Metal Allergies: Causes, Trigger Metals & Material Risks Explained
Metal Allergies & Jewellery Materials
— Knowing the Facts
Introduction
When choosing jewellery, many people have long worried about metal allergies. In fact I have a sensitive, allergy-prone constitution myself, and have been through the discomfort many times — itching when I wore earrings, redness, swelling and weeping.
That's exactly why SMUK always values choosing materials you can wear with peace of mind, and why we've put together this guide, in the hope it can be of some help. We hope it serves as a reference for understanding metal allergies correctly and finding jewellery that suits you.
Choosing the right material is the first step to enjoying jewellery for years.
What is a metal allergy?
A metal allergy occurs when metal, on contact with sweat or sebum, ionises; the metal ions taken into the body then trigger an immune response. Symptoms such as itching, redness, swelling, blisters and weeping appear — a very uncomfortable and distressing state.
It doesn't happen to everyone, but many people develop it depending on their constitution and immune sensitivity. Once an allergy develops, sensitisation can progress and you may begin reacting to materials that were fine before — so it's wise to pay attention to the materials that touch your skin every day.
Main allergen metals
Knowing which metals tend to cause allergies is the first step in choosing materials. Check the main risks in the table below.
| Metal | Allergy risk | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nickel | Very high | The most common culprit. Widely used in cheap plating, fashion accessories, buttons and watch parts; many people react easily. |
| Cobalt | High | Reacts similarly to nickel. Can be found in alloy plating, magnets and medical-device parts. |
| Chromium | Somewhat high | Used in watch bands and some industrial plating. Common in stainless steel, tools and car parts. |
| Copper / Brass | Moderate | Oxidises easily and can develop verdigris with long use. Common in low-cost jewellery and accessory parts. |
| Surgical Steel (316L etc.) | Some risk | Contains iron, nickel and chromium. Highly stable but not completely harmless. Widely used in kitchenware, daily goods, earring posts and watch bands. |
| Platinum / Gold (high purity) | Very low | The higher the purity, the lower the risk; relatively safe even for those with allergies. |
| Silver 925 | Low | Contains no nickel or cobalt, relatively safe. A simple alloy of 92.5% silver and 7.5% copper. Very rarely, individual reactions can occur. |
Why SMUK uses Silver 925
A brand's choice of material reflects its stance. SMUK's commitment to Silver 925 comes from taking allergy risk seriously.
- The base material contains no allergenic nickel, cobalt or chromium
- A simple alloy of 92.5% silver, with the rest mainly copper
- Oxidation (tarnish) from sweat and sebum is a separate phenomenon from an allergic reaction, and differs from a direct skin risk
- Even if it tarnishes, the shine is easily restored with a polishing cloth
- Long valued as a material that is inherently very gentle on the skin
SMUK uses rhodium, 14K white gold and 18K gold plating. These are also considered unlikely to cause allergies, but in very rare cases some constitutions may react. We have had one past case of a reaction to a platinum-group coating. If you have any concerns, please consult a dermatologist.
Why the base material matters
When choosing jewellery, it's easy to focus only on the surface finish (plating), but for long-term safety, checking the base material is very important.
- Some accessories use brass or an alloy as the base, with only plating on top
- After the plating wears, allergen components can be exposed from the inside
- SMUK uses Silver 925 as the base for every product, so it stays safe to wear even after the plating wears
Even when labelled "hypoallergenic" or "surgical steel," the base material may be an alloy containing nickel or chromium. We recommend making a habit of checking the material details before buying.
Summary
Metal allergies can be greatly reduced with the right knowledge and material choice. Here are the key points of this guide.
- Metal allergies vary from person to person
- Nickel, cobalt and chromium are the main culprits
- Silver 925 is a relatively low-risk material
- Surgical steel also contains allergens, so it isn't completely harmless
- SMUK uses only Silver 925 plus safety-conscious plating
- If you're concerned, always consult a dermatologist
SMUK takes metal-allergy care seriously across all products, and clearly marks "hypoallergenic" on product pages. If anything is unclear before purchase, please feel free to contact us.
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