Sometimes what we believe will prevent jewelry allergies doesn’t solve the problem. For example, my aunt declared that only solid gold would prevent her jewelry allergies. This may be true, but solid gold jewelry isn’t made. Pure gold is too soft. So only gold that is mixed with other metals is available. For my aunt, we bought the best gold jewelry we could get, but it still caused her to itch.

Once she visited her doctor, my aunt understood that she was allergic to nickel, which is commonly mixed with gold and other metals to add strength, flexibility and durability. Alloying metals with gold has been a standard method for hundreds of years as pure gold is extremely soft and won’t make lasting jewelry. 24 Karat (24 Kt) gold is 100% pure gold and is too soft to last.

Silver, zinc and copper are naturally used by your body. Nickel is not. So, it is reasonable to conclude that the nickel-containing jewelry is causing all the uncomfortable symptoms. The allergic reaction is referred to as "Contact Dermatitis" and may begin at any age. Once you have dermatitis, and your doctor has tested you to verify it is indeed a nickel allergy, you may find that your best course of action is to avoid nickel jewelry as this type of allergy often lasts decades (if not longer).

So what are easy ways to prevent this allergy while being able to wear beautiful gold? Sorrowfully, white gold always has nickel. However, you may purchase 18 Karat yellow gold (and possibly 14 Karat yellow gold) if it is nickel free. You may want to try these tips that may help: For gold rings that contain nickel, apply a barrier such as Reaction block or 3 coatings of clear nail polish. Though this keeps the metal from touching your body, it will eventually wear off and may possibly harm the ring itself. Coating earring posts is not recommended as it does wear off. Hence, use platinum or hypoallergenic posts.

An easy approach would be to sell all your nickel containing accessories such as white gold or gold filled jewelry. Simply buy stunning jewelry that does not have nickel. Copper, though a very simple metal, can be made into elegant jewelry pieces. These pieces need to be carefully cared for as they will tarnish when exposed to acids in the sweat. Unfortunately, you may find that there is a green stain on your skin identical to the shape of the piece of jewelry. Often copper jewelry artisans will use a clear coat of enamel or other barrier material on areas that touch the body to avoid such a reaction.

Sterling silver can be a wonderful and beautiful replacement when it is made nickel free. Sterling silver is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. The other metals can be any metal (including nickel). Fortunately, it is usually copper. However, to be certain, buy pieces that say "nickel free".

Platinum, though higher priced, is made into many types of jewelry such as bracelets, rings, and pendants. Many people feel it is even more beautiful than white gold.

Titanium is a durable metal that is hypoallergenic. It is wonderful for people with allergies. Jewelry made of Titanium can last almost forever.

Though some people find that "surgical stainless steel" has a small enough amount of nickel that it doesn’t cause a reaction, other people have symptoms from it. Avoiding this metal is recommended.

Avoid "German Silver" as it is mostly nickel not silver. It has a misleading name.

All in all, you do have great choices over white gold jewelry. If you truly desire gold jewelry, 18 Karat yellow jewelry (not electroplate, plated, or filled) won’t cause a reaction. There are many cost-effective alternatives available for your enjoyment. Making lifestyle changes that improve your health are worthwhile. Changing from white gold to platinum is easy as is using 18 Kt gold instead of gold fill. Now you also know inexpensive alternatives too.

For sore ears, read up on http://blog.jewelrymall.com/do-you-have-an-allergic-reaction -to-earrings.html for even more solutions.

Article Source: ArticleSpan

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