What Classifies a Metal as "Hypoallergenic"?

The term Hypoallergenic, is classified as a pure metal with the absence of Nickel.

Between 95-98% of my jewelry is made from Hypoallergenic Metals. Below is a detailed list and description of the metals I use in my shop, and how frequently I do so. If you have any additional questions or concerns, feel free to contact me!

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Stainless Steel

 

304 & 316L Grade

All of my jewelry chain, clasps and jump rings, are made from High Quality, 304 or 316L, Stainless Steel.

I primarily craft with Stainless Steel, due to it being naturally hypoallergenic and considered FREE from Lead and Nickel.

Most assume that Stainless Steel does contains Nickel, and therefore, question its "Nickel Free" label. However- like most metals- all Stainless Steel is not created equal. Lower Grades do contain large amounts of Nickel. But Higher Grades -such as 304 and 316L- are considered to be Nickel Free. 

Both Grades are known for their incredible durability and resistance to fade, rust, and corrosion (No Green Skin!). Because of this, 304 and 316L, are primarily sought in the Jewelry Market. 316L is even considered "medical grade", and (often) safe for use within the body.

Not only does Stainless Steel promote a longer shelf life, but a reduction in waste. It lasts significantly longer than cheap metals used in fast fashion jewelry. By opting for Stainless Steel- we are limiting what we add to already existing landfills. 

Moreover, Stainless Steel is 100% recyclable- considered to be both eco-friendly and sustainable. More than half of production today, has been sourced from scrap metal and landfills- creating little to no toxic run off to the environment.

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925 Sterling Silver

 

Most of my rings, base metals (for plated jewelry), pendants, and electroplated stone are made with 925 Sterling Silver. 

Sterling Silver is a Hypoallergenic metal, considered to be High Quality and Nickel Free. While 925 Silver is primarily tarnish resistant, tarnish can still accumulate over time. But with proper maintenance and care, regularly worn Sterling can last 20-30 years. 

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Mostly
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	Not Usually
Sustainable?	Yes
Eco-Friendly?	Yes

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Gold

 

I do not currently sell Solid Gold Jewelry. However, I do sell pieces with Gold Plating (usually with a 925 Sterling Silver base). The plating type will ultimately determine how allergy safe and prone to tarnish each piece may be.

24k Gold 

24k is considered pure Gold- making it a hypoallergenic and Nickel free metal. Because Gold is the only component, it cannot mix with oxygen- Therefore making 24k physically incapable of tarnishing.

It is also an excellent choice for sensitive ears, and even considered a "safe metal" for initial body piercings.

Unfortunately, Gold is not considered eco-friendly. However, it CAN be recycled- extending overall longevity and wear. 

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Yes
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	No
Sustainable?	Somewhat
Eco-Friendly?	No

 

18k Gold 

18k Gold is not considered pure Gold.

However, it is still an excellent alternative. The components of 18k contain about 75% of Pure Gold, the other 25% being a mixture of metals to increase durability. Because of this,18k CAN tarnish on occasion. But if your jewelry is maintained and handled with care- it will last you years. 

Moreover, 18k Gold is still an exceptional choice for sensitive skin. All of my Gold Tone Huggies are Implant Grade Surgical Steel, plated with 18k Gold.

Additional base metals for all Gold Plated jewelry in my shop, usually include Stainless Steel or 925 Sterling Silver. 

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Mostly
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	Not with proper maintenance
Sustainable?	Somewhat
Eco-Friendly?	No

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Gold Vermeil

 

Also known as "Silver Guilt", Gold Vermeil is made to last.

It consists of a Sterling Silver base thickly layered with solid Gold. Anything considered true Gold Vermeil, will meet these requirements:

- Has a Sterling Silver Base (Genuine Sterling is stamped with the number 925.)

- The Gold Plating MUST be 10k minimum, but can range anywhere from 14k to 24k Gold. 

    ***I exclusively use 24k & 18k in all of my Gold Vermeil Products. 

- The Gold Plating must be at least 2.5 microns thick. (micron = 1/1000th of a millimeter)

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While Gold Vermeil might seem similar to other plated jewelry- it's Golden layer is significantly thicker- making it less likely to fade, tarnish, or wear.

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Yes
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	No
Sustainable?	Somewhat
Eco-Friendly?	No

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White Gold

 

Originally meant to mimic the look of Platinum- White Gold is Pure Gold mixed with Palladium, Silver, or Nickel. It is most frequently made from 14k or 18k, and more durable than Yellow Gold.

All of my White Gold is crafted with Palladium rather than Nickel, offering a more allergy friendly choice. It is then coated with Rhodium (a corrosive-resistant, and highly reflective metal from the same family as Platinum). 

