensuring that our jewellery meets strict quality standards. You don’t have to worry about unwanted metal additives in our pieces!
Silver follows the same principle. While we rarely produce silver jewellery in our atelier, when we do, we coat it with a thick layer of rhodium. This enhances silver’s natural “white shine” and significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
TIP MIALIS: To avoid unexpected allergic reactions from your gold jewellery, steer clear of low-quality pieces. Instead, invest in high-quality, hypoallergenic jewellery. At a minimum, choose 14-carat gold, which contains a higher proportion of pure gold.
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Which metals are the most common allergens?
As mentioned earlier, allergens are usually found in metal alloys. These are some of the most common metals that may cause allergic reactions:
Nickel – The leading cause of metal allergies (see more below).
Chromium – Often used in surface layers for jewellery and accessories. If you are allergic to chromium, opt for jewellery without this finish.
Cobalt – Found in metal alloys and coloured finishes. While cobalt itself isn’t highly irritating, alloys containing it can trigger allergies.
Copper – Frequently found in rose gold and some silver types, making copper allergies a concern for wearers of these jewellery pieces.
Zinc – While not a common allergen on its own, zinc combined with other metals may cause skin irritation.
The main metal allergen, nickel
Nickel allergy is one of the most widespread metal allergies. Nickel is commonly found in cheaper jewellery, particularly fashion jewellery, as well as in some white gold and silver alloys. It is a highly allergenic metal, often causing irritation known as contact dermatitis. Symptoms typically include itching, redness, and rashes.
Nickel is also prone to leaching when it comes into contact with sweat, increasing the likelihood of allergic reactions. Long-term exposure can even lead to nickel build-up in the body, gradually triggering an allergy over time. To combat this issue, European regulations have set strict limits on nickel content in jewellery, especially for items that are in prolonged contact with the skin.
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How to choose hypoallergenic jewellery
If you want your jewellery to be both beautiful and safe for your skin, quality should be your top priority. We recommend choosing either 14-carat or 18-carat gold jewellery. For those with the most sensitive skin, 18-carat yellow gold is the safest option, as it contains the lowest levels of other metals. However, keep in mind that high-carat gold is softer, requiring extra care when worn.
If you have a nickel allergy, be particularly cautious when selecting white gold jewellery. Alternatively, ensure that your jeweller applies a rhodium layer to your rings, earrings, necklaces or bracelets. At Mialis, we standard rhodium plating all our white gold jewellery for two main reasons:
Aesthetic appeal – Rhodium gives jewellery a brilliant, lasting shine.
Hypoallergenic properties – A thick rhodium layer helps minimise allergic reactions.
TIP MIALIS: For added protection, consider an extra rhodium layer, which acts as a barrier between your skin and the metal. If you have extra-sensitive skin, let us know, and we will be happy to provide an additional protective layer.
If you’re sensitive to copper, we recommend avoiding rose gold jewellery and opting for an alternative metal. You may be surprised to find how much you love other colours—especially when you can wear them without skin irritation!
For those with severe allergies, platinum jewellery is the safest choice. It contains no allergenic alloys and is considered one of the most hypoallergenic metals. Another excellent option is palladium, which is both high-quality and aesthetically pleasing.
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