How to wear statement earrings when you have a nickel allergy | Pink Lime Mango
I found that I could not find the bright, bold, and colourful statement earrings I liked that had decent quality nickel free findings, so I decided to make my own. I particularly like wearing statement earrings that are made of light weight polymer clay!
What is a nickel allergy? Allergic contact dermatitis. Contact dermatitis is a type of eczema triggered by contact with a particular substance.
Eczema is the name for a group of conditions that cause skin to become dry and irritated. Contact dermatitis causes the skin to become itchy, blistered, dry and cracked (“Contact dermatitis - NHS”) *
Do you have a nickel allergy or sensitivities to metal when you wear earrings? When I used to wear earrings with nickel in them my earlobes would feel hot, then itchy and get red and sore within minutes. I also have eczema - so my skin is sensitive. I had a contact test done by a dermatologist and my known allergies are lanolin (in wool products) and nickel (present in many metals)
There are certain metals that reduce the risk of skin sensitivities.
I used to only be able to wear 925 sterling silver or pure gold earrings. I have now found that excellent quality silver plated posts and stainless-steel hoops cause me no irritation. These are used with all my earrings on Pink Lime Mango. I also have a range of earrings made with 925 Sterling Silver posts and hooks.
As we all have different level of sensitivities to nickel, for example, here are some other alternatives
I will list them below: -
Types of metal that reduce the risk of most skin sensitivities include titanium, niobium and gold filled.
- Titanium is a lightweight grey metal that is often used for surgical implants. This metal will not tarnish or change colour.
- Niobium is also a lightweight metal that is naturally grey but often available with colourful anodised coatings.
- Gold filled earring hooks are a helpful solution if you prefer the gold-coloured findings.
Alternatively, look for jewellers that specialise in statement earrings that are kind to sensitive skin. My entire Pink Lime Mango shop features only silver plated, sterling silver and stainless-steel findings in all its earrings and jewellery.
My suppliers list the metals as nickel free, however I still double check each batch I receive by wearing one test pair of earrings for an entire day to ensure it does not cause me a reaction.
All my hoop earrings are easily interchangeable with a different metal. If you have extremely sensitive skin contact me at info@pinklimemango.com and we can discuss options!
That way you can have a choice of bright bold and colourful statement jewellery!
Best wishes
Vicky
Artist, Experimenter and Maker
* Contact dermatitis - NHS, https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/.