How to Tell If Your Jewelry Is Hypoallergenic
How to Tell If Your Jewelry Is Hypoallergenic
Ever put on a pair of earrings and, five minutes later, your ears are on fire? Or maybe that necklace you loved suddenly gave you a mysterious rash? Yeah… your skin’s not being dramatic — it’s reacting to non-hypoallergenic jewelry.
If you have sensitive skin (or just want to avoid red, itchy surprises), knowing how to spot hypoallergenic pieces is essential. And no — you don’t need to be a dermatologist or a jeweler to figure it out. Here’s how to protect your skin and your vibe.
1. Look for Nickel-Free Labels
Nickel is one of the most common culprits behind allergic reactions. It’s cheap, durable, and often used as a base metal in fashion jewelry.
Rule of thumb:
If it’s not labeled nickel-free, it probably isn’t.
Hypoallergenic jewelry will usually say “nickel-free” somewhere in the product description or packaging. Always check the fine print!
2. Know Your Skin-Safe Metals
Some metals are naturally better for sensitive skin.
Look for these when shopping:
• Stainless steel (surgical grade) – Safe, strong, and often affordable
• Titanium – Super gentle and lightweight
• Niobium – Rare, but ideal for very sensitive skin
• Sterling silver (92.5%) – Great, but make sure it’s real
• 14k+ gold (or gold-filled) – Less reactive, especially when it’s not mixed with nickel
• Platinum – Luxurious and skin-safe (yes, queen!)
Avoid unknown base metals, especially if you’re buying plated jewelry without knowing what’s underneath.
3. Be Cautious with Gold-Plated Pieces
Not all gold-plated jewelry is hypoallergenic. Why? Because the base metal underneath the gold can still cause reactions if it contains nickel, copper, or brass.
What helps:
• Choose nickel-free, brass-free plated pieces
• Opt for thicker plating (like 1 micron or more) — it creates a stronger barrier between your skin and the base metal
4. Your Skin Will Tell You (Loudly)
If your skin reacts quickly — redness, itching, bumps — it’s not your fault. It’s your body saying “please don’t put that on me again.”
Common reaction zones:
• Ears (especially with earrings)
• Neck and chest (from chains or pendants)
• Fingers (rings with unclear metal content)
5. How to Test Jewelry at Home (Safely)
If you’re not sure what your jewelry is made of, try this:
• Test spot: Wear the piece for a few hours, preferably on a small area like your wrist
• Check for reactions: If you notice redness or itching — it’s a no
• Clear nail polish trick: Temporarily coat the part that touches your skin — not a long-term fix, but it helps
Better yet, stick to brands that actually tell you what their jewelry is made of (hi, we’re one of them).
At The Shimmers Store…
We handpick materials that are kind to your skin. Our pieces are nickel-free, made with high-quality plating, and designed to bring you glow — not irritation.
Want jewelry that loves your skin back?
Shop our hypoallergenic, sensitive-skin-safe collection at
The Shimmers Store and follow us for soft girl styling inspo
Because style is fun. Skin rashes? Not so much.
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