I do not sell solid White Gold Jewelry. However, I do provide White Gold plating- often over a 925 Sterling Silver base. 

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Mostly
Hypoallergenic?	Yes, when mixed with Palladium or Silver
Tarnish Resistant?	Yes
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	No
Sustainable?	No
Eco-Friendly?	No

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- EARRINGS -

All of my earring hooks are crafted with piercing safe metals, as specified by the Association of Professional Piercers. The APP is considered:

  "An international health & safety organization... dedicated to the dissemination of information about body piercing. Governed by a voluntary elected Board of Directors, the APP is a united group of piercing professionals that freely share information to help fellow members, piercers, health care professionals, legislators, health inspectors, & the general public get the best & most up to date information about body piercing."

- safepiercing.org/about/

To Learn More About Piercing Safe Metals, CLICK HERE to Directly View the APP Website.

 

All earrings come with a pair of Hypoallergenic Silicone Backs. If you are allergic to Silicone, please let me know, and I can provide another option for you!

While my earring hooks are guaranteed to be crafted from piercing safe metals, their ornaments such as charms and pendants, may not always meet medical grade standard.  

However, most of these materials are by definition, STILL Hypoallergenic. Such metals include: Stainless Steel, 24k & 18k Gold, 925 Silver, Gold Vermeil, Surgical Steel, and Genuine Stone. 

Other metals that are NOT Hypoallergenic, but may occasionally be used, are: Brass, Lead & Nickel Free Alloys, 13k Gold, and Copper. 

* ALL COMPONENTS will be listed with every item, and I will always be 100% transparent about the contents of my work. *

 

 

Implant Grade Titanium

 

Implant Grade Titanium is considered one of the BEST options for sensitive ears- even amongst piecing safe metals!

Possessing the highest strength - to - density ratio of any metal element, Titanium is only half the weight of it's Stainless Steel counterpart. Additionally, Titanium is INCREDIBLY corrosion resistant, causing no reaction with oxygen or bodily fluids. This makes it ideal for surgical implants and medical procedures.

Titanium is also non-magnetic! Meaning it will go unnoticed by metal detectors- even the magnetic field of an MRI Machine.  

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Yes
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	No
Sustainable?	Yes
Eco-Friendly?	Yes

 

 

Implant Grade Surgical Steel

 

Unfortunately, Titanium can become pricey. However, Implant Grade Surgical Steel is an excellent substitute!

With high durability and resistance to corrosion, fade, and rust- Implant Grade Surgical Steel is - according to APP- another "safe piercing" metal. It is one of the Highest Grades of Stainless Steel, and like Titanium- can be used within the body for surgical implants or medical procedures. 

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Yes
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	No
Sustainable?	Yes
Eco-Friendly?	Yes

 

 

 

 

Niobium

 

Niobium is another piercing safe metal, that does not get recognized as often. Niobium can look similar to other metals- such as Platinum or Titanium.

Through the process of anodization, Niobium is also sold in an array of colors! Popular shades include iridescent blues or magnetic purples- making it an eye-catching statement that is both fun and safe for sensitive skin.

Photo Credit: CreatingUnkamen

Further, because Niobium is a pure metal, it does not tarnish (i.e. turn your skin green).

In Summary:

Lead & Nickel Free?	Yes
Hypoallergenic?	Yes
Tarnish Resistant?	Yes
Will it Turn My Skin Green?	No
Sustainable?	Yes
Eco-Friendly?	Yes
Implant Grade?	Yes

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Genuine Stone & Crystal

 

ALL Stones & Crystals sold in my shop are genuine!

I take pride in providing my customers with real, high quality stone. For crystals that are often faked (such as Malachite, Star Stone, and Fire Opal), I will run through certain testing measures- depending on the type of stone it is, and how high it scores on the Moh's Hardness Scale (an ordinal scale that tests the relative hardness of varying minerals).    

The scale runs from 1-10. The lower the number, the softer the mineral (i.e. more likely it is to become scratched or damaged- given the circumstances).

Malachite, for example, scores relatively low. Therefore, it is a more malleable stone, with a higher likelihood of becoming scuffed or scratched. With this in mind, I am able to run a "scratch test" on Malachite to verify the authenticity of what I receive.

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Other Common Ways to Authenticate Certain Crystals Include:

- Determining if it is cool to the touch (real crystals will feel cold, not room temperature or easily warmed).

- Magnetism (The magnetic response from a Magnetic Wand can help identify between authentic specimens and fakes).   

- If the crystal smokes, smells, or melts when exposed to a flame (an indicator that it is made from synthetic materials- such as plastic). 

- Incredibly vibrant colors or a "perfect" design (Particularly seen in beads, such as Malachite). 

 

There are many other ways to authenticate your stones. However, these are some of the most common.