What are Hypoallergenic Earrings?
Hypoallergenic earrings are manufactured using materials or precious metals that have been shown to prevent or minimize the possibility of an allergic reaction when worn. Hypoallergenic earrings are becoming widely available in a range of beautiful designs to ensure that wearers who are susceptible to metal allergies can still enjoy wearing a variety of earring styles without suffering from discomfort.
Sensitivity
Have you ever picked up what you thought were the perfect pair of new earrings, only to find them causing an itchy or red allergic reaction after a few minutes that renders them impossible to wear? If so, it is possible you may be one of those people who are susceptible to irritation from a particular material or alloy used in the production of jewelry.
If you have pierced ears, the reaction can be even more uncomfortable. Any part of the body can be susceptible to such an allergic reaction from metal alloys. However, our sensitive earlobes are particularly vulnerable because earrings are worn tightly against the skin, either with clip-ons or piercings. Allergic reactions to earrings can include symptoms such as itchy skin, a burning sensation, puffiness or redness around the area.
The Main Offenders
Nickel is considered one of the main offenders if you are unlucky enough to be susceptible to metal allergies. It is blended with other materials to make an alloy, which is then crafted into a range of jewelry designs. Nickel is also used in the manufacture of many other items we use on a daily basis. For example, it is often included in the manufacture of keys, coins, metal hair pins, clothes fastenings, glasses frames and many other items.
You can choose jewelry finished with gold or silver plate, but be careful to ensure the base is sterling silver, like these Sterling Silver Rainbow Crystals Earrings. Top-quality jewelry designers who use gold or silver plate tend to ensure the base is hypoallergenic, so you can have the look of a more expensive metal such as rose gold or 18ct gold plated onto an inexpensive silver base.
Some Solutions
How do you know which earrings will cause an allergic reaction? It turns out that avoiding allergies is not as easy as you may think. Many people wear hallmarked 18ct gold or sterling silver earrings and avoid cheaper finishes altogether. This is a solution that works for many people and is worth trying if it's in your budget. Surgical steel is another option and is often the choice of professional earring fitters when a person's ears are first pierced due to their low potential to cause a reaction.
Other materials or metals that have been shown to cause fewer allergic reactions include platinum and titanium. These are expensive precious metals that you may not be able to afford on a regular basis, but that doesn’t mean you can never wear fashionable earrings again. Here is some guidance on more affordable earrings that are unlikely to cause a reaction.
Hypoallergenic Help
Jewelry designers have been working hard to ensure that their fabulous designs are available in a range of finishes for everyone, regardless of their budget. If you don’t have the budget for those high-end jewelry pieces, you don’t have to give up wearing gorgeous earrings just because your skin is susceptible to allergies. Just take the time to ensure that the earrings you choose are described as being hypoallergenic, like these Sterling Silver Topaz Earrings. It will pay off in the long run as you enjoy wearing your fabulous earrings pain-free.
Gifts
One way to ensure you can keep your jewelry collection current and hypoallergenic is by making sure your nearest and dearest know all about your allergic reaction to certain jewelry finishes. Hints about the best finishes to buy will avoid that uncomfortable allergic reaction. When your birthday arrives or the holiday season comes around, your loved ones will know exactly what gift to put under the tree!
Huggie earrings are a great choice if you want to vary the look of your earrings without having to buy different sets. Just look out for the huggie earring range, which includes a variety of charms you can attach to your earrings. Charms include precious stones, pearls, tiny butterflies and stars. What a fabulous way to vary your look while remaining hypoallergenic!
If you adore wearing earrings but have an unfortunate allergy to certain materials or alloys, just be sure to look out for the hypoallergenic range from your favorite designers. Always study the product description carefully to ensure you can enjoy wearing your amazing earrings allergy-free.