The word "hypoallergenic" appears on a lot of jewellery. But what does it actually mean — and how do you know if a piece will genuinely work for sensitive skin?
What Hypoallergenic Actually Means
Hypoallergenic means "less likely to cause an allergic reaction." It doesn't mean impossible — but for most people with metal sensitivities, the right materials make the difference between jewellery you can wear and jewellery you can't.
The most common culprit in jewellery reactions is nickel. Nickel is cheap, durable and often used as a base metal in lower-quality jewellery or as an alloy component in white gold. Around 10–15% of people have a nickel allergy, making it one of the most common contact allergens in Europe.
What Causes Jewellery Reactions
Reactions typically happen when base metals leach into the skin. Gold plating over a nickel-based metal doesn't protect you — as the plating wears down, the nickel underneath comes into contact with your skin. Sweat accelerates this process. So a piece that seemed fine initially can start causing reactions after a few weeks of wear.
Which Metals Are Safest?
The metals most widely accepted as hypoallergenic for jewellery are:
- 316L surgical grade stainless steel — the same grade used in surgical instruments, medical implants and marine hardware. Contains no nickel in a form that can leach.
- Titanium — extremely biocompatible, often used in medical implants
- Solid 14k–18k gold — the higher the karat, the less alloying metal
- Platinum — naturally hypoallergenic but expensive
Why We Use 316L Stainless Steel
316L stainless steel is a medical-grade alloy with exceptional corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. It's used in surgical tools, bone screws, dental implants and marine equipment — environments that demand both durability and safety for the human body.
The 18k gold PVD finish we apply adds a layer that's both beautiful and inert. It doesn't react with skin chemistry, sweat or moisture. The combination of 316L steel and PVD gold means there's no base metal exposed to your skin at any point, making our pieces genuinely safe for the overwhelming majority of people with metal sensitivities.
What to Look For
If you have sensitive skin, look for pieces that specify the base metal — not just the plating. "18k gold plated" tells you nothing about what's underneath. "18k gold PVD over 316L stainless steel" tells you everything